Janet L. - S. Ankeny, Iowa: This program has changed my life immensely and I would love to make it a larger part of my life.  2 1/2 years ago my husband, who is a Polk County Deputy, was shot and paralyzed trying to protect our neighborhood from some gang members. This changed our life forever. Our family consumed with depression and anger. My husband and I were both put on medication for anxiety and depression and went to therapy several times a month.

Last February my friend asked me to do the 10 week program with her to get> in shape. I didn't think it would fit into my schedule because not only were my children dependant on me, so was my husband.  But after that first class I knew this was something that was going to change my life. Not only did my body become stronger but I became stronger mentally and emotionally. I no longer needed medication to make it through the day. I actually want to get up in the morning and do that 5 a.m. class. The anxiety I felt around people I didn't know is gone. I'm more confident about who I am and what I can accomplish. I will always be angry about what happened to my husband but I deal with it in a completely different way. The change in my attitude has changed my husband also. I push him to do things he didn't think he could do in a wheelchair.  He now knows that being in a wheelchair isn't a death sentence. We spend more time with our children now that we aren't hiding from what's outside. I can honestly say that we are a happy family again. I believe this happened because of Farrell's.

Never before did I think I would instruct an exercise class. I LOVE IT! I love being part of this huge family. I love helping people better themselves. Besides raising my family,this is the most rewarding thing I've ever done.  So if there ever is a thought to open a facility on the southern side of Des Moines, I would love to be considered.

Thanks for listening to my story.