Thirsty for physical freedom, a young woman with cerebral palsy and an indomitable spirit of adventure has taken on the challenge to skydive for charity.
Being physically disabled doesn’t mean you can’t... believe all things are possible
Jeanesse Abela, 35, did not think twice when YMCA chairman Jean Paul Mifsud invited her to join his cause, Touch The Sky, and raise money for the homeless.
For Ms Abela, who actually chairs another charity – Living Ability Not Disability (LAND) – this is the first time she is taking a break from her tireless fundraising efforts to help a different cause.
“I wanted to do something different... I like helping others too,” she said.
Her eyes shine as she speaks about the challenge that will take place on March 31 at the Marina di Modica in Sicily.
“I’m very excited – it’s all I can think of all day. Of course, I’m also a little bit scared, wondering what will happen. But I’m determined to do it. It’s a dream come true and I’ll be helping others in the process,” she said.
Ms Abela was also thrilled to get the doctor’s all-clear to go tandem skydiving, even though she whispers that if she had not been given the certification she would have still gone ahead, because “you only live once”.
“Being physically disabled does not mean you can’t do these things and believe that all things are possible. I am very excited and can’t wait to do it,” she said, her limbs contorting every time as she attempts to structure her sentences.
Her condition – cerebral palsy, athiod type – means she suffers from uncontrollable jerky movements, stiff muscles, and lack of coordination.
She has difficulty hearing, but can lip read. The computer has helped her overcome communication boundaries and although she types with one finger, she is extremely fast at sending e-mails and keeping up with friends on Facebook.
Ms Abela, a twin, was born prematurely at seven months and the two girls spent their first three months of life at hospital. Fate dealt Jeanesse the disability, but it has not stopped her from attempting to live as good a life as possible.
Always one to challenge her situation, Ms Abela, works with a communications company and is forever eager to embark on a new adventure.
“I’ve been always an adventurer – I have gone wall climbing in Belgium, went on a hot air balloon in Wales and jet skiing in Malta. Now I wanted to do something different and big so I chose sky diving,” she said, as her father Anthony, looked on with a worried expression.
The challenge is not just a physical one and she has to raise €1,000 in aid of YMCA Homeless by the end of the month to realise her dream.
To run all its services and provide shelter for those in need, YMCA Homeless needs around €300,000 a year, most of whichcome from such fundraising activities and campaigns.
In all, some 65 people have expressed an interest to take part. Those wishing to support Ms Abela in her quest can send anSMS with her name ‘Jeanesse Abela’ on 5061 8088 to donate €4.66 or 5061 9212, to give €11.66.
Those interested in taking part can contact YMCA on 2124 0680 or e-mail info@ymcahomeless.org to receive information about the event. YMCA is handling all the logistical details, including travel plans.