Raising awareness through sky diving
Woman suffering from multiple sclerosis went sky diving in support of other people suffering from MS and raising awareness on the disease.
In support of multiple sclerosis (MS) on her birthday Rene Westerveld went sky diving at the Sky Diving Club in Wonderboom.
Westerveld also suffers from MS and has decided to take this leap of faith to also raise awareness on the disease.
MS is a chronic degenerative disease which affects the brain, the spinal cord and attacks the myelin sheaths which are the insulation fibres around the nerves leaving multiple scars. This means the body and the brain cannot communicate well which results in loss of movement, vision problems, memory problems, fatigue and pain among many other symptoms.
“There is no cure for MS and only by raising awareness will we be able to make a difference. Many people do not understand or know about MS. I am creating awareness of MS by jumping out of an aeroplane.”
Westerveld said when the opportunity presented itself for her to jump for MS she grabbed it. She said the sky diving was not planned it just happened.
“My friends asked me if I really wanted to do this and they supported me all the way,” said Westerveld.
The director of MS South Africa, Non Smit said what Westerveld is doing was couragous and it was an awesome idea of doing the jump to create awareness for MS.
“Rene is representing the almost 5 000 people living with this debilitating condition. She is also giving us hope and courage that the sky is the limit and people can reach out and do what they dream of doing because it is possible.”
Smit also said MSSA endevours to facilitate and support all people with MS.
Westerveld enjoyed the sky diving and was happy she could do it. She said it was an unbelievable but great experience.
“When I walked to the door of the aeroplane I was not sure if I was going to do it but I am glad I did it,” an excited Westerveld said.
Show your support by SMSing the word ORANGE to 41000. This will cost R25 which goes to the MS Association which helps support people with MS and to spread the word about this dreadful disease. Make a difference today, support Westerveld and others by sending your SMS now.
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