Four years ago, my life-long friend, Sue Malone-Tucker, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor which had invaded her brain stem and extended into her spinal column. In May 2014 she underwent a 15-hour, life-saving surgery to remove the tumor. Following the surgery, she also had 30 rounds of radiation to kill off any remaining bits of the cancer. Her doctor’s thought that after the surgery Sue may not be able to walk or carry out many activities of daily living.
Little did they know how drastically her life would be changed from the effects of the tumour and the surgery.
While her recovery was slow, Sue’s fitness and determination gave her the fight she needed to begin her long and challenging rehabilitation. Unfortunately, the tumour and surgery have made it impossible for her to return to her busy and hectic job as an ICU nurse educator at the Ottawa Hospital Heart Institute.
It’s also been difficult for the family financially – going on long-term disability doesn’t provide the same security as having a secure, full-time position as a nurse with 30 years of experience.
These past four years have been extremely challenging for Sue, her husband Blair and their three children: Keelin, Declan and Fin. Throughout her life Sue has always had a keen interest in being physically fit by playing water polo, doing triathlons, rowing, swimming and long-distance running (completing the Boston Marathon three times). Her dedication to fitness and exercise has been an important part of her mental and physical health.
Recently. Sue saw a woman riding an A-Linker near the canal in Ottawa. Sue stopped her and asked her about the bike and, as you might guess, tried it out. The next day, Sue and Blair went to the Liquid Gym in Ottawa to speak to the co-owner and physiotherapist Karen to rent one for a week and Sue couldn’t stop talking about how great this bike was for her stability. The operation left Sue with difficulties with balance but the A-Linker allowed her to use her legs in a way that was much better than the walker she had been using. The A-Linker also allows her to be at eye level when speaking with someone, allowing her to walk along with someone. When you see her on the A-Linker you can’t help but positively respond to the huge smile Sue has on her face – “free at last!”
Unfortunately, the A-Linker is not covered under any disability insurance plans, so I am asking for your help to fund this for Sue. The total cost of the bike is $2800 and through this “fund-me” site, we can collect enough to help Sue maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Won’t you help me make this possible for my life-long, best friend.
