Jeanesse Abela, who suffers from cerebral palsy, has had to put her skydiving dreams on hold after strong winds disrupted her plans.
I had been determined to do it. I felt really sad
The 35-year-old had joined YMCA’s cause, Touch the Sky, to skydive at the Marina di Modica in Sicily on March 31, while raising money for the homeless.
“I went to Sicily on the catamaran and was very excited. At first I was told I would be the last one to jump, but then the instructor felt it too dangerous for me as the wind had picked up,” she said when contacted.
“I was very disappointed as I had been determined to do it. I felt really sad,” she added.
The 35-year-old was thrilled to get the doctor’s all-clear to go skydiving, saying that “being physically disabled does not mean you can’t do these things”.
Ms Abela’s 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 in sending e-mails and keeping up with her friends on Facebook.
It was these jerky movements that made the instructor decide against allowing Ms Abela to jump against the strong winds.
However, Ms Abela’s spirits were lifted when she learnt YMCA was repeating the same event on June 29. In the meantime, the instructor has devised special equipment to enable the young woman to jump, even in windy conditions.
“I hope this time my dream will come true, but if not I will try over and over again until I can make it happen,” she said.
YMCA chairman Jean Paul Mifsud said the skydiving fund-raising event had raised more than €5,000, encouraging the NGO to organise another event in summer.
To run all its services and provide shelter for those in need, YMCA Homeless needs around €300,000 a year, most of which come from such fundraising activities.
Those wishing to support YMCA can send an SMS on 5061 8088 to donate €4.66 or 5061 9212, to give €11.66.
Those interested in taking part in June’s Touch the Sky event can contact YMCA on 2124 0680 or e-mail info@ymcahomeless.org.