|
|
|
| Author |
Messages |
|
Ankh
Posts:1
 |
| 08/26/2008 10:50 AM |
|
It has now been eleven years since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had to undergo surgery, radiation therapy and chemo therapy. Supported by my family and friends I made it through that difficult year. The surgery left me with neuralgia and fatigue.
It was also revealed that my bones were in a bad state. Two years ago, after a period with lots of ups and downs, I started exercising at the gym and walking. All of this was supervised by my physical therapist. I would set a goal for myself and when I had reached that goal, I would set myself another goal. I made progress step by step.
In August 2007, I found out about ‘Adventure for Life’ in the magazine Mammazone. They were looking for (breast) cancer patients that were willing to participate in a sponsored walk in southern Turkey. The sponsor money would be donated to a cancer-related cause. This goal was all the motivation I needed! I trained a lot and brought in a large amount of sponsor money. Not every thing went as planned, but in April 2008, a group of 16 (former) cancer patients left for Turkey. We walked and climbed there in the mountains for six days. Together we gathered 70.000 euros in sponsor money for the good cause!
Some parts were very difficult, but then, I and some others, would go on an easier walk instead. All things considered, this journey left me much stronger both physically and mentally. I’ve even come to enjoy walking so much, that back in The Netherlands, I started walking the long distance walk, called the Pieterpad. I am now in a much better shape than I was before the diagnoses. Experiencing the joy of walking has taught me how to better deal with my neuralgia and fatigue.
Anyone who would like to know more about Adventure for Life can visit the website, which can be both in Dutch and in English.
http://www.adventureforlife.nl/
Ank
The Netherlands
|
|
|
|
|
Alex76
Posts:2
|
| 08/28/2008 12:51 PM |
|
| thats a great initiative!! I've been doing walks (from other organizations) over here in the States for a few years now, and its just a great feeling being part of such a global initiative |
|
|
|
|
|
| You are not authorized to post a reply. |
|
|
|
ActiveForums 3.7
|
|
|
|
|