November 15, 2007
Paul Slater Testimonial - click to download his letter
November 19, 1999
This week concluded the current Wellfit program at the Athletic Club under Diana Zapata and Ken Gilbert. It is a pleasure to tell you how helpful that program is. It is all-around wonderful! There are many advantages gained from participating, and certainly not all have to do with physical aspects of the participants, although that focus is primary. While I had been going to a gym for several years, I learned many new things from Diana and Ken, including insights as to how to improve the exercises being done. The best part was being exposed to different ways of keeping the body moving. The normal cardiovascular and weight machines can be somewhat boring. Variety was added by introducing us to Yoga, NIA and other novelty movement classes, all with explanations as to how to breathe, how to employ the entire body and spirit in what we were doing, and discovering that it was not only possible but enjoyable. In addition, considerable emphasis was placed on bonding with others in our class, and by the end of ten weeks together, we had made new friends and had become interested in the improved condition of other participants. The ease with which this was done probably derives from the great warmth shown by Diana and Ken. I hope that the Athletic Club management is aware of the benefits derived from this program, for the participants are grateful to the Club, which in turn surely must gain from a public relations standpoint.
June Shields
January 20, 2000
I was reminded to write to you when I read about your up-coming talk at the Breast Resource Center. I have wanted to let you know how grateful I am for all your work and your commitment to the Wellness Program. When I began the program in October I was shocked at how weak I had become from the chemotherapy. My energy on a daily basis was very low, everything seemed overwhelming. But gradually, over the weeks, with the support of Rachael and Liz and the companionship of the other participants, I noticed my strength returning and when they increased the weights, I have been able to carry on, where at the beginning I could barely move the smallest weight. Not only has this program helped my strength physically, thereby making all activities easier, but it has also helped me regain my confidence in myself, and my ability to move forward in my life.
Siobhan Frost
September 22, 1997
For the past 10 weeks, I have been participating in the Wellness Program from 2-3pm on Tuesday and Thursday. Christy and Eric were the facilitators. I began the program about 6 weeks after completing chemotherapy and moving from Arizona to Santa Barbara. The timing was perfect as it provided the opportunity to gradually return to exercise without the pressure of a class where the pace was beyond me. Christy and Erik were GREAT! They provided encouragement, support and motivation and seem very sensitive to fluctuating energy levels. It has also been wonderful to observe older cancer survivors experience "lift" that exercise provides even when this has never been a part of their lives before. I believe the program is truly for wellness – physically and emotionally and support and I appreciate all your efforts to keep it going.
Nancy Sweet
April 8, 1997
The Wellness Program has been a very special part of my recovery. I started while I was in treatment and it was so good to come to a place where people had "been there" and were going through treatment yet all of us were doing positive things with our bodies. It felt good to work out, even when I didn’t. Diana and Ken make a fantastic team – "Dream Team," Dynamic Duo," Sensitive, aware, supportive, encouraging us as a group. I made a friend in my first group who ended up giving me a 12-hour day for a consult at UCLA so I didn’t have to go it alone. Now I am several months post-treatment and the program has been a real morale booster. I’m still on disability and it’s great to do the classes and get a chance to catch up with everybody, swap stories and share info. It helps me put together a more positive attitude – the people I meet are inspiring, starting with Ken and Diana! I am so grateful you put this program together and make it available to the community. THANK YOU!
Catherine Callahan
April 10, 1997
I have recently concluded my first ten weeks of your Wellness Program for cancer patients and wanted to thank the Athletic Club for providing such a wonderful opportunity and for making all your facilities available. Using the Club has helped me to feel strong, well, and very positive about myself. Although some of the members of my group had to drop out because of their treatments, I saw that the sessions had a positive effect on everyone. Paula, Mernlee, and Wendy were great supportive coaches. I hope I will be able to participate in the second session but I am not sure whether I will be in Santa Barbara during that time. If circumstances permit, I shall certainly be there and would definitely want to join the Club for the long term. Thank you again for your energizing program. It is very much appreciated.
Susan Biggs
