Walking for someone who cannot

[Kanga]

It is with joy that I am shortly to set out on my next Camino. Joy, and also thankfulness, because it is something I am able to do. Not many people are so privileged. This year I will be carrying along in my thoughts and heart a friend, Kirsten, who has motor neurone disease and who would dearly love to be walking. It is a horrible, cruel illness, with a life expectancy of about two years after diagnosis. There is no explanation and no cure.

I don't ask people to donate to my walk, because really, that is self indulgent. I walk because it brings me pleasure. If I were really doing this for a good cause it would make more sense to stay at home and donate my fare and expense money to charity.

But I do ask that you take time to watch this short video made by Kirsten (when she was still mobile), find out about motor neurone disease (MND) and, if you can, make a donation to research.

https://www.facebook.com/regalregiment/videos/784793518284315/

 

[VNwalking]

Thanks for posting this, Kanga. And for walking for Kirsten.
Even if we don't necessarily take health and our ability to walk the Camino for granted, it's easy to forget how quickly it can all fall apart. I'm grateful for this reminder...and the invitation to be generous.
May you have a blessed Camino!

 

[C clearly]

I watched the video, which was very moving. I googled as well and found that motor neuron disease is what we know more commonly in North America as ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. So you see - I've learned something already from your post and the video!

 

[wawpdx]

Kanga, I watched. I learned.
Thank you for posting this.

 

[Kanga]

I hope I can be forgiven for using the forum to post something rather special. Kirsten inspired me all along the Norte this year, and continues to inspire me daily. Her camino and her pilgrimage continue. She was recently asked to participate in a project called The Fading Symphony. It is fantastic - watch it to the end (and scroll down to see the video chat between Kirsten and Tim Minchen).

https://thefadingsymphony.com/

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

I hope I can be forgiven for using the forum to post something rather special. Kirsten inspired me all along the Norte this year, and continues to inspire me daily. Her camino and her pilgrimage continue. She was recently asked to participate in a project called The Fading Symphony. It is fantastic - watch it to the end (and scroll down to see the video chat between Kirsten and Tim Minchen).

https://thefadingsymphony.com/

Hi Kanga, thank you for sharing this.
Kirsten is a very strong lady , tears came in my eyes.
Wish you well and again thank you for sharing , Peter.