After a skiing accident in Colorado in 2018, On With Life’s outpatient clinic in Ankeny became the place that helped John Ahrold get his life back. On his first day of therapy, he was unable to walk without assistance, read or write. He specifically remembers a therapist handing him a clock and asking him to move the hands to 6:30. He couldn’t do it. But with the help of his therapy team, he was able to accomplish his goals and get to where he is now, which includes being an advocate for On With Life and its services.
“I want others who have had an experience like mine to have the support they need to get around
what, at the time, seems like an impossible barrier,” said John. “That’s what On With Life did for me.”
Since his own therapy experience, John has had two wishes for On With Life. One is that more
people know about the organization, and the other is that On With Life has the resources necessary to expand upon what they are already doing. When the Giant Strides capital campaign kicked off in effort to grow On With Life’s facilities and footprint, John was eager to participate as a campaign committee member.
“Just as the therapists encourage persons served to take the next step in their recovery journey, On With Life has the passion for taking the next step for what they can provide for persons served,” said John.
Upon the completion of the capital campaign, John continues to support On With Life and is excited
for what is to come. Right now his focus is enhancing return-to-work therapeutic activities, and to
continue building awareness.
“I tell you my story, and then you tell someone my story, and then that person remembers On With Life at a time when they know someone who needs it,” said John. “In your lifetime, you will know someone who will benefit from this organization.”