Revitalizing through positivity
Overcoming the odds has been a specialty of Tricia Walsh since April 11, 1987. That was the day her son, Ryan Nicholas Walsh, was born. Tricia was told soon after Ryan’s birth that he had congenital muscular dystrophy and would never be able to stand. Acknowledging the scientific discovery but rejecting the standard order of care for the diagnosis, Tricia quickly went to work to ensure Ryan had everything he needed to lead a productive life.
Seven months after the diagnosis – using a table, chair, a Johnny Jumper, two pillows, shoes, a belt and a Teddy Ruxpin – Ryan and Tricia amazed the doctors. Ryan was strong enough to be a “real” stander. Having lost 70% of his muscle tissue before birth, Ryan was only able to stand in his early years, before he needed to be in a wheelchair, first manual and eventually electronic. The confidence he gained at such a young age made him feel like he could do whatever he wanted as long as he was willing to do what it took. That included graduating high school on time in 2005, despite a serious health scare.
Ryan passed away Jan. 29, 2017. A fighter his whole life, Ryan was a decorated JROTC cadet, fashion designer and youth leader. Tricia played a large role in not only supporting Ryan, but also advocating for his desires when the times called for it. Dedicating her life to helping her son achieve what was thought impossible, she has been able to help others defy the odds.
“I have this visceral need to help people and make a difference,” Tricia said.
In her work as a functional aging specialist, Tricia’s Cape Region clients have come from a variety of backgrounds, with most suffering a stroke or having Parkinson’s disease. That is, the human ones anyway, as Tricia has also branched off into caring for pets.
Having a stroke or developing Parkinson’s can have devastating effects on the brain and motor skill function. Tricia is hired to try to “bring back” motion and communication that the victim and their families may have thought was lost.
“I believe in what they can do,” Tricia said. “I give them the confidence to believe in themselves, so therefore they try.”
A shining example of this is a man who jokingly told her that his dream was to one day be able to golf again. Tricia said that when the man came to her, he was hunched over and dared try to not straighten his back.
Following therapy with Tricia, the man was able to once again golf with his family.
“I want to be somebody that people remember and that I helped,” Tricia said.
Positivity is the guiding principle Tricia uses when working with clients and their families. In some cases, the person or family has become too accepting of the circumstances surrounding their situation. Tricia said that while aspects of their life have changed permanently, the client does have a choice in how they move forward living their lives. She allows her clients to explain why they want to achieve their goals, and then she finds a way for them to achieve or get as close as possible. Some stroke victims have suffered severe damage to one side of their brain. Tricia uses practices like saying the alphabet backwards and memory recall games to jump-start information that has been stored but has become difficult to access. With patience and commitment, she sees amazing results.
“I can’t imagine my life not doing this, because I am making a difference,” Tricia said.
Consistency is one of the most important elements to her care. In some cases the brain is relearning certain concepts and, like a muscle, requires repetition for growth. Tricia takes time with the families of her clients to suggest beneficial daily exercises. In the case of Rehoboth Beach residents Toni Worsham and Anita Stockton, Tricia provides different levels of care for each. Toni is more active and participates in muscle function exercises like catch, while Anita works on her posture and standing. Toni is left with instructions for how she can help Anita when Tricia is not there.
Never one to leave things out, Tricia has expanded her care into helping with dogs and cats. Owners who need to go away for just a few days or even weeks can hire Tricia to look after their pet.
The owners of Huey, a retired racing greyhound, are very pleased with the level of care Tricia gives their dog. Huey is blind and often frightened during thunderstorms. During one thunderstorm, Huey became very unsettled and anxious. Tricia laid down on the floor to calm him and fell asleep by his side.
“That was the only thing that would calm him down,” Walsh said. “I started singing to him; I started to somehow relax him.”
Thorough in her approach, whether it’s people or pets, Tricia has been recognized for her work in two separate books. “Heroes, Leaders, Legends: The Power of the Human Spirit” and “The Power of Positivity” each feature a profile about Tricia and testimonials from clients. Joining Tricia in the books are prominent figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou and Deepak Chopra. Prior to her recognition, her son’s demonstration in courage was acknowledged in People magazine.
Ryan may have physically left this world nearly six years ago, but it is clear that Tricia carries his memory and his words around with her. Ryan said that he was blessed to have a mother who believed he could do anything. “Be unrealistic and watch miracles happen,” is one of Tricia’s favorite quotes by her son. Although this is the season of miracles, Tricia strives to help make them happen throughout the year.
“If you don’t believe in yourself, how are you going to get anything done?” Tricia asks.
Anyone interested in obtaining Tricia’s services can email her at tricia@seniorlifefitness.com, or by calling or texting her at 302-200-7711.
