Jimmy is going to Everest for Tanya
Donation protected
Why I am going to Mt Everest...
Come March 2016 I will be embarking on a self-funded expedition of Mt Everest in an attempt to create much needed awareness of my Aunt Tanya's story and condition. Fundraising from my expedition is planned to benefit her profoundly.
Tanya's story is yet another example that troubles can impact anyone, no one is immune or safe from unexpected happenings. In a world moving so quickly my goal was to make people sit back and take notice, appreciate this world and each other. They don't come as bold and as challenging as Everest.
Please take the time to share the story below.
In June 2014 my Aunt Tanya went into hospital for routine surgery, she unfortunately had a reaction to the anaesthetic she was given, she suffered a stroke to her Brain Stem which resulted in her being sedated. When Tanya woke her life changed forever, she was unfortunately diagnosed with the rare condition, Locked In Syndrome. To paint a clear picture, imagine knowing, seeing, hearing everything around you but you are in complete paralysis, you cannot move any part of your body, you are unable to talk, swallow or eat yet your sight, hearing and brain function remain in check. It's a horrible thought however this is now life for my Aunt Tanya. Most sufferers of Locked In Syndrome have also experienced a stroke and sufferers rarely survive after 6 months. Tanya is a miracle and she is doing great considering. One of the biggest lessons through watching her struggles is the love between her and husband Michael, every day Michael is by her side ensuring she is comfortable, making sure the bed is positioned correctly, the TV is tuned into her favourite station or her favourite music is playing. Love has a way of teaching us things about life and the love I have seen on display throughout this situation has taught me a lot. Tanya has now been placed in Barton House, run by SA Care. She has settled in well and the staff there are fantastic. I aim to raise enough money to purchase a vehicle suitable for wheel chair access. This would give Tanya a much improved quality of life. She will be able to get outside amongst nature, something she loved doing, it will definitely put a smile on her face.
So! Why Everest?
Tanya was as adventurous as they come, her and Michael met while Michael lived and worked in the US, they would spend most weekends exploring, hiking, snowshoeing, deep winter camping and rock climbing through the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. An adventurer at heart she would have loved to have seen the sites and grandeur Everest has to offer.
I will be trekking through a foreign country that is still recovering from the terrible earthquakes of April 2015.
The next 7 months will involve the most intense training I have faced yet. I am dedicated to being in peak physical fitness when I join my expedition team in Kathmandu come March. Those that know me well, know I complete every goal before me and Everest is no different.
Mt Everest is a selfish goal, risking your life for personal fulfilment however when you accompany this drive with a cause close to your heart the motivation driving you is enough to move mountains let alone climb them.
I appreciate your time checking out my fundraising page and thank you for reading Tanya’s story.
"Doing it for Tanya"
#doingitfortanya
Come March 2016 I will be embarking on a self-funded expedition of Mt Everest in an attempt to create much needed awareness of my Aunt Tanya's story and condition. Fundraising from my expedition is planned to benefit her profoundly.
Tanya's story is yet another example that troubles can impact anyone, no one is immune or safe from unexpected happenings. In a world moving so quickly my goal was to make people sit back and take notice, appreciate this world and each other. They don't come as bold and as challenging as Everest.
Please take the time to share the story below.
In June 2014 my Aunt Tanya went into hospital for routine surgery, she unfortunately had a reaction to the anaesthetic she was given, she suffered a stroke to her Brain Stem which resulted in her being sedated. When Tanya woke her life changed forever, she was unfortunately diagnosed with the rare condition, Locked In Syndrome. To paint a clear picture, imagine knowing, seeing, hearing everything around you but you are in complete paralysis, you cannot move any part of your body, you are unable to talk, swallow or eat yet your sight, hearing and brain function remain in check. It's a horrible thought however this is now life for my Aunt Tanya. Most sufferers of Locked In Syndrome have also experienced a stroke and sufferers rarely survive after 6 months. Tanya is a miracle and she is doing great considering. One of the biggest lessons through watching her struggles is the love between her and husband Michael, every day Michael is by her side ensuring she is comfortable, making sure the bed is positioned correctly, the TV is tuned into her favourite station or her favourite music is playing. Love has a way of teaching us things about life and the love I have seen on display throughout this situation has taught me a lot. Tanya has now been placed in Barton House, run by SA Care. She has settled in well and the staff there are fantastic. I aim to raise enough money to purchase a vehicle suitable for wheel chair access. This would give Tanya a much improved quality of life. She will be able to get outside amongst nature, something she loved doing, it will definitely put a smile on her face.
So! Why Everest?
Tanya was as adventurous as they come, her and Michael met while Michael lived and worked in the US, they would spend most weekends exploring, hiking, snowshoeing, deep winter camping and rock climbing through the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. An adventurer at heart she would have loved to have seen the sites and grandeur Everest has to offer.
I will be trekking through a foreign country that is still recovering from the terrible earthquakes of April 2015.
The next 7 months will involve the most intense training I have faced yet. I am dedicated to being in peak physical fitness when I join my expedition team in Kathmandu come March. Those that know me well, know I complete every goal before me and Everest is no different.
Mt Everest is a selfish goal, risking your life for personal fulfilment however when you accompany this drive with a cause close to your heart the motivation driving you is enough to move mountains let alone climb them.
I appreciate your time checking out my fundraising page and thank you for reading Tanya’s story.
"Doing it for Tanya"
#doingitfortanya
Organizer
Jimmy Smith
Organizer
Hallett Cove SA
