Seb’s Skydive

Today marks the 2 year anniversary of my twin sister’s death, the hardest event I’d ever have to go through. Time since her passing has been abnormal to say the least. A week ago, we both turned 20, finally hit the big 20! I’ve decided to do a skydive as we’d agreed back when we were 15 that we would do a skydive together when we turned 20. So that is why, in my sister’s memory, I will be doing that skydive for the both of us!! Before going on, here is a little bit about my sister’s battle with cancer:

In December 2016, following two years of increasing neck pain, she was diagnosed with EHE (epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, an extremely rare cancer) and was thrust into a world of hospitals, IV drips, pain and fear...   In March 2017 she underwent major surgery to her neck and spine, followed by three months of radiation and proton treatment, which removed the cancer, but left her unable to swallow. In August she started having agonising chest pain, only to then be told the cancer was now in her left lung. She was given aggressive chemo, which led her to spend weeks in hospital due to the debilitating side effects and numerous complications. To quote Isabelle, ‘life sucks’.  Finally, after a long and very brave fight against this devastating disease, Isabelle passed away on the 7th February 2018. 

Throughout this entire period many charities offered their assistance to help my sister enjoy a bit more her ‘shit life’. One of the charities that stuck out the most for me was Clic Sargent provided Isabelle with many activities and consistently came into hospital to see how she was doing. I admired the work they did throughout her entire time in hospital, that is why I will be raising funds for this charity to ensure that any child that is cursed with cancer will not feel alone and will try to enable to lead the best life they can given the circumstances.

I am also calling out for A YEAR OF FUNDRAISING in Izzy’s name! I would love to raise as much money, before our 21st birthday, for all the charities that helped her and our family through the time. No matter how big or small the activities you choose to do, no matter how big or small the sum you collect, I would love to see people get up and do something amazing in honour of my sister?? Please let me know if you do decide to do something and if you need any help with it! I’ve listed below a list of charities that would be a great beneficiary of the raised money!

From me, Izzy and my family, thank you to anyone who donates and also thank you to anyone that decided to get up and do something in her name!??????

List of Charities:
Clic Sargent - visited Isa in hospital (she had an assigned point of contact), also provide on going support for families after they have lost a child
Teens Unite - activities for teens with Cancer - the week she went in in Aug 2017 but had to leave half way due to pain ... fabulous charity organising amazing activities to make teens with cancer feel less isolated
At a loss Foundation - bereavement weekend retreat for sibling, a weekend where I met young adults going through the same experience or very similar ones as me and helped me to connect with people.