Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page, set up for Caitlin's defiant attempt to walk every step of the one mile long Buttercup Walk.

Watch the movie!   https://youtu.be/q711Cm2wkVo  

In case you haven't seen it, Cait has a starring role!

As most of you will know, Caitlin has battled an aggressive form of bone cancer, Ewing's Sarcoma, twice in the last seven years. At the age of 7, after Caitlin had treatment for an 18cm tumour in her femur, she was  sent to The RNOH for life saving limb-salvage surgery. Thanks to her incredible surgeon, Rob Pollock, and his team she was given a chance at life as near to normal as was possible. They replaced her bone (femur and hip) it with a titanium extendable prosthesis, complete with motor to grow her leg painlessly and non-invasively.

Caitlin had to learn to walk again and just as she was managing longer distances, and the idea of one day being able to be rid of the wheelchair was looking like it could maybe be possible, we got the dreadful news that she had relapsed. This time it was a tumour in her arm. Once again, she was sent to the RNOH to see what they could do. Together Rob and the biomedical engineering team designed a prosthesis for Caitlin that would mean they could save her shoulder joint. They carried out another life saving operation and gave Caitlin a titanium elbow and humerus to match her leg. They have literally rebuilt her. The incredible skill and expertise carried out at this hospital every day cannot be overstated. They are performing the most intricate and complicated operations, and transforming people's lives.

Caitlin would be the first to say they 'Make it possible'. She didn't have to lose her limbs. Instead she is our titanium girl! And like Caitlin, we cannot thank the hospital enough for everything they have done and continue to do for her. 

Despite everything she has gone through Caitlin's spirit was never broken. She remained positive throughout every struggle, and kept that spark alight, especially in the dark days. She is here and doing well because along with the brilliant medical treatment she received, she always has a positive disposition, remarkable attitude and phenomenal determination. 

This is what is driving her to do the Buttercup Walk. She wants to give something back to the hospital that saved her life, twice, but also to help ensure that others going through what she has been through are given the best chances at life. She wants to help the hospital to Make It Possible.

But it won't be easy. Having first line chemo and then high dose chemo has left her with many side effects. Her bones were weakened and she has osteopenia which means that she gets excruciating hip pain at times, and that is why she cannot walk very far and needs the wheelchair. But in true Caitlin style she is determined to walk every step of the mile herself. She will need to keep stopping to rest and take pain medication, but she says it doesn't matter how long it takes or how much of a struggle it is, as long as each step is hers. 

We are in awe of Caitlin and couldn't be prouder of her. 

So please help her by giving whatever you can. Every donation and word of encouragement is hugely appreciated. Thank you. 

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