I will walk again!!!

Where has time gone??? I can't believe it's already the middle of June!!! Since my last update I have been up to quite a bit...at the beginning of December my friend, Emma, and I went back home to Zimbabwe for five weeks to spend Christmas with friends and family. We had such a wonderful time and it reinforced in me where I want to be permanently...one day!  I came back to the UK to start an online travel and tourism degree that I am doing from home. So far it has been very interesting and it's keeping me busy amongst other things. 

At the end of March I moved back into my dad's house to live with a friend and so far it has worked out quite well. At the end of September my dad will be returning to Zimbabwe permanently so I am savoring each moment I get to spend with him. 

As far as the treatment side of things go, the scans have been lost in Mexico and I have been trying to get a copy for quite awhile now. No one ever seems to return my phone calls....frustrating times again. 

I would like to mention about a fellow Zimbo, Tom Soper, who was involved in a car accident at the beginning of May. He broke his neck at the same sort of level as myself and is currently in hospital in Johannesburg. In the past six weeks Tom has made small but very significant steps.  I am sure with his determination and support group he will cope fine during these hard times and be able to adapt to his new way of life. I keep up to date through his website, http://www.tomgilessoper.com/, and ask you to please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

That's all for now folks!

I know it has been quite awhile since my last update, so thought I should bring you all up to speed with everything that is going on. Last week I finally sent off the required scans to Dr. Ramirez and will now have to sit tight until he gets back to me with the next step to starting my treatment. I doubt I will hear from him before the end of the year, but who knows maybe I will be pleasantly surprised. With regards to starting work, it has been very frustrating as the job at the call center never happened as the HR manager never did anything when the ball was put in her court so we are back to trying to find somewhere else for me to work. It is extremely hard as there are not many jobs that I can do independently without being able to do physical things like handle paper, write things down well on the phone, etc and it is not beneficial enough for a company to employ someone to help me. I am definitely going to find something else to do in the New Year as I need to be doing something.

There is some great news about the first trials of stem cell treatment being used in the UK that I found at the website below that some people might find interesting. Take a look!!! 

 http://www.ucl.ac.uk/media/library/spineusa

-Here are some stories of some stem cell treatment that is taking place in Germany.

http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2008/6/29/361021.html

http://www.thescizone.com/news/articles/734/1/Tara-Blackwells-next-step/Page-1.html

The website below has an interesting story about an Australian man who broke his neck playing rugby who is now breathing by himself after fourteen years of having to rely on a ventilator. 

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-wellbeing/health-news/stem-cells-allow-paralysed-man-to-breath-again-835222.html

I have just moved into my new home and am gradually settling in. I found it a lot more overwhelming than expected but am slowly taking it in my stride and getting used to all the different new things and living with six other people. I'm really enjoying the new company and I think I will be quite happy once I get settled in properly.  

As far as my treatment goes, it has been on the back burner until now and I'm now waiting to be sent an appointment for my scans.

I have finally heard from Dr. Ramirez! He has requested for me to have a more detailed scan so that he and some colleagues can advise me on how they can help me best. I will be having the scans as soon as possible. He also said that one of his patients who has been persistent enough at the treatment is now walking and is living independently completely. 

The only other news is that I am moving into a house within calling distance of a family so that I can live as independently as possible. At the moment I'm looking for a house big enough and it is proving to be a lot harder than expected.

...and Happy New Year to everyone!!!! May the following year be filled with many good things to come! The only news I have is it looks like I'll be able to start my new job in Jan/Feb. I'm looking forward to it. I hope everyone has a wonderful festive season and get to spend it with your loved ones! 

Had a great time on holiday, but was also good to get back. Everything is taking a bit longer than expected so I haven't started fundraising yet. I sent off my scans off two weeks ago and haven't heard anything yet. I'm hoping to start a part-job in October to do alongside my fundraising and rehab.