Book SummaryStand Up, by Ken Cruickshank

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Stand Up

Ken's struggle with multiple sclerosis.

At the age of 32, Ken was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis.

During his adolescence, Ken started to notice understated indications, including involuntary muscular twitches and a diminished sense of touch, which grew more noticeable in his twenties, accompanied by a gradual deterioration in his balance.

Ken Cruickshank reflects on the early signs of multiple sclerosis that he experienced in his adolescence. At the age of fourteen, he became aware that his left arm lacked the strength of his right and that it was especially resistant to fully extending during repetitive physical activities. He initially attributed this to a difference in strength between his dominant and non-dominant sides. Cruickshank recognizes that his previous experiences were early signs that his left arm's nerve signal transmission was being interfered with by multiple sclerosis.

At the age of 21, his skills were unmistakably showcased during his involvement in the Marine Corps' program for training platoon leaders. Despite his thorough preparation, Cruickshank consistently found himself unable to improve his standing beyond the average competitors in the 3.5-mile race. His fellow candidates frequently remarked on his distinctive walk, likening it to the way a horse moves. Cruickshank attributed these observations to exhaustion resulting from the rigorous physical activity. Now, he understands that the early indicators were a harbinger of the progressive deterioration of the protective sheath enveloping his central nervous system, which resulted in adverse effects on the operation and regulation of his leg muscles.

Practical Tips

• Use relaxation techniques like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation when you notice twitches starting. These methods can help calm the nervous system and potentially reduce the frequency of twitches. For instance, if you're sitting at your desk and feel a twitch coming on, take a five-minute break to focus on deep, slow breaths, and consciously relax each muscle group from head to toe.
• Experiment with cooking recipes that require hands-on preparation, such as kneading dough or shaping sushi rolls, to actively use and challenge your sense of touch. The varied textures and temperatures encountered in cooking can serve as a practical and enjoyable way to engage your tactile senses on a regular basis.
• Create a wellness plan that includes regular check-ups with healthcare professionals, a balanced diet, exercise, and stress management techniques. By proactively managing your health, you can address symptoms early and maintain a better quality of life.
• Create a balance journal to track your progress and any changes in your balance. Note down activities you do that involve balance, any difficulties you face, and improvements you observe. This can help you identify patterns or activities that either benefit or challenge your balance, allowing for more targeted practice or adjustments in your routine.
• Create a personalized workout plan that focuses on unilateral exercises, which work one side of the body at a time, such as single-arm dumbbell presses or single-leg squats. This approach ensures that both sides of your body are getting an equal workout, helping to correct any imbalances without the need for expert guidance.
• Engage in low-impact aquatic exercises to help extend your arm's range of motion. Water provides natural resistance and support, making it easier to perform movements that might be difficult on land. Try exercises like arm circles, underwater push-ups, or simply moving your arm through the water in various directions to enhance flexibility and strength.
• You can test your own arm strength to see if dominance plays a role by using a hand grip strengthener. Start by using the strengthener with your dominant hand for a set number of squeezes each day, and record the results. After a few weeks, switch to your non-dominant hand and compare the progress. This will give you a personal insight into how dominance might affect muscle development and strength.
• Develop a routine of performing simple, at-home neurological checks. Use basic exercises like touching your fingers to your thumb in succession, walking in a straight line, or balancing on one foot. These tests can serve as a personal baseline to monitor for any deviations that might suggest nerve signal interference or other neurological issues. If you notice a decrease in coordination or balance, it could be a sign to seek professional advice.
• Enhance your strategic planning abilities by organizing a community service project that requires logistical coordination. Choose a cause you care about, like a neighborhood clean-up or a charity fundraiser, and take charge of planning the event from start to finish. This will give you hands-on experience in leading a team, delegating tasks, and managing resources, akin to the responsibilities of a platoon leader.
• Seek feedback from a running coach or join a runners' group for external perspectives on your technique and training plan. A coach can offer personalized advice and adjustments that you might not have considered, while a running group provides a supportive environment where you can learn from the experiences of others and stay motivated.
• Enhance your non-verbal communication skills to complement your verbal interactions. Take an improvisation class or join a drama club to become more aware of your body language and how it can be used to convey confidence and approachability. Focus on exercises that improve posture, eye contact, and facial expressions, which can then be applied in your daily interactions to make a positive impact.
• Use video recording to analyze and adjust your walking pattern for improved body mechanics. Record yourself walking, then watch the footage to identify any peculiarities or imbalances. Afterward, consciously adjust...

Stand Up Summary Ken's family's experience as they dealt with his sickness.

Karen assumed the role of primary caregiver and became an indispensable source of support for Ken.

Karen manages her health challenges while dedicating her efforts to the welfare of Ken and their family members.

Cruickshank portrays Karen with affection, emphasizing her tenacity and compassion as she takes on the main caregiving duties, managing herself with poise and steadfastness. He recognizes the sacrifices she makes, acknowledging the demands of managing his increasing needs while simultaneously caring for their children and dealing with her own health challenges. Karen was a steadfast ally to Cruickshank, advocating for his health requirements and occasionally prompting the medical team to reconsider their decisions during his difficult periods in the medical facility.

He also reveals Karen's medical challenges, which encompass potentially cancerous cells in her breast tissue and melanoma, highlighting the additional concern and strain she faces while trying to ensure adequate health insurance for their household. Her decision to return to her full-time position in art education after I entered a period of retirement due to disability highlights her commitment...

Stand Up Summary Ken encountered individuals who were consistently battling chronic health issues or grappling with catastrophic events.

Ken finds inspiration in the stories of courage and resolve told by those he meets on his journeys to Lourdes.

Chris, a young soldier who lost his legs, exemplifies selflessness and resilience.

Cruickshank's exploration of Lourdes, a Catholic sanctuary celebrated for its healing miracles, brings him into contact with a variety of people, all facing their unique medical struggles and disabilities. He shares narratives of people whose tales of perseverance through adversity and resilience during challenging periods have profoundly impacted him. Chris, a young soldier who became a double amputee due to an IED explosion in Afghanistan, demonstrates remarkable fortitude. Chris, though burdened by the scars and psychological impact of his injuries, feels thankful that he was the one to endure the harm rather than the soldiers under his command.

This selflessness and commitment to duty deeply moves Cruickshank, who recognizes Chris as a true hero. The person's embrace of his situation, unwavering resolve to prevent his disabilities from defining who he is, and his consistent optimism in the face of considerable challenges exemplify the capacity of the human spirit to find...

Stand Up Summary Ken's perspective on life was molded by his convictions and a mindset that always leaned toward positivity.

Ken draws comfort and the strength to confront his illness from his spiritual beliefs.

Ken discerns indications of heavenly involvement and guidance within the stories told by the individuals he meets.

In his memoir, Cruickshank emphasizes the crucial role his faith played in navigating the difficulties associated with a life affected by multiple sclerosis. He regards his sickness not as a punishment but as a challenge to overcome, maintaining his self-respect, persisting steadfastly, and placing his trust in a higher power that provides him with affection and backing. His bond with the divine, fortified through prayer, endows him with a profound sense of mission in his commitment to help others.

Throughout his journeys, he recounts extraordinary events that elude rational explanation, particularly his encounters with individuals at Lourdes, where the deep faith and determination of people led to unexpected healings. He narrates the story of a woman named Regina who, after a close encounter with death, discovers her Stage III cancer has disappeared following a pilgrimage to Lourdes. Cruickshank also reflects on the possibility of heavenly guardians, recounting a...