14/03/2014
It has been over 3 months since I last saw my very dear friend, Heather Waters in South Africa and I apologize that it has taken some time for me to write you all an update.
Once again Heather blew my mind with her positivity, passion and determination to “Keep on Walking!” Isn’t amazing how easily we take our health for granted? Complaining that we don’t look like supermodels, never thinking about how lucky we are to be healthy. To be able to run, jump, (easily go to the toilet) and just do whatever we feel. One could say that Heather had been dealt a fair share of misfortune, but this was certainly not her perspective. She was more zestful and full of life than I can remember and she was so incredibly grateful for the amazing support and love she felt from all of us.
A friend of mine asked Heather if she had named her wheelchair yet. Heather’s response: “No, I’m not planning on making friends with this thing, but I do wish it had a cup holder!”
Without failing to be humorous, Heather opened my eyes and let me understand the vulnerability and difficulties of wheelchairdom. She even had an article published in the newspaper about the difficulties and stereotypes people in wheelchairs face on a daily basis, providing people in wheelchairs with a sense of support and people who can walk with insights allowing them to be more compassionate and empathetic towards people in wheelchairs. Amazing! Thank you Heather!
Thanks to the contributions of all the wonderful artists who participated and performed at the Dancing Waters Festival, all the amazing friends who helped, and the kind donations including the Pure Evil Painting we sold for £1500, we managed to raise just under £2300 which comes to almost R40 000!
These funds have been used to help Heather with her many medical expenses including medication, doctors, tests and some narly shoes which she CAN walk in on days when she has the strength. Unfortunately the cause of her Peripheral Neuropathy has not yet been discovered and therefore the correct treatments are difficult to pinpoint. It is very much a case of trial and error and tests tests tests. The last medication Heather was on actually made her unable to use her arms and induced more pain. It must be very scary to sometimes make the choice to go against what the doctors advise. However, since Heather has stopped that medication and is taking a more holistic approach she has gained full use of her arms, can walk for short stretches and has become more empowered in the choices she is making by listening to and trusting her body. GO HEATHER!
Through it all Heather continues to tour South Africa inspiring and empowering people with her music and is currently working on her next album. She performed some guest vocals on the Madiba song with me ,(Natali Shaked) which will hopefully be ready for release on the 18th July, his birthday. While Heather soldiers on her struggle continues and so does our fundraising. If you would like to support Heather further you can do so on our YouCaring Fundraising page: http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/keep-on-walking-heather-waters/72918
If you have any ideas or inspirations for raising more funds please be in touch! A pound here is almost R20 in South Africa!!!!
As a parting thought I ask us all to look at our bodies from head to toe. Think of how grateful we are for every limb and how blessed we are to be able to stroll through the blossoming streets. Remember you are beautiful!
Thank you all for your continuing love and support,
With love and light,
Natali
is a fundraiser in aid of helping South African based musician and humanitarian, Heather Waters combat Peripheral Neuropathy and help get her walking again!
