I am initiating this fundraiser for my goddaughter Emily, who suffers from CRPS. In addition to supporting this worthy cause, I also aim to raise funds for my football team, Astley & Buckshaw Utd, which relies on fundraising events for its operations. It's a dual effort for two significant causes, involving three walks over one month. Below, you'll find a testimonial from Emily, sharing her experience living with CRPS.
Emily in her own words.
I didn't know what CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) was when I first felt my knee hurt. It was 7 years until I got the diagnosis from Pain Management. I was told I had it for a while and it didn't matter for me at the time as I officially got diagnosed. I struggled a lot before diagnosis as I was very active and very fit and healthy. I felt lost as my knee continued to give me trouble.
Upon diagnosis, times have changed and my body is very much in pain 24/7. Living with it is difficult, it's now spread to my back neck and arm. I walk with a cane in my day-to-day life something I couldn't think of doing at 23. I find myself mostly in bed all the time and it's difficult to go out as I worry if I knock myself or do too much as that results in a flare-up.
However, there is a positive to this negative.
I'm surrounded by all the love of my family and friends who support me and care for me. CRPS is also something so hidden that it is difficult to understand but it doesn't matter to them as I'm still Emily. Upon this, I am grateful that my brilliant Godfather, my Uncle Dave has chosen to raise money for the CRPS Charity Burning Nights. This will help with research into finding a cure as well as help people like me who struggling with CRPS and their families such as education and acknowledgement of what it is.
Whatever you can donate will make a difference. Thank you, Emily.
Thank you once again.
Camera Man Dave.
