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Sian Owen-Cruise is raising money for Parkinson’s UK
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Hi everyone - I sent this email to all of the amazing donors to my fundraising earlier this afternoon -
Dear everyone who has sponsored my Parkinson’s Research climb of Kilimanjaro,
First, I want to thank you so much for stepping forward and contributing to my Parkinson’s Research fundraiser, focused on my climb of Kilimanjaro, starting on November 4, 2023. Your confidence, generosity, and encouragement has helped me through the last nine months of preparation: the training in Ann Arbor and Michigan, the preparation of all the necessary gear and materials, and the more intense training of the last few months. I have deeply appreciated your willingness to support me, to support my family as we manage this challenging disease, and the whole Parkinson’s community with your generosity to my Parkinson’s Research fundraising.
However, I have to let you know that because of some totally unexpected events in my family’s life over the past ten days I will very sadly not be climbing Kilimanjaro. Last weekend, while I was in the UK doing some preparation for the climb which included a week in the Outer Hebrides, a week in west Wales hiking in the mountains, and two upcoming weeks planned for the Lake District and Yorkshire Moors (all designed to continue to build my endurance and preparation for the climb), David, my husband, was admitted to the University of Michigan Hospital with a severe case of sepsis. I flew home to the US as quickly as possible, getting to him within 24 hours of the hospital admittance, and I have spent the past week with him, supporting him through the most difficult week of his life.
Many of you have heard about this over the last couple of days, through work and family, but I wanted to make sure that you all understood why I cannot make the climb that I committed to you I would do.
Last Sunday they really could not tell us what would happen, but a week later we have every hope of a strong recovery for him. Initially they started him on a strong and wide ranging set of antibiotics as they worked to identify the exact infection. Once that was accomplished they began to use the best antibiotic for the particular kind of Staph infection. They also identified (through an amazing number of tests and procedures) that the primary infection was in the area around his spine, and there are secondary infections in his lungs and psoas muscle, and potentially on a heart valve (they are still investigating that). On Friday they did a spinal surgery to remove the abscesses and to clean all of the infected material from the area. That went well. His counts are improving and he is continuing to be amazingly well cared for at the University of Michigan Hospital.
However, it is very clear that he has a significant and difficult recovery ahead of him, and will need a great deal of care and support over the coming weeks, and likely months, to rebuild his capacities and return to his daily life. The Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor had gifted me the amazing opportunity of a ten week sabbatical to finish my Kilimanjaro training, visit friends and family in the UK, and then go to Tanzania for the climb and some time in the national parks there. I will now be using that time to fully focus on him and his needs, and to help us both recover from this illness he is coping with. The opportunity to be fully present for him is so deeply appreciated.
All of the money that I have raised for Parkinson’s Research will still go to Parkinson’s Research - as all of your individual donations are already in their hands. I deeply appreciate your support of Parkinson’s Research and I am confident that you all understand why my priority has had to change in the last week, and why I will not be doing the climb this fall. I do hope to do it in the coming two to three years, but I am not making any plans at the moment as so much is unknown for my family.
Thank you to everyone who has already shared their support for my family as they have heard about what David is facing over the last few days. We feel a strong and deeply caring community around us, and we deeply appreciate it.
Thank you, Siân
Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
I am attempting to climb Kilimanjaro in November 2023 to raise money for Parkinson's Disease Research. So many individuals are affected by Parkinson's, including my Dad. Research is showing promising results and there is real hope that this disease can be cured in the coming few years.
Why Parkinson's Research?
As many of you know, Parkinson's is a neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a relentless condition that not only impacts the individuals living with it but also touches the lives of their families and friends. This climb is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for Parkinson's research, which is at the forefront of finding better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
Why I Need Your Help
I am determined to make a meaningful impact, but I can't do it alone. I am asking each of you to join me on this journey of hope and healing. Your support, no matter the size, will play a crucial role in advancing research efforts. Your donations will go directly to renowned Parkinson's research organizations that are committed to making a difference in the lives of patients and their families.
How You Can Get Involved
Donate: Your contributions will fuel the research that holds the key to improving the lives of Parkinson's patients and bringing us closer to a cure. Every dollar counts, and your generosity will leave a lasting legacy of hope.
Spread the Word: Share this fundraising page with your family, friends, and colleagues. By expanding our network of supporters, we can increase awareness and accelerate the progress of Parkinson's research.
Cheer Me On: Your encouragement and support mean the world to me. As I take each step towards the summit, knowing that you believe in this cause will keep me motivated and inspired. I can most easily be found on Instagram @owencruisesian
Join Me in Making a Difference
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
Thank you so much!
Sian