I have to start this post by saying a big thank you to Kate, who has kindly given me some photos of herself to use to demonstrate how beneficial Manual Lymphatic Drainage is for bruising.
Kate is one of my regulars, but she usually comes for a remedial massage. She is a very fit, energetic mother of three who trains hard in her spare time, in between mothering, being a wife and helping to run a small charity called “The Sisterhood”.
The Sisterhood collections donations and supports The Manly Women’s Shelter with items such as toiletries, cleaning goods and equipment and a regular delivery of organic, free range mince as well as home-made meals for their freezer. The Sisterhood also organises micro finance loans, particularly lending to the Kiva Foundation, helping women in impoverished communities around the world.
As if her life isn’t busy enough, Kate and three friends recently participated in The 2013 Sunsuper Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. In case you’re wondering, that’s a 200km bike ride over two days! A few weeks ago, while on holiday in Queensland and doing a training ride, Kate was knocked off her bike by a car. Luckily she wasn’t hurt and after a week or so with her feet firmly on the ground and a couple osteopathic treatments she was back on her bike training. About 10km before the end of the event Kate came off her bike, losing consciousness for a very short while and she was taken off to hospital for a thorough check. So disappointing to be that close to the end and not be able to finish, but her team mates continued the ride at her request and completed it. Amazingly, the only injury Kate sustained was bruising to her face and one small bruise on her leg. Doesn’t that just show how fit and strong she is?
Kate had an appointment booked in with me for a remedial massage the Saturday after the ride but of course with her bruising there was no way she could lie face down so we did a lymphatic drainage instead. She came in for a follow-up on the Tuesday. She took the first photo a day or two after the race and the second photo was taken three days after her second treatment. Spot the difference anyone?
I know I usually post about people who are courageous in spite of their illness or circumstance, but this post is about courage of a different kind – courage to lead a life that gives back to those who are less fortunate. Well done Kate – truly an inspiration.