Imagine standing up from a chair and feeling light-headed as the lights flash on and off for a few moments without a reason. Daryl Kucera couldn’t explain his lapse in his normal vision, but didn’t become concerned until a few weeks later when the lights went out and didn’t come back on.

"I had no idea what was going on," says Kucera. "I think I went into shock and I was definitely shaken."

Kucera’s shock turned to sadness and disbelief after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, a vision problem is the first symptom of MS for many people.

"I felt I could conquer the world," says Kucera. "When I heard the diagnosis, my feet were pulled out from under me."

Prior to his diagnosis, Kucera a Certified Personal Trainer and long-time Youth Fitness Instructor, was pursuing his dream of conditioning young athletes full-time by founding Fast Forward, LLC, a fitness company.

Once the wheels of his disease began to spin rapidly and progress to a point when Kucera was wheel chair bound, he felt there was no choice but to close his company – his dream was slowly fading away until he realized that his life wasn’t over. As a result, he dedicated himself to reopening Fast Forward and, eventually, walk again.

Located at 14929 Industrial Road, the fitness center has provided athletic conditioning to over 1000 youth athletes between the ages of 6 and 18 since 2001. Small Group and individualized training programs are available to ensure athletic conditioning goals are met. Seasonal programs for baseball and hockey allow entire teams the opportunity to improve their athletic conditioning, enhance their sport-specific skills, and build team chemistry, which is critical to team success before and during the season.

"Our programs are designed to enhance the physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being of all of our youths," says Kucera. "Our mission is to promote the development of young adults through athletic achievement."

Kucera can personally attest to the need for physical fitness to combat the potentially damaging effects of the condition. Much of his success dealing with MS has to do with his physical activities. So in 2003, Kucera approached the MS Clinic of The Nebraska Medical Center offering his services to other MS patients.

"I have a gym and you have expertise with MS treatment, let’s join forces," says Kucera.

Consequently, a six-month program of weight resistance exercise by MS patients began at Fast Forward. The program was unique because MS patients with all levels of disability were evaluated for a change in strength and endurance despite the degree of their original disability. Results demonstrated that all individuals with MS showed significant improvement in both strength and endurance. According to the MS Clinic of The Nebraska Medical Center, the study supports the use of exercise, specifically to include weight resistance programs, for all MS patients.

Currently, Fast Forward provides a supervised exercise and fitness treatment plan designed to address the specific needs of those living with Multiple Sclerosis. By focusing on the recovery of strength, balance, coordination, and mobility, the gym assists participants in regaining control over their life and their treatment of the disease. The program is tailored to meet the needs of those with varying disabilities. Small group and individual training is also offered.

To date, 115 people afflicted with multiple sclerosis have attended the program to date. Each month 50-60 attend the exercise sessions either 2 or 3 times a week.

"Exercise is becoming an essential part of the symptomatic treatment of MS," says Kucera. "We are happy to be able to help others dealing with the disease."

Athletes that workout at Fast Forward support Kucera and his mission by participating in the MS programs. According to Kucera, many of the children and parents love to help out in any way they can with MS participants, which is sometimes just holding people’s arms as they walk.

"I received a call from a mom because she was so impressed with the impact the programs have made on her son," says Kucera. "She told me her son came home and said he will never be tired again after watching the MS participants struggle with simple physical movements."

Kucera was honored for his work with MS by receiving Advocate of the Year by Multiple Sclerosis Society in 2004.

"Just because a person was stamped with MS doesn’t mean it’s the end for them," says Kucera. "I hope that I’m making a difference with the work I do for young athletes and those dealing with MS."

"My son took my diagnosis the hardest because we played a lot of sports together," says Kucera. "He is better now especially since he has seen how I deal with the disease."

The father of a teenage son, daughter and husband to a dedicated wife, he believes his diagnosis has had a positive effect on their family life.

"My kids have learned that the world doesn’t revolve around them," says Kucera. "They need to pitch in and step up more to help out around the house."

According to Kucera, the family appreciates the time they spend together. He also noted that as a parent, he enjoys the simple act of watching his children during their sports activities.

"Me and my wife really take the time to not waste a moment we all spend together because our time together is so precious," says Kucera. "We don’t have to go anywhere together, just spend time laughing at the simplest things."

Kucera looks to his future with high expectations. He plans to expand the services offered at Fast Forward. There will be pilates and yoga classes available at the gym by this winter.
 

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