Running for Christine

By Emma

I am running in the Nike Melbourne Marathon for my Mother-in-Law Christine.

Christine is one of the most inspiring, gritty, compassionate and loving women that I know.

A stroke struck Christine in 2012 when she was 51 years old. She was on holiday in Portland, USA with her husband Doug.

They were due to board a cruise in Alaska when Christine suffered a carotid artery dissection. It is unclear what time it happened, but Doug woke up in the morning and found Christine on the floor of the hotel room. She was rushed to hospital and within hours of her admission was in surgery having a craniectomy.

Christine spent almost three weeks in ICU and was looked after by some of the best neurology surgeons in the country. She was eventually given ‘the all clear’ to fly and was medevacked back to Melbourne. She went straight to Royal Melbourne Hospital and over the coming months had an artificial plate inserted to replace the section of her skull that was removed. She began physical, speech and occupational therapy, and was eventually moved to Parkville to continue her therapy.

Despite the severity of the stroke, Christine continued to defy the odds. She has a nursing background and has a clear understanding of the importance of therapy. Christine worked incredibly hard, was able to regain her ability to walk and function relatively independently.

Stroke left Christine with limited mobility on her right side and aphasia. She can walk short distances and has taught herself to cross stitch, but by far her biggest challenge is her speech. Aphasia is a barrier that often frustrates her, it impacts her emotionally and causes upset for everyone who loves her.

Any challenges that stroke has thrown up; Christine has faced head on. She is the most incredible inspiration to her family and friends. She is the first person to remember birthdays, and milestones in people's lives. Whilst she still has aphasia, she is able to communicate with all of her friends and family in other ways. She oozes love and kindness and makes everyone around her laugh daily. Doug and Christine continue to live a beautiful life and have been able to travel and enjoy their five little grandchildren that keeps them very busy.

I am grateful to be able to run and move freely. Watching Christine battle with what stroke has cruelly taken from her, it breaks my heart. So that is why I am running to fight stroke. Every stride I take will be a celebration of Christine, and other people impacted by stroke.

Christine, thank you! Thank you for fighting so hard. Thank you for choosing life. Thank you for inspiring us, for making us laugh and for the hugs that you give. Thank you for the beautiful cross stiches you have given our kids, for always remembering everyone’s birthdays and always being the loudest one to sing. Thank you for being the first to comment or post a sticker on every Facebook post and for the phone calls. Whilst you may not be able to communicate with words, we feel all your love and somehow know exactly what you are trying to say.

We all love you so much Christine, thank you for being the greatest Nanny, Mum and Mother-In-Law.