Darlene

My Step Story

Earlier this year, life threw me a curveball. What started as a twinge of discomfort spiraled into almost five months of barely being able to walk. My walking stick and crutches became my best pals—without them, I looked like a waddling penguin. The diagnosis hit hard—potential spinal nerve damage, and the only option was emergency spinal surgery. 

Recovery? That was an entirely new battle. Every day dragged by, filled with pain and frustration. The hardest part was not being able to keep up with my little boy, whose energy is always overflowing. It broke my heart everytime I say, “Sorry, bud. Mama can’t run, carry, or play with you.” 💔 He was, and still is, my source of energy!

Bit by bit, things started to change. I began to reclaim my body through therapy, strength works, patience and with dozes of positivity. The pain eased—still there, but no longer the crippling force it once was. My strength slowly returned, and I began to believe that things would get better, and I could walk normally again!

Now, to celebrate my recovery, I’m training for the 28km 7 Bridges Walk in Sydney. Every step is a tribute to the grit that carried me through, and to the love I have for my little Auggie, along with my pooch Rosie. They always give me a reason to get on my feet. (Not that I have much of a choice—nor would I want it any other way!)

If you’d like to support this beautiful cause, check out the link. Your help would mean everything to me as I take on this challenge, because this walk represents more than just kilometers—it’s my comeback! 😁

PS. To my darling husband, Paul, thank you for always pushing me to be strong, both physically and mentally.

I’m walking for a cancer free future

I’m taking on 7 Bridges Walk on Sunday 20 October 2024 and will be uniting with the community to walk 28km around Sydney Harbour. 

Every year in NSW alone, more than 53,000 new cases of cancer are expected to be diagnosed and the impact on families, carers and communities is significant. 

Please sponsor me and help those affected by cancer. Every step counts because all funds raised will help Cancer Council NSW work towards the vision of a cancer free future. Thank you for your support!