This is round 2 of our exhilarating fundraising event. Last year was a tremendous success, so we want to jump from a plane again (commonly known as skydiving)😬🪂.

Story behind our bold initiative:

Hi, I'm Aylin, a mother of two children and a doctor. Not only was I diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in March 2021, but I also suffer from a rare neuromuscular condition known as Myasthenia Gravis. In rare instances, Myasthenia Gravis can be associated with a rare form of cancer called Thymoma or thymic epithelial tumour. This fundraising event is my way of raising awareness about rare diseases and cancers. It is important to remember that not all disabilities are visible, yet they can profoundly impact a person’s life, such as rendering them unable to function normally, work, or live independently, and leading to endless hospital appointments, not to mention the necessity of consuming large amounts of medication, which have their own side effects. Often, people only see a snapshot of who I am, overlooking the struggles that occur behind the scenes.

Throughout my journey and recovery, my personal and motivational trainer, Kosta, has played a significant role. Following my major chest surgery, he began to train me, helping me regain strength and rebuild my muscles. His guidance, support, and encouragement also significantly improved my mental resilience.

Kosta’s steadfast belief in our shared goal of skydiving, once I was stronger and more stable, led to last year’s successful jump from 15,000 feet, supported by many. My journey continues, and together, we aim to raise funds for the Christie once again.

My name is Kosta, I'm 38, and I work as a personal trainer. My introduction to cancer occurred at a very young age; when I was 10, my father died from colon cancer. He was the epitome of health—never smoked, never drank, maintained a good diet, and loved his family dearly. Yet, despite his healthy lifestyle, he fell ill at 41 and passed away at 43.

Over the past few years, I’ve encountered many people who, themselves or through their loved ones, have received support from the Christie. It is an incredible organisation that provides top-notch cancer treatment. I have made it a tradition to fundraise for them annually, and this year is no different.

This year’s fundraiser involves skydiving with a former client of mine, who has bravely battled cancer.I urge you to donate whatever you can. Every contribution makes a difference.

I'm Pip, and Aylin is my dear friend and an incredible inspiration. She is a star that shines bright and is an amazing mum to her 2 lovely daughters, always putting them front and centre to all she does.

I'm doing this crazy sky dive to support her and The Christie to bring awareness about the many different cancers and the work being done to provide care and cure.

Please donate what you can and wish us luck!

Background:

In March 2021, I became seriously ill, developing double vision, nausea, and weakness in my arms. What doctors initially suspected was a visual migraine turned out to be Myasthenia Gravis, a rare neuromuscular condition. This diagnosis was shocking, profoundly affecting my quality of life, especially as a doctor and a mother of two young children, constantly worrying about my children, career, and job. However, this wasn't the only diagnosis I received. Following admission to the high dependency unit due to breathing difficulties and weakness in my neck and limbs, a CT scan revealed a mass suspected to be an advanced thymic tumour. A biopsy confirmed it was a more aggressive form of thymic cancer. Initially considered “inoperable” due to its proximity to vital structures and its attachment to the heart and lungs, my world came crashing down. Being diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition that affects all your voluntary muscles was daunting enough, but facing a rare cancer (with fewer than 350 cases diagnosed annually) felt incredibly isolating and frightening.

Given the choice, which one would I choose to give away? After much deliberation, the surgeons decided to proceed with the operation. It was a long and challenging surgery, but the tumour was successfully removed, along with my lymph nodes in the chest, parts of my lungs, the lining of my heart, and a significant section of a vein. At that stage, I was informed I had stage 4 cancer.

My recovery was complicated by my Myasthenia Gravis, as many medications were off-limits. Throughout my treatment and radiotherapy, I experienced numerous complications, including pericarditis, consecutive chest infections, two upper limb thromboses, gastric bleeding, and a worsening of my Myasthenia Gravis.

Managing my neuromuscular condition, which continues to cause fatigue, breathing problems, and limb weakness, has been (and remains) a monumental challenge. The medications I must take suppress my immune system and require regular adjustments and monitoring.