Alinker ZOOM calls - JOIN US! 

Please REGISTER for our next Alinker ZOOM call 
On Wednesday March 17th
9am PST - 12pm EST - 6pm CET  (time zone converter)

If you missed our last call, here is the recording of the FEB 24th

Allison Bonanno, an Alinker user who joined us on the ZOOM call, sent us an email after the ZOOM call that touched us deeply. It is so well written and reflects on so many experiences you might recognize. We have her permission to share: 

For all at Alinker and especially BE,

I am thankful for the opportunity of the Zoom meeting this morning. I have only been an observer on medical zoom calls for M.S.. I have never actively participated,  (just as an observer). Today, was the day, I woke up to reality and began to live. With the group chat opportunity, in such a small group, I was able to speak the truth to others, who are living with their own journey of invisible scars. This is something that I never knew I could do.   
It was only my own judgement, on my own self, that has been holding me back.

My life since my diagnosis has been a quiet introverted life of privacy and secrecy. A life often directed by fear of the unknown and what this label, of this disease, might imply. Prior to my diagnosis, I have lived in a world caring for persons with disabilities and seen how cruel some humans can be. I have seen how families can be heavily stressed and torn apart by the many aspects of caring for individuals less gifted than others. I know that kindness and love hold the power of strength and success for one that is challenged. But knowing and having this awareness has itself, been a challenge. Because, I am aware of what might lie ahead for me, I am not aware of how my challenges could effect others. 

I always want to do my best and not inconvenience others or my family. The more I have denied the existence of this disease, the more hidden and inverted I have become. So today, because of my action in the past of purchasing an Alinker, I had to step up and join the world. Participate as a participant and no longer the quiet observer in my own small space.

So this journey, my journey, began when I first learned of the Alinker in the development stage with the Indiegogo  platform of new product development.  I waited before I joined this Alinker movement...slowly, I believed and I ordered. For I knew, that I had to keep on moving, to keep on moving.  

I knew that it was up to me to find a way to rebuild my strength in my legs to be more than a frozen upright or seated person. Because I am walking each day with my Alinker, I am stronger and my gait has improved. I can go out on my own or with a friend. I have been approach by many individuals interested in this “cool” bike.  I freely, choose or not choose, to speak of my diagnosis. I am hoping to be able to go visit my family and tell about my diagnosis. I know that speaking my truth in person with my family, they will not be afraid of this disease and they will see I am a strong woman who is in good health despite the scars. 

So thank you for your strength and creativity to create this new wonderful world of plentiful opportunities, to share love, kindness and hope.

I am grateful for the bold proud strength of Antonia Esman to speak honestly with Be about what she wanted and what she never wanted. 
Her bold conviction was the first domino to fall and start the creative determined mind of her daughter to conceive of the inconceivable.

Life is better with all of your efforts from development, to production and building a wonderful supportive community.

Much love always,
Allison Bonanno