Diane Clever
Sports and athletic competition have been a large part of my life starting with softball as early as fifth grade and continuing with volleyball, softball and basketball in high school followed by basketball in college. After graduating from The Ohio State University, I continued to compete in recreational leagues in softball and volleyball plus added golf and bowling as outlets. Even half of my professional life has been involved with physical activity in someway, either as a physical development specialist, a physical educator or a basketball coach.
I recount this long list of physical activity only to emphasis how devastating the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis has been for me. The disease has progressively taken away from me the joy of competing as well as teaching and coaching. A big hole was left in my life.
In 2002, I joined forces with Fore Hope, a therapeutic golf program that has helped to fill that hole for me. Through lessons with their recreational therapist and hints from the golf professionals who work with Fore Hope, I am again able to participate in a sport in spite of the MS.
With Fore Hope, I have not only had lessons, but I have taken part in a weekly golf league with other Fore Hope participants. Each year a tournament is held that pairs an able-bodied golfer with a disabled golfer to produce some good and not so good shots from both as well as a lot of fun and much needed laughter.
Thank you, Fore Hope, for bringing fun and joy back into my life and to, like other golfers, have the opportunity to tell stories and complain about my last missed shot!
Kathleen Johnson
I joined Fore Hope in 1997. I was introduced to the program by a parishioner at my church, who was a member of the board.
Fore Hope has been a wonderful, learning experience for me. I never expected to play golf, but with the help of Fore Hope I have learned to enjoy a game that will last my lifetime.
After losing my right arm eleven years ago, Fore Hope gave me back my self-esteem. It helped me to see how others cope with life that are disabled, and deal with adversity. Through Fore Hope I was able to see things from their perspective, and help them, as well as myself, to learn and enjoy a wonderful sport.
Fore Hope let me see I could do something everyone else could, and get good at it I try hard enough. I can use the same premise in my life not to be afraid to try and succeed. I now have a job and I think I owe my success to Fore Hope. It helped me believe in myself.
I owe a lot to Fore Hope and the staff there. I hope to support them for many years.
