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SUMMER 2024 InTouch | 21 A JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE With no family in New Zealand, I often find comfort in knowing that organizations like MDANZ are available to provide support when needed. Their presence gives me the reassurance that I am not alone in facing these challenges. One of the remarkable opportunities that came into my life was getting involved with the Disabled Skiing program run by our local CCS. This experience was nothing short of transformative. I was part of a vibrant, fun-loving group of individuals who approached life with unyielding enthusiasm, no matter the obstacles we faced. As the driver for our vans, I often joked that “the loopies have arrived!” Our group may have appeared like a bunch of misfits, but we shared a common goal: to enjoy ourselves on the slopes. Initially, skiing was a challenge due to my poor balance and lack of control in my legs, but with perseverance and the support of dedicated helpers, I gradually improved. The camaraderie we shared during our trips to the mountains is something I will always cherish. After a day on the slopes, we would return to our lodge, where delicious meals and a cozy fire awaited us. These evenings were filled with laughter as we recounted our day’s mishaps and celebrated our victories. Many of the friendships I formed during this time remain close to my heart, and some of us still keep in touch to this day. However, life has not been without its challenges. Managing my shoe repair business while living with CMT has its difficulties, particularly as it is a hands-on job. Yet, the joy I feel when I see the happy faces of my customers after completing a repair is incredibly rewarding. This has been my life’s work, and I take great pride in it. Recently, though, I have faced significant challenges that have put my business at risk. A ten-month interruption due to city pipe replacements severely limited customer access to my shop. Additionally, new street designs outside my store reduced parking availability, making it increasingly difficult for customers to drop off and pick up their shoes. Despite voicing my concerns at local meetings, I received no financial support during this challenging period. The situation was made worse by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had already placed my business in a tough financial position. I found myself in overdraft with no clear way out. My efforts to clarify the parking situation to city planners fell on deaf ears; they insisted that no parks would be lost. Yet, the reality was starkly different, as I pointed out using Google Maps to illustrate the previous layout of my shop and its surrounding area. With no family in New Zealand, I often find comfort in knowing that organizations like MDANZ are available to provide support when needed. Their presence gives me the reassurance that I am not alone in facing these challenges. My journey has been one of resilience, marked by both struggles and triumphs. From navigating my health challenges to building a thriving business and forming lasting friendships, I have learned the value of perseverance. As I look toward the future, I remain hopeful that with determination and support from my friends and MDANZ, I can continue to overcome obstacles and keep my passion for shoe repairs alive. Above: Today, Andrew’s repair machine and hands are still going strong!