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Facing adversity is the greatest journey any individual can undertake, overcoming that adversity is what defines you for the rest of your life.
As parents, we were faced with the realization that our 3 year old daughter had a rare massive brain tumor and she would have to undergo an emergency craniotomy to remove the tumor. The procedure would require the gross motor section of her brain to be disrupted in order to access the tumor which in turn would render her unable to walk. We had no choice in what needed to be done for her to survive and during the 6 months of chemotherapy that followed she relied upon us to carry her around when she was unable to crawl on her own.
“With extensive physical therapy we should be able to get her walking again but she will never run.” -
I will never forget the day that at age 4 with her gaunt looking 65 pound frame she crawled to the couch lifted her frail body up with her arms and with a smile on her face, stiff legs, no sense of balance, and severely weakened muscles, took four beautiful steps towards me and fell into my arms. With tears I looked into her face and she gave me a smile that seemed to tell me that everything was going to be okay and that I no longer had to carry the burden of worrying about her ever walking again. Her young body was starting to reconnect the synapses that were severed from her surgery and she was beginning her journey to walk again which would continue to progress to an awkward walking gait and eventually to her smashing all expectations by developing enough coordination in her legs and arms to being considered to be able to run. Through the years that followed; with constant physical therapy and pure determination Kirsten pushed herself harder and harder to run like her friends and teammates but the weakness on her left side made it difficult for her to do so with any real efficiency and it became more and more evident to her that she wasn’t like all the other kids her age. She played soccer to the best of her ability year round but her gait was awkward and she lacked the ability to right herself when she was bumped or ran into any resistance. We did everything we could to help her overcome these deficits but they were substantial and with the occurrence of a second deadly cancer she was set further back physically and this time it took a devastating toll on her psyche. Her dream of being a star soccer player was slipping from her grasp and her self-image and self-esteem was at a dangerous low. We continued her physical therapy and she made small gains but her desire to be a star soccer player and the frustration and tears that followed were getting to be too much to bear. In November of 2013 my wife and I made a decision that changed Kirsten’s life and in turn our own.
Kirsten needed a dramatic change in order to overcome her physical and mental afflictions. This change came the day I called EAO Sports Training and spoke to Dan Jones. The thought of calling an elite athlete trainer and asking him to work with Kirsten was daunting but I was desperate for help and when I spoke to him and explained the challenges that he would face if he accepted her as a client he immediately disarmed my feelings of anxiety and gave me the hope I was looking for. Dan gave me confidence that he could vary his approach to her training in such a way that would fit her ability level, challenge her, and ultimately surpass her or our expectations. Dan introduced us to Lori Miller one of his premier trainers, a cancer survivor herself, so they could interview each other to see if she and Kirsten would be a good fit for training. To my amazement Lori first made a personal connection with Kirsten before any talk of training was made. Within that short time Kirsten knew that Lori cared for her and would do everything in her power to get her where she wants to be physically. She then explained to Kirsten and myself that not only will she help her make a physical transformation but she will also help Kirsten shape a positive image of herself and help her gain confidence in everything she does. Something that has been missing for 13 years. They began working out together in November of 2013 twice a week. Within 6 sessions Kirsten’s body started to respond in ways that we had never witnessed before. She started to gain ankle and foot control that 12 years of Physical therapy couldn’t help with and she gained 5 inches on her vertical jump. Emotionally she was on a training high as she could see the immediate results of what she was doing. Immediately we went to 3 days a week in January and from that point Kirsten has made miraculous gains in speed, agility, balance, control, and self-confidence. No longer does she fall to the ground when bumped into or does she struggle to get off the ground. Her left side weakness is no longer a factor and she has the ability to change directions quickly, stop and start quickly, and has increased her running speed. She is able to do things that she has never been able to do before and is able to do things that her teammates are unable to do. To many that know her and have seen her train in the field house she is known as the little girl that flips tractor tires. To me and my family she is known as the daughter that has come back from the brink of physical and mental devastation with a vengeance and tenacity that can overcome anything this world will ever throw at her.
Working with Lori and EAO sports has made a profound impact on Kirsten’s life both physically and mentally. Their varied approach to her physical needs and the challenges brought by each of their clients provides proven results that are seen on or off the field. Their personal approach to each of their clients have helped to positively shape the lives of many elite athletes and in Kirsten’s case sub-par athletes that never knew their potential. As Kirsten moves forward she will do so knowing that she has gained a personal friend in Lori and that Lori was instrumental in helping her shape her life by giving her the tools to overcome the adversity that was trying to consume her. Thank you EAO Sports, Dan Jones, and Lori Miller.
Sincerely,
Greg Price
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Dan Jones offers the most comprehensive training experience in the northwest Ohio area. It isn't just physical training, but also mental and will have you in the right mindset to compete at the next level of whatever you are trying to achieve.
Dan Jones and EAO Sports are second to none for the best performance training in town. If you want to reach your highest potential and put yourself in the best possible position as a competitor, Dan Jones will get you there!
Training with Dan jones and EAO sports was the stepping stone for my success as an athlete and also as a person. Training over the years, you learn things about yourself and how hard you can truly Push yourself. The memories and relationships I've made training with Dan will last a lifetime and is forever my family.
Without Dan Jones I wouldn't be half the athlete or person that I am today. He taught me the true definition of hard work by pushing me both physically and mentally. Dan never let me give up and forced me to work harder as things grew tough. While working with Dan I grew faster and stronger on the court and saw results like I had never before. He actually cares about his athlete's success and has made me mentality strong. I know I will be able to count on Dan forever.
Dan Jones and EAO Sports have a proven system that produces results. From nutrition, to workouts, to supplements, and the mental attitude, Dan changed me from average to elite! As I became a better football player, and better in the weight room, I became even more mentally tough, and a better person for having Dan as my mentor, pushing me to earn my scholarship to play football at the University of Wisconsin. 
