Crutch Run for Cappagh and Irish Cancer Society
My name's Sinéad and I'm raising money for Cappagh Hospital and The Irish Cancer Society.
Having had two surgeries in the last two years, I've spent a fair amount of time on crutches. On the 25th May, between 12 and 2pm I will be getting back on the crutches once more to complete a full 5k loop in my surrounding area. I understand money is tight for everyone at the moment, I would really appreciate if you could share or donate if possible.
Due to risk of slipping, if it is a rainy or wet day I will complete the 5k the following day.
Cappagh Hospital has changed my life and I would like to help them change more, here is my story :)
When I was 18 I spent all my time running, cycling and studying. This all changed when I was diagnosed with an Aneurysmal Bone Cyst 2 weeks before my Leaving Cert. In simple terms I had a benign blood filled tumor in my femur that had weakened the bone immensely. In just one X-ray my life had changed forever.
Everything was changing in my life at this time. I had moved to Dublin for college, I was meeting new people everyday and I couldn't even do the one thing that made me feel more like me. I had no idea who I was without running and was left feeling as though my own body had let me down.
Luckily though, after just 6 months I was introduced to my Consultant at Cappagh Hospital. He explained everything to me; how rare my condition was, how serious it was and from day one, he reassured I would get back running one day.
Fast forward a couple of months to my first surgery. Surgery is an extremely lonely and scary experience for anyone. Waking up afterwards is the most pain I have ever experienced in my life. Yet, even in my anxious panicked state, the staff at Cappagh hospital managed to calm me down and take such amazing care of both myself and my parents.
9 weeks on crutches later my leg was fixed, exactly one year after that first x-ray. Despite being exhausted and in a huge amount of pain, with the help my fellow Physiotherapy students I managed to complete my 1st year of college. I was happy to be able to walk again. Everything had gone successful.
A metal plate that had been inserted was causing huge irritation months after surgery. Although I was able to run again, I couldn't do any activity pain free. I was informed having another surgery to remove this plate should relieve the pain.
This surgery was 7 weeks ago and i'm happy to say it has been a huge success. Due to Covid-19, I wasn't allowed any visitors, yet, all the staff made me feel so safe and like they genuinely cared that they took away any fear I had surrounding my surgery. I even got to listen to running hits 101 while they were taking the plate out!
For the first time in over two years I'm able to walk pain free and can start thinking about running again. I feel as though I've been given a second chance to enjoy my life thanks to my consultant, physios and staff at Cappagh.
At a time like this,funding is tight and it's more important than ever that these surgeries go ahead.
That's why I am getting back on the crutches one last time for these two amazing causes. I really appreciate any support, if you could share or donate it would really mean alot.
Lets help change more lives.
Thank you :)
