I was drawn to research with dreams of finding the cure for cancer. Starting college on a pharmacology track, my brain was soaking it all in like a sponge, totally in awe.

Then it all came to an end, dreams shattered. Why? I had such great plans. How often does life turn out so different than you had planned?

How does that compare to parenthood, learning that the life planned is going to be very different because a child is born with a disability?

There are some inspirational metaphors, one of my favorites is about the story of a trip to Italy. Planning for months and researching all the places to visit, studying the language and culture, the day finally comes, and you excitedly board your plane. However, you land in Holland. The language is unfamiliar; the sights you expected to see aren’t there. But there are the most beautiful tulips and windmills. Your disappointment blinds you from seeing the beauty of what is right in front of you.

Jonah Reyda and his dad, Joe Reyda, when he first started at Centaur Stride, with his first pony, Maple.

Nothing is random. My destiny was different than my pursuit, and it took years before I accepted it. Circumstances put me on the path of becoming a physical therapist. This unchosen path put me back into the world of science, and this time, an in-depth study of the human brain and body. What an amazing specimen. I was hooked, especially with the workings of the brain. The rewards of my life’s work are without dispute, and I am so grateful that fate had delivered a different package than I had expected.

There will always be a need for physical therapists. Injuries, accidents, most diseases and disabilities are not specific to race, cultures, social classes or age. Anything can happen to anyone at any time. No one is exempt from the possibility. Physical therapy focuses on optimizing physical potential. Success is as dependent on the emotional health and mindset of the patient as physical determination. I am always inspired by the perseverance of the people I have encountered in my line of work. The best outcomes are always those who have family and social support and acceptance for who they are, not only from others, but from within.

It takes compassion, helping each other, and a mass understanding that we are all connected, not randomly existing or selfishly prospering, but a community that prospers when everything works together for the good of all.

My introduction to therapeutic horseback riding was a seminar in treating patients with Multiple Sclerosis (a neurological disease), using the horse as a tool. That was life changing for me. In four days, people with MS made huge gains in mobility, balance and decrease of pain. It was unbelievable, but I was there, actively learning how to make it happen! I could only think, “If four, one-hour consecutive day sessions could make this much difference for someone who had known how to walk, but lost it because of their disease, and progressed again so quickly, what would it do for my kids with cerebral palsy who had never learned to walk?” I couldn’t wait to find out.

Centaur Stride has proven to yield amazing results. The potential for even greater impact is there just waiting to happen with the support needed.

Perception, attitude and gratitude set the path for life. If it is a path not chosen, then it may be a blessing in disguise. People with disabilities have a subliminal purpose in life, to keep humanity in check. They empower people to exercise compassion, empathy, acceptance and unconditional love, virtues that are vastly disappearing. At Centaur Stride, although our mission is to promote inclusion and integration and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and their families, it is our privilege to share in the trip to Holland, learn what is important in life, and relish the joy received through smiles, belly laughs and the unadulterated sparkles in the eyes of our participants. Perfection has many guises.

I am asking for support from anyone who has the compassion to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, helping to facilitate the best quality of life for others, whether it is mental health, physical needs, inclusion and acceptance, or just to help shape a purposeful life. Many people with disabilities have normal cognition and all have the capability to make a positive impact in this world.

If you haven’t been to Holland, you could arrive at any time! It takes a village to raise a child, and special accommodations for one with a disability!

Horses are great healers of mind and body but are expensive and require a lot of care and training for their unique purpose at Centaur Stride.

Mark your calendar. The campaign for CHQ 716 Give Big online fundraiser promoted through the Chautauqua Region and Northern Chautauqua Community Foundations is June 12. Please give to Centaur Stride on that day (or any other worthy non-profit). Visit our website at www.centaurstride.org or visit our center at 8488 Jones Rd, Sherman. Thank you for your support.