As founding director of A4 Studio, a graphic design firm, Uschi Weissmüller sees the beauty in life no matter the challenge. 

Uschi was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) 15 years ago, an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain and between the brain and body. According to a study done by the National MS Society, nearly 1 million people are living with MS in the United States. This is more than twice the original estimate and means solutions for MS are now twice as important.

Uschi believes to stay independent, she must move and move often. This has become her main priority and motivation. “Over the last year, moving has become a challenge,” says Uschi.   "I used to ski and now mainly use a wheelchair. Knowing how to move and the options available to me now, help me remain active and independent.”  

“Getting around is hard. Last March, when my family and I lived abroad, I realized how happy and active I was in the water. When I returned to New York, I realized I needed to get back into the water. I traveled two hours to a pool where I had to walk downstairs to get into the pool. When I learned about Sutton Place’s aquatic’s program, I knew I had to find a way to get there.” Finding Sutton Place Physical and Aquatic Therapy,  has helped me move and see the beauty of being in the water again.” 

“Since attending Sutton Place, I have been blown away by how wonderful this experience has been. I am stronger, I am moving and the team at Sutton Place ensures that I always feel safe,” says Uschi. “The staff is fantastic and my physical therapist, Tony is amazing,” adds Uschi. “ It is hard to fathom that I work with a physical therapist who has worked with Olympians. He knows what I can do and sees that I still have goals to work towards. Fanny also works with me out of the pool.  I feel stronger and more independent on land as well. To be honest, while I want to let everyone with MS know about the pool and how wonderful the aquatics program is, I don’t want to say too much.  I want to keep this secret all to myself, as long as I can.”

 “Uschi makes it look so easy,” says Carol Stillman, founder of Sutton Place Physical and Aquatic Therapy.  “Not only does she work hard, but she has also given us some great recommendations to help make the pool and bathroom more accessible to others.” “While we hope the secret does get out,”  adds Carol,  “we can see how the water helps her body and mindset and know she will always have a spot in the pool.”