Some Thoughts

I have thought a while about writing this, but hey it’s a blog which basically means it’s my public diary and I can write here whatever I think and want out there.

Every now and then people who know about my leg but don’t exactly know what’s wrong, which I can’t blame anyone for because it has been unclear for a while, come to me (or my parents) and they say things like I know this famous orthopedic surgeon, the best of the best, or why don’t you go to the US to fix your leg or why don’t you get a prosthetic knee. And I know it all comes from a good place, everyone whishes me the best, but I’m saying it once and (hopefully) for all; I DON’T NEED FIXING my life doesn’t suck I am completely happy and I have accepted my leg. I have seen more than enough (famous) orthopedic surgeons, I know I have tried it all, there is just nothing to fix. As long as doctor’s don’t know how to grow back muscles, there is nothing they can do, except for giving me an orthosis. A prosthetic knee won’t work because it still needs muscles to function, which I lack because they where to severely damaged. I’m sorry if I have offended anyone by writing this. It makes me sad when people have pity on me, because it isn’t necessary.

I have two great ortheses which give me the possibility to walk, jump, ski and run (sort of).  I have an amazing physical therapist who helped me master all those things. I can ride a bike, drive a car and can’t think of any important things I can’t do, yeah except for buying shoes which is a problem with my orthosis, but if that’s all!?

My life is good, I have amazing friends and family, I’m doing good in med school, which has been my dream since I was 6 years old and asked for an anatomy book for Christmas, and off course there is skiing....

@ a Disney themed birthday party of  one of my friends, great night.

People can always help me by suporting me to pursue my dream to become a Paralympic ski racer in every way possible and I still need funding for this season, every tiny bit helps.

On November 17 and 18 there is an IPCAS race in Snowworld Landgraaf, last year I wasn’t able to compete because I broke my ankle, but things are looking good for this year. It will be my second first race so I don’t exactly know what to expect, I have done a lot of training over summer and fall and there is still a lot to come so I’ll be ready, I guess ;-). For more information about the race follow this link: http://www.ipc-alpineskiing.org/export/sites/ipc_sports_alpine_skiing/Downloads/2010_11_IPCAS_NED_Invitation.pdf