Woman Parachutes to Raise Money for Care of Mesothelioma Patients in England Hospice Center
When her husband bought her a gift of one parachute jump Deana Kay was very nervous, but she decided to fight her fears and mesothelioma at the same time by skydiving for a cause. Kay’s grandmother, who battled mesothelioma for 18 months while a resident at St. Mary’s Hospice in Ulverston, England, died from the disease in March. Kay has raised close to $2,000 (American dollars) for the hospice.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer typically affecting the lining of the lungs. Primarily caused by exposure to airborne asbestos fibers, most cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed 30 years or more after exposure. Currently there is no known cure for mesothelioma, and the average survival time varies from 4 – 18 months after diagnosis.
St. Mary’s offers specialized supportive and palliative care for people with life-limiting conditions. Located in South Cumbria, England, their services are available to all adults who are facing the end of life, and to their families, caregivers and the bereaved. All St Mary’s care is provided free of charge. St. Mary’s relies almost exclusively on private donations to maintain the facility.
Kay continues to raise money online through JustGiving, the UK’s first online fundraising website. After her jump she wrote: “I have been very touched by everyone’s support to what is a really great and worthy cause as St. Mary’s hospice. They looked after our precious Nan and family so well during a terrible time.”
