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Katherine Jean Bohanan, 71
San Jose, CA
Segoli! My name is Katherine Jean Bohanan. I am Oneida Indian and “segoli” means hello in my tribal language.
While growing up, I was very active in sports. I was an avid softball player and played basketball until I was 55 years old, finally conceding to the younger generation. Softball was my passion – or I should say IS my passion – since I'm still playing at age 71 on a recreational league.
In 1998, I had knee surgery for a torn ligament. At that time the doctor told me that I had arthritis in my knees. I also have arthritis in my left wrist. Then in 2003, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I walked very slowly, had trouble speaking, and couldn't keep my balance while walking. I could no longer ride a bicycle or live the active lifestyle I previously enjoyed.
I finally accepted the facts and tried to figure out what to do about it. My good friend encouraged me to start going to the Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley. The doctor there suggested I meet with the Indian Fitness Center and work out some kind of plan for exercising. I was so discouraged from being so active in sports all my life and now this...I could hardly walk. I never felt so alone in all my life. No one knew how I felt. I was helpless.
When I met with Ramin, my exercise instructor, he encouraged me to exercise. He started the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program with me twice a week, and I am still going strong today. This brought my spirit back up and gave me a challenge to better my life with exercise.
Now, I am walking every day for 15 minutes and I play softball once a week. The support I received at the center and through the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program leads me to believe that I can do anything if I try.
What would I tell other people? Never give up, keep trying and think positive! This positive approach has kept me going in everyday life. My family sees a difference in me. I really look forward to each day. Whatever I can do to help make someone else's life more meaningful I will try to do. Life is worth living...believe me.
