A First!

So divine - Jean-Luc came first in his age group in the Malaysia Triathlon on Saturday! (It's the race he dedicated to Tara). Wow and Congratulations! It was so exciting watching it on the internet with Louise and Julia (JL's wife and daughter). Julia brought Tara the most stunning cards that her whole class (including the teacher) had each made for Tara - filled with such lovely messages and gorgeous drawings. Thank You Julia's Class! We're going to decorate Tara's room with all the cards when she has her operation so they make her feel good!

For all those who've asked about supporting Jean Luc - his efforts are ongoing - he asks that any kind donations for Tara be sent to him at: JL & L Boulanger, 38 Ferrars Place, South Melbourne, VIC 3205, Australia. Cheques should be made out to Tara Panayis. It's been the kindest thing that Jean Luc has started this - because, as mentioned before, we would never have asked for anything - but for Tara's sake, it would be insane for us to not say thank you for any extra funds she can get. We look at our left legs now and go 'wow, this leg hasn't cost me a cent and it's lasted over 40 years!' while Tara's pretend legs will need replacing every 10 months or so...

A guy in JL's race, who's had an amputation himself, advised that it's best for the prosthetist to be present during the op - so we'll be talking to our specialist about that. Another interesting fact we've learnt is that the reason why amputees tend to suffer so much more during the heat (with swelling etc.) is that since we lose heat through our head and feet, one less foot means one less cooling mechanism!