These past few months have been a challenge to say the least. We have all been forced to find a “new normal” in everything that we do. Angela Hospice supporters have always been gracious and faithful, but during these tough times they have really shined through. Whether they gave to our COVID-19 appeal, or if they found their own special way to show support, we are so grateful to all who have donated during these troubling times.
Lola Faleix is one of those supporters. During the stay-at-home order she found a creative way to stay busy while also helping Angela Hospice. Lola has been working as a personal trainer since July 2006, and started her own personal training business “Get Fit With Lola” in January 2008. But when stay-at-home orders were implemented, exercise as we knew it shut down.
“How long was it going to be like this? Is this temporary? These were the questions going through my mind,” Lola said.
But it soon became clear that Lola’s clients and friends were not ready to give up on “Get Fit With Lola.” Friends and clients begin urging her to do an exercise class on Facebook Live. Lola wasn’t sure how it would work, but she said, “I prepared a workout, took a deep breath, and hit the button on my cell phone to go to Facebook Live… “
It was a different experience for sure. She was used to working with clients face to face. But she completed the workout and was pleased to see the reactions.
“The response of views and likes was overwhelming,” she said. “My Facebook friends asked for more, so I scheduled another class and I began doing a class every day of the week.”
Lola realized there was a demand for “Getting Fit With Lola” as everyone’s favorite gym or exercise studio was closed.
“My audience began asking, ‘Can we pay you? Tip you?’ And honestly, I didn’t feel right about accepting money for the classes. I was just happy to offer a service that people looked forward to during the craziness of the pandemic,” Lola said. “So that’s when I decided, if I were to accept donations and tips, I would not keep it for myself. I would choose a charity to donate the proceeds to.”
Choosing Angela Hospice was an easy decision for Lola. She regularly attends our fundraisers, including the Laughter Lifts You Up event in the spring, and the Light Up a Life Auction & Gala in the fall.
“Every time I attend these fundraising events, I always say I want to give more. So here was my opportunity to give more,” Lola said.
Her connection with Angela Hospice began in 2013, when she witnessed Angela Hospice’s care firsthand as her dear friend Jane Will spent her final days in the Angela Hospice Care Center.
“She did not have a large family and I know she did not want to be a burden to anyone. The place offered warmth and comfort,” Lola said. “I would want that for anyone, including myself as I don’t have large family, if I were ready for hospice care. Angela Hospice is my charity of choice and always will be.”
Thank you Lola, for not only selflessly giving your time to keep people happy and active during quarantine, but for continuing to support the Angela Hospice mission. We are lucky to be loved by someone like you!
For more about Lola, visit www.getfitwithlola.com.
