Just to explain......

I have put a few links on our blog and I thought I would explain why I have put them there.....

Firstly Fibula Hemeimelia, this explains much better than I ever could on Paddy's condition, she has Type III which is total absence of the fibula.

Then we have Kate Horan. She is a NZ athlete who has FH, she is currently training for the Paralympics, I think she does the 100 and 200 metre sprints. Kate was one of the first people I talked to when we found out about Paddy and having seen her on T.V I think she is awesome.

Next are Madeleine and Max, they are gorgeous twins living in Seattle with their Mum and Dad, Niki and Michael. Madeleine has FH in her left leg, she had her foot amputated when she was one year old. Madeleine is doing wonderfully, and I have to say thanks for all the support Niki gave me when coming to the decision about Paddy, without Niki and the rest of the crew on our FH forum I think I would have gone bonkers!

Sarah Reinerstsen is an American athlete who has PFFD, a condition very similar to FH but it involves the femur bone as well. Sarah has an above the knee amputation and she competes in the Iron man. I just have to say the word Iron man and I feel exhausted, I think Sarah is just incredible and an inspiration to all of us.

Then we have Sarah Walsh. Sarah also has FH, she lives in Australia with her Mum and Dad, Patricia and Tom and her two little sisters Laura and Kate. Nothing stops Sarah she gives everything a go! Thanks Patricia for the phone call, it was fantastic to talk to you and to hear how well Sarah is doing, I tell you we could have talked for NZ and Ireland! Will speak soon I hope.

Lastly I would like to say thanks to Claire, Mark and Buzz for taking time to see us and share your experiences with us, you made a huge difference in our decision making and made it a lot easier for us. Also to Carol and William for coming to see us, and everyone else who has taken time out to chat to us and help us along the way. Geez it sounds like an Oscar speech, but I don't think John and I can thank everyone enough for all their support and advice, everyone has been just fabulous!