Franklin, MI — For the past 20 years, Yoga Moves MS has provided free, accessible yoga to thousands of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Now, founder Mindy Eisenberg is expanding the nonprofit’s offerings to reach even more individuals affected by neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, strokes, and other disorders.
Eisenberg, a former health administrator, created the Yoga Moves MS program in 2004 to help individuals manage the debilitating symptoms of MS through evidence-based, adaptive yoga. This style of yoga is specifically designed to accommodate varying levels of ability, offering a therapeutic approach to conditions that impact the nervous system, such as muscle weakness, difficulty walking, and balance issues.
The growth of the program has been made possible in part by a $15,000 grant from the Kirk Gibson Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. This funding will aid in the development of Yoga Moves for Parkinson’s, a new initiative that will expand the nonprofit’s reach, as well as support the creation of an on-demand video library for virtual yoga classes.
“Yoga Moves MS was created with the vision of helping people with MS live better, healthier lives. But over the years, we’ve received numerous requests from people with other neuromuscular conditions,” said Eisenberg, 60, who lives in Franklin, MI. “Now, we’re intentionally expanding our reach to serve those with Parkinson’s, strokes, and other conditions, offering the same therapeutic benefits.”
A Personal Mission
Eisenberg’s path to founding Yoga Moves MS was deeply personal. Having witnessed the challenges faced by her mother, who had primary-progressive MS, Eisenberg was motivated to help others going through similar experiences. Though she didn’t pursue yoga teacher training until the age of 40, her background as a health administrator at the University of Michigan Medical Center informed her understanding of how yoga can serve as an effective tool in managing chronic illness.
“I’ve seen firsthand how adaptive yoga helps people cope with MS symptoms—both physically and emotionally,” Eisenberg said. “It’s about more than just exercise; it’s about giving people the tools to feel better in their bodies and their minds.”
She made the decision to offer the program for free, ensuring that cost would not be a barrier for individuals already burdened by medical expenses.
Community-Centered Growth
Despite the program’s success, Yoga Moves MS has no physical location of its own. Instead, it operates out of the generosity of local venues, including churches, synagogues, yoga studios, and schools, which host small-group adaptive yoga sessions. Every week, more than 70 students, ranging from young adults to seniors, participate in in-person and virtual classes.
The growth of Yoga Moves MS has been described by Eisenberg as “fate,” acknowledging the unexpected trajectory the organization has taken since its founding. She credits much of the nonprofit’s success to the supportive community, including the many students who have shared their experiences and advocated for the expansion of yoga programming for other neurological conditions.
“We didn’t plan for this to grow the way it has, but I’m grateful that it did. We’ve been fortunate to receive requests to help people with other conditions like muscular dystrophy, and we’re now intentionally making space for those communities,” Eisenberg said.
Looking Ahead: Gratitude Gala and Future Plans
To celebrate two decades of growth and impact, Yoga Moves MS is hosting its 13th annual Gratitude Gala on November 16 at The MINT in Lathrup Village. The event will honor several key figures, including Dr. Anthony Emmer, a neurologist at Neurology Consultants, and Dr. Robert Pace, director of neuroimmunology at Memorial Healthcare Institute for Neuroscience. Yoga Moves MS community leader Lindsay Dembs, a local advocate living with MS, will also be recognized, along with WDIV meteorologist Ron Hillard, who has a personal connection to MS.
The gala, which serves as a fundraiser to support the organization’s programs, will feature a tin can auction, wine pull, and treasure box. Tickets are available starting at $150, with proceeds benefiting the continued expansion of adaptive yoga services.
As Yoga Moves MS looks to the future, Eisenberg is excited about the opportunities for continued growth and the chance to make adaptive yoga available to even more people impacted by neurological conditions.
“I’m proud of what we’ve built, and I’m eager to see how we can continue to serve more communities in the years to come,” Eisenberg said.
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