AN UNSTOPPABLE WOMAN: SLOWING DOWN THE PROGRESSION OF MS
Kay Baird shares her personal philosophy to overcoming life’s hurdles
• Kay Baird from Ashburton, NZ had one goal: not letting the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) stop her from living
life she wanted
• In 2008, a Neurologist predicted that in 5 years, Kay would permanently be in a wheelchair
• She used this knowledge to power her journey and determination to not let the disease own her
• Kay’s philosophy is simple, to “just get on with it”
• Kay’s message has given her freedom to live a life of strength
• This philosophy has taken her around the world from house swapping to Baltic cruises
• Now, 8 and a half years later Kay is not permanently bound to her wheelchair
• A member of Curves Ashburton, Kay has deservedly won the coveted Senior Curvette of the Year Award 2016
An inspiring local woman from Ashburton, NZ has been recognised for her incredible journey of determination and
strength.
Kay Baird, 61 years old, has shown her medical professionals that regular exercise has slowed down the progression of
her Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Diagnosed 19 years ago, an odd ‘numbing’ sensation in one leg was brought to her attention. Kay explains,“My family and I were absolutely devastated when I was first diagnosed. MS affects everyone very differently, so the
unknown of what the disease could do to my abilities was certainly scary, and ultimately what that meant as a mother to
two active boys; only 11 and 15 years old at the time.”
By 2008, a visit to her neurologist brought the impending news that in 5 years she would be permanently bound to a
wheelchair. “It was hard to comprehend that kind of news. But I knew I just had to get on with it. This fuelled my determination on
not letting MS stop me and my amazing husband and I have made it work.”
Now, 8 and a half years later from that prediction, Kay has slowed down the progression of MS. Kay adds, “Nowadays I depend on my walker and alternate with my wheelchair. But I certainly am not wheelchair bound. I recently
finished my 1000th workout at Curves Ashburton and thanks to my wonderful husband, I have travelled the world; house
swapped in England and travelled on a Baltic cruise!”
Kay has been awarded the Senior Curvette of the Year 2016. Recognizing a Curvette who has achieved greater wellbeing as a result of their dedication to a healthy lifestyle at
Curves.
“Curves continues to push me to become stronger, it has made a huge difference to my mental and physical health. I’m
grateful to the excellent Curves Ashburton staff, they make sure I work out safely and help me lift my partly paralysed
legs into place. Other members have even told me that they weren’t even planning to come in, but remember seeing me make
an effort to train despite how hard it is for me and it inspires them to come in that day.”
The Curvette of the Year Award recognises, rewards and celebrates the women of Curves New Zealand and Australia. Each
member has a unique personal journey and is invited to share their stories to inspire thousands more women out there
looking for help with achieving a healthier lifestyle. Curves is more than just fitness or wellness. Curves offers women
a supportive, non-judgemental environment where they can concentrate on their goals.
Jacqui Bialocki, Curves Marketing Manager says, “Kay is a worthy winner of Senior Curvette of the Year. She shows that anything is possible, and her journey is
awe-inspiring to all women. She teaches us that absolutely anyone can lead a healthy lifestyle in both mind, body and
spirit. We are incredibly proud to be part of her journey.”
Curves offer women a supportive, non-judgmental and safe environment for women to enjoy exercise and work towards a
healthier lifestyle. Known for its unique 30-minute total body workout, Curves clubs have been designed to assist in
improving the quality of women’s lives and to strengthen women inside and out.
About Curves Australia and New Zealand (or Curves Oceania)
There are over 180 Clubs operating in throughout Australia and New Zealand. The first Curves was opened in 1992 as a
fitness and weight-loss facility designed especially for women. In a relatively short amount of time, Curves grew to
become the largest fitness franchise in the world, helping women in over 90 countries lead healthier lives.
The Curves Circuit has been shown to boost metabolism, build lean muscle and burn fat — and it’s been shown to be
effective when paired with all elements of Curves Complete - the total weight-loss solution that combines Fitness, Meal
Plan and Coaching.