Local women fighting back against MS

by Karina Hunter

When I'm not chasing a story for The Echo, you'll find me on the trails writing for snowmobile and ATV magazines. Photo by Lloyd Hunter White

Fytness Fanatik Magazine, created by Manitouwadge born and raised Amanda Mayhew has boomed since its first issue four years ago with Mayhew  spreading her message of ‘every day heroes’ getting and staying healthy to subscribers across the globe.  Based on reader-written content the magazine covers a multitude of health, life and fitness issues every month including regular departments such as Fit fixes, Healthy Recipes, Person to Admire, Motivational Music, and Anytime Anywhere.  This last, ‘Anytime Anywhere’ is an anecdotal page full of reader and staff photos reminding us that fitness can be done anywhere through images of Mayhew and her contributors doing atypical exercises in unusual places; Pilates in grocery store isles or push-ups while bear hunting – it is this real-to-life imagery along with inspirational stories of everyday people doing extraordinary things that has made Fytness Fanatik Magazine so popular. 

Mayhew has, on several occasions, shared the stories of contributors with multiple sclerosis including my own story in a May 2005 Mother’s Day Issue. Finding strength in Mayhew’s “Be Real-Be Strong-Be You” mantra I shared my story in her magazine but nothing could have prepared me for the wealth of support and encouragement I received from her readers afterwards, this would help me make it through the dark times that followed.  At that time I was quite newly diagnosed with MS, and, still reeling from the reality that I might not be able to sustain my writing career which consisted primarily of freelance work covering tours and events for snowmobile and ATV magazines.    

It has been 3.5 years since I was diagnosed however, about 2.5 years since I originally shared my story with Fytness Fanatik Magazine, and I am finally coming through the tunnel seeing there is indeed a light at the other end. Though some days it feels like I have been fighting for a lifetime, I have in the past year been re-establishing myself as a Motorsport Writer so when Amanda announced that Fytness Fanatik Magazine would be sponsoring the first ever snowmobile ride to raise funds and awareness for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, February 20^th in Elmira, Ontario I felt it would be my vindication.  Having come full circle now riding and writing again regularly this was THE snowmobiling event that I could had to cover this season.  In the coming weeks I will be seeking pledges throughout our community and hope to find support for this very worthwhile cause as, I as most know, am not the only person in our little town affected by this unpredictable and often debilitating disease.  If you would like more information or to pledge online, visit Fytness Fanatik Magazine online at www.FytnessFanatik.com/ridems.htm and don’t forget to pick up your copy, available locally at B & L Petro Canada.