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Home » Mater Stories » A beacon of resilience. Why Rusty runs in the Aer Arann Islands Half Marathon.

A beacon of resilience. Why Rusty runs in the Aer Arann Islands Half Marathon.

“Life might be a lot of things, but it won’t be long.”

Last year, when I heard the half marathon was raising funds for ventilators in the Mater Hospital, I knew I wanted to take part.

My sister Karen had been fighting a courageous battle with mesothelioma since she was 29. She slept on a ventilator every night for 20 years. She is what drew me to run the half marathon on Inis Mór.

Karen was so happy I ran to raise money to provide ventilators to patients who needed them, just like her. And I’m so glad that I did. I just wanted to say thank you for the opportunity.

I loved the whole experience of the half marathon so much that I had a tattoo of Inis Mór while I was in Limerick, just before I left for home.

Unfortunately, last September, Karen decided she’d had enough and went quickly, strongly and peacefully. After her passing, I added a tattoo of the word ‘resilient’ with a K added in Karen‘s handwriting. Resilient was one her mantra words.

Thank you again for such a wonderful experience.

Rusty Chadwick, America

 

Join Rusty and walk, jog or run this unique half marathon on the beautiful island of Inis Mór to support patient care in the Mater Hospital.

Go to our Eventmaster page to sign up and start fundraising today!

Sign up today!
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