Clara Denson's Story
October 10, 2005
My name is Clara Denson I was diagnosed with Post Polio Syndrome (PPS) and was referred to Rancho's Polio Clinic in 1999. After my diagnosis and assessments were completed at Polio Clinic I went into a very dark place inside myself for several years. I never lived my life or functioned in any way as a "disabled" person. I was fortunate and worked in the "corporate" environment all my adult life. Fear and denial took hold of my body and spirit and instead of using the professional and support systems available here at Rancho, I shut down and did nothing. My mind was consumed with the fear of not being able to control my life and take care of myself. All I thought about was working. But how could I work - when I could not even manage my PPS (Post Polio Syndrome)?"
For the last fifteen years I lived in a two-story Victorian house and one of the first things I was told in my assessments was that it was imperative that I find single level housing and seriously address the lifestyle changes that I needed to make. My PPS progressed and I could no longer climb stairs, and for the last couple of years have been crawling up and down the stairs and paying a neighbor to take my power wheelchair apart and carry it downstairs and put it together again each time I needed to go out.
In a clinic appointment with Dr. Chun, I told her I needed guidance, I was no longer able to make decisions, set goals, or even think about developing a plan for my life now. Dr. Chun referred me to Rancho's Vocational Services Program in December 2004. From the very first appointments I had with Kathleen Kelly and Denise Ha, my life started changing in he most amazing ways. I started the "Work Readiness" Program, March 1, 2004, and completed it April 9, 2004. Kathi and Denise gave me hope and the tools I needed to help me assess my own life, set goals, and develop a life plan. They showed me and are still showing me how to learn, listen, and pay attention to my body as it changes. Knowledge is power, and the program showed me how to start taking my life back. Today, I have a job!!!! Almost a year to the day I started "Work Readiness", I started working for Gamburd Medical Equipment and Services as a Customer Service Representative. My job is only four blocks or so from my brand new, totally accessible, apartment in West Hollywood that I got through a "lottery" from the West Hollywood Community Housing Corporation.
I keep my "Work Readiness" notebook within hands reach always and I often refer to it. The tools inside I use from day to day to keep myself focused. As Kathleen Kelley always tells me, "Clara, you must work smart, listen to what your body is telling you", and you can attain those goals and dreams and keep working longer and healthier.
Thank you, Kathi ad Denise, thank you "Work Readiness" Program
Thank you Rancho for all that you are in my life today.
Clara Denson