After living in Spain 26 years life has it´s ups and it´s downs. We have good days and bad days like you would anywhere else. Normally though things get sorted. we find the energy to pick ourselves up and carry on the best we can. I would like to take this opportunity to tell you about a young lady called Natasha Lynch. Natasha is a vibrant, friendly and caring 22 year old, originally from Liverpool, England, who has been living in Costa Blanca Spain for the past 4 years. Everyone who meets her warms to her immediately due to her sunny disposition, beautiful smile and absolute positivity. In January 2014, having just gone to the UK after she had been working as a Children’s Rep in Egypt, Tasha was struck down by meningitis. Thankfully, she survived this but it has left her with not 1, not 2 but 3 debilitating illnesses, which have transformed her life. They are: Hemiplegic Migraines: Hemiplegic migraines are basically the most excruciating headache that you could ever imagine. Far, far worse than a migraine! Along with the pain, it causes paralysis on one side of the body, similar to the symptoms of a stroke. Also, when Tasha has one of these episodes, she has dreadful seizures which leave her weak and exhausted. You can find more information on Hemiplegic Migraines here: http://www.migrainetrust.org/factsheet-hemiplegic-migraine-10913 Myasthenia Gravis: Myasthenia Gravis is an autoimmune disorder that causes weakness in the ocular, bulbar, limb, and respiratory. Tasha struggles to breathe and relies on oxygen most of the time as her respiratory muscles are too weak to ensure breathing! Extraordinarily frightening, especially for one so young! Also, her left eye is permanently closed. More info on this illness here: http://www.uptodate.com/contents/myasthenic-crisis Transverse Myelitis: Transverse myelitis is a neurological disorder caused by inflammation across both sides of one level, or segment, of the spinal cord. The segment of the spinal cord at which the damage occurs determines which parts of the body are affected. Tasha is mainly affected in that she can feel nothing below her waist. More information on Transverse Myelitis can be found here: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/transversemyelitis/detail_transversemyelitis.htm#3234_1 Both Myasthenia Gravis and Transverse Myelitis have left Tasha with major disabilities. In October 2015, she was rushed in to Torrevieja Hospital with breathing difficulties and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, where she spent the next 5 weeks fighting for her life. She was suffering from Myasthenia Crisis, a critical stage that was trying to stop her lungs from working. Despite all of this, Natasha has still kept her positive attitude and sense of humour. Prior to being taken into hospital, she insisted on working, although she tired easily, and was working latterly at The Final Whistle in La Marina Urbanisation, which she loved. Natasha finally came home on Monday 22nd February following almost 4 months of being in hospital and a rehabilitation centre. Although she is now at home and we have managed, thanks to generous donations and fundraising events, to purchase a specialised wheelchair, a BPAP MACHINE, which basically helps her to breathe while asleep, therefore, allowing her lungs to rest enough for her to breathe more easily during the day time, and a portable BPAP machine so that, in time, Tasha will be able to go out without the fear of not being able to breathe. On top of these major items, other changes have been made at home, such as bathroom aids and a ramp to allow her to get the scooter into her home. This is all without the medication required just to keep her stable! There is still a long road ahead and Natasha has absolutely no feeling from the waist down and struggles to hold her head up unaided. She has a little more mobility in her arms and has been taught breathing techniques to make it easier for her to talk as well as breathe! Tasha will still need physiotherapy for a long time to come but it was felt that she would be happier at home. At present Tasha needs 24 hour care and will need more equipment at home to make life easier for her and her dad, Andy, and step-mum, Dawn. Natasha’s Dad, Andy, set up a GoFundMe Account at the beginning of January in the hope that funds could be raised to purchase the wheelchair and BPAP machines but, as she will need more equipment, we are keeping the fund going for the time being, especially as there are already more events planned. The link can be found here if you wish to make a donation. https://www.gofundme.com/wexb7wzw The text above has been copied from a Facebook page and that part of the blog I cannot take credit for. This is just an appeal if you can to help her if you possibly can by donating. Most people I talk too are from the Andalucia area but the idea of SpainLINKED is to link each other together, anywhere you are in Spain. Thank you for reading. Sarah Granger - Benidorm half marathonSarah Granger is running a Benidorm half marathon on 27th November. Here´s Sarah´s message: I'm running Benidorm half marathon on 27th November for a stranger hence granger running for stranger. Tasha lynch is a beautiful young girl who needs funding for medical equipment etc I have never met tasha but read all about her and wanted to do something for someone I didn't know a kind gesture so please can you also help a stranger and a stranger granger!!! Thank you in advance xxx https://www.gofundme.com/zt-granger-running-for-a-stranger Christmas Variety Show
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