Welcome to All "Risers"

Hello, my name is Anna York. I have recovered from severe disability caused by multiple sclerosis, a disease I have had for over 45 years. Once I was so weak I used a wheelchair and scooter. I could not stand for more than five minutes and could not even sit up straight for more than fifteen minutes. Now I am healthy and active, and, even though I still have some disability, I enjoy a vibrant life with my family and in service to others. My experience has helped me understand that each day is a gift and that my health is something I must cherish and continually nurture. 

During the years of my illness, I longed to share with others who were also struggling, to gain their wisdom and to receive encouragement to keep on rising in the face of seemingly impossible odds. This website is part of my dream to help others find community and strength to live, grow, heal and hope for a brighter future. Like I did.

This is a community for those who want to Rise UP!

• Overcome debilitating conditions and diseases
• Explore new—and ancient--ways of healing mind, body and spirit.
• Empower yourself to lead a healthy, fulfilling life.
• Be proud of your accomplishments!
• Celebrate your victories!
• Share your story with friends--and with the world!

 Rise UP! above what you think your mind, body and spirit can achieve! 

The Rising UP! Vision

My own recovery helps me envision a world where everyone has an opportunity to heal and live a healthy, fulfilling life. 

Crippled becomes whole,

Crooked becomes straight,

Empty becomes full,

Old becomes new,

Rough places become paths for the feet.

 The Bible and The Tao Te Ching, trans. By Addiss and Lombardo (adapted)

The Rising UP! Mission

Rising UP! intends to foster a spirit of hope and empowerment to search out ways we can heal and become whole in body, mind and spirit.

We will encourage:

• Healthy lifestyle, including nutrition, exercise and regular medical consultation
• Well-informed, well researched health choices
• Integrated healing and wellness, including Western medicine and complementary approaches such as massage, Asian bodywork, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tai Chi-Qigong and other healing modalities
• Sharing our stories so we can learn, grow and be inspired!

What You Can Do on This Website

Become a member! It's easy and free. Go to any page, sign up and become part of the community. You can sign in with your Facebook, Twitter, Google or Yahoo accounts. 

Invite friends and make this a homey, comfortable place for you and people you care about. 

Click around on member pages to see who you would like to connect with. Invite them to be a friend (in the box on the left) and strike up a conversation. You can also plug a topic or interest into the search function to find people on the site with similar interests.

Start sharing your story. Stories are what keep us going and growing. Sometimes you just need to start, and it will flow. You may find friends on the site to give you some help and encouragement.

Share helpful information about how you face your challenges--we all need a little help along the way.

Watch free video exercise clips--yeah, it may be time to stop putting it off and get started!

Get health tips and information--maybe you have some you would like to share in the Forum.

Blog--you always wanted to try it--now is the time! Start with a topic you know personally, maybe your own story, kids, family, elder care, your personal challenges , travel--the possibilities are endless.

Attach pictures. Did you do something inspiring, unique, meaningful or special for you? Others would like to know.

Post a topic for discussion in the forum. You can get facts anywhere. Would you like to hear something from the heart?

Post messages to Twitter and Facebook

Much more!  Help create this website to suit your needs and interests and inspire others as well.

We welcome you to a warm, friendly, accepting community where you can be real and meet real people who are facing life with hope, courage and joy!