Elizabeth Sobecki, at just 18, has shown courage well beyond her years. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis two years ago, Elizabeth refused to let go of her Olympic dream. As her health deteriorated, her determination to represent Australia grew. She was selected last year for the national para-equestrian squad.
Her mother Annie Sobecki said the past few years had been tough, but she was extremely proud of Elizabeth. “The day the neurologist said ‘I’m so sorry but this is what’s happened’, I was devastated.” “Equestrian has given her a reason to get out of bed. There are days when the fatigue gets the better of her but, once she’s out there on a horse, it’s a different world and she’s got legs and she’s moving.” Just when things were looking brighter for Elizabeth, last year she was diagnosed with fibrous dysplasia, a degenerative bone disease in her face.
Her mother was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Her trainer Karina Laudato, who has been there with Elizabeth through her illness, also was diagnosed with breast cancer. “It’s been difficult,” Mrs Sobecki said. Despite being told she has only a few years to live, Mrs Sobecki has missed just one of Elizabeth’s competitions. “I plan to be in London for the 2012 Olympics,” she said. Samantha Napier, Elizabeth’s best friend, nominated her for the Pride of Australia Courage Medal. It recognises Australians who have achieved incredible feats and touched the people around them. Source: Adelaide Now Copyright 2010 News Limited. (02/07/10)
Tags: austrailia, Elizabeth Sobecki, ms bravery, MS sporting hero
This entry was posted on Saturday, July 3rd, 2010 at 3:25 pm and is filed under Uncategorized.
