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Finding my feet


Viks

Viks is 21 and from Surrey. She's bed-bound due to Myalgic Encephalopathy (M.E.), but works hard as co-founder of Post Pals, a website community for sick young people.
Entry: 6
Date: 27/06/2008

As Viks reaches a fun new goal in her life, she looks at the more serious issue of how you can help people who are in desperate need of a transplant.

I wanted to share my happy news with you all - this week, I walked in high heels!  A friend always sings to me: "These feet are made for walking, that's just what they will do, one of these days these feet will walk in high-heeled shoes," inspired of course by Nancy Sinatra's song: These boots are made for walkin. This made me feel even more motivated to wear high heels as it's been my goal for ages. Now I've actually managed one length of the living room in heels, albeit, with crutches.

My physiotherapist said it would be easier than I thought as my heel cords are tight, which means that I struggle to put my heel down on the floor, and she was right. It has to be one of the strangest physio sessions I've ever had; she came along with different styles of shoe that I wobbled, tottered, and walked in. And all because I've been asked to be bridesmaid, hence the goal being brought forward. Nevertheless I've chosen shoes with a very modest heal - no stilettos just yet.

Yesterday when I was asleep I had a wonderful dream; I was strutting my stuff through my house in a bright pink dress, hair blowing, big high heels and a walk that looked like it belonged on a runway. All the time I was prancing around I was grinning, and I have to confess to being a bit disappointed when I woke up to find it was a dream. But I have learnt one thing from it - I shouldn't watch any more America's Next Top Model.

Moving on...

If you think I sound a little superficial getting all exited about wearing heels, then I'd like to reassure you that it's not all I've been thinking about lately. I read yet another news story the other day about a young couple who are searching for a donor for their sick baby. It got me thinking about one of our first Post Pal kids who needed a bone marrow transplant.

Matty was a previously fit and healthy seven year-old, but he became ill in June 2003 and was diagnosed with leukaemia. He started chemotherapy straight away and was told he needed a bone marrow transplant. Luckily for Matty, his sister Emma was a match and she donated her bone marrow to him. He spent five months in hospital, including his eighth birthday. Because of his weakened immune system a fungal infection quickly took hold eating a hole between the roof of his mouth into his nose. Thankfully, Matty pulled through, but without the transplant he would have died. Now his family have moved to France and he spends his time riding the family horse, quad-biking through the French countryside and acting like any other 12 year-old.

Finding the right match

Matty was the lucky one though. There are 7,000 adults and children in the UK all waiting for a match which will either save or improve their life significantly. Sadly, many won't get it in time. If they do then the transplant is still a risky and painful process.

People are often put off joining the register as they don't know what donating bone marrow or stem cells involves, however the NHS says: "Apart from some temporary discomfort in the bones, both procedures are relatively painless for the donors." You can either tick the box to join the bone marrow register next time you're giving blood or contact the Anthony Nolan Trust. All it takes is a simple blood sample and you will be placed on the register. You have the right to change your mind at any time, but if just one person is inspired to sign up then there's always a small change that they will end up saving someone's life, which is pretty amazing stuff.


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