By: Karenlyn Barone
Her health concerns were almost as serious as her emotional state, which was sullen and depressed.
My mom was very upset and she wanted to work out and lose some weight, said daughter, Margaret Dragotto. But how was she going to be able to do that?
Dragotto's concerns were well founded. Her mom has only five percent vision and only sees light. Certainly working out at a gym would be impossible, but this Lynbrook daughter was determined to help her mom. Looking for an answer, Dragotto visited Curves in Lynbrook, a warm and friendly work-out franchise geared toward women, where she met Natalie Forte, the manager of the family-owned business. Natalie assured Dragotto that she would help her mom maneuver from station to station for her workout. Satisfied, but skeptical, Dragotto purchased a year-long membership for her mother and one for herself.
I surprised my mom with the membership for Christmas, said Dragotto. She was excited and frightened, but willing to give it a try."
Dragotto admits now that she thought Natalie might work with her mom a couple of sessions and then leave her on her own. But Dragotto underestimated the heart of the 24-year-old woman.
I was a little nervous, too, confessed Forte. So, I did some research and went through a work-out with my eyes closed, so that I could understand what it would be like for Marie.
Forte has worked with Furmin ever since, giving her one-on-one attention and encouragement. She walks her charge from machine to machine, and stays right by her side, until Furmin needs to be led to the next station. She readily hands her the necessary weights and counts out the repetitions for her and ends each session by telling her special student how well she has done.
Natalie looks out for me, said Furmin. I love her like a daughter.
The results of ten months of working-out with her new friend have really paid off.
I have a lot more self-esteem, said Furmin. This has helped the temper tantrums I had because I was frustrated about my vision and my health. Natalie has helped me see things differently.
Furmin may have lost some pounds and inches, but what she has gained is far more important.
When I first came here I thought I would try it and if I died on one of the machines, at least people would know I tried, joked Furmin. But this really gives me the incentive to get out of bed everyday. At my age, this is better than the best things in life.
While Forte doesn't think she has done anything exceptional, Dargotto sees it differently. Natalie even came in to work sick one day, so that she wouldn't disappoint my mom, said Dargotto. The weight loss is secondary. My mom feels so good about herself. If Natalie wasn't here for my mom, she wouldn't be able to do it.
