Julia Benedict

This challenge is twofold for me.

I was born with severe club feet and wore casts until I was 4, when I had surgery to sever my Achilles tendons and reattach them. I learned to walk 3 times over those young years. At that time and beyond, I often set tasks and challenges for myself. I didn’t usually share them with anyone, just private hurdles and secret accomplishments. I became strong, and while attending university, endeavoured in a very physical career, which I enjoyed. After injuries, my friends and my body convinced me that I didn’t have to push myself so hard anymore and I worked to let some of that stubbornness go.

The second drive for this challenge is fresher and harder to talk about. Both of my parents died from heart related issues in 2019.

I was in college when my father had a bovine valve replacement and bypass. His recovery was long and slow, but he gradually rebuilt his strength. This was followed by years of other scares and procedures – an aneurysm on his heart, inserting a pacemaker and several TIAs.

My mum was diagnosed with congestive heart failure around 2016. At this point I became their carer. Eventually, through help of family and wonderful neighbours, plus a team of dedicated doctors, nurses and carers, I was able to step away and go back to work.

In the summer of 2019, Dad’s heart did give out. He was too thin and too weak to carry on.

A few weeks later, Mum, heartbroken, developed an infection while in a healthcare facility. After a heroic effort, her heart and her lungs lost the fight.

Heart disease and stroke are mostly preventable through lifestyle changes and monitoring of your health. While I have history of heart conditions on both sides of my family, my fate is not set in stone. I have signed up for this challenge to stay fit and healthy. I publicly challenge myself to do what I can to end this cycle and stop this illness in my family.