Dear Family, Friends, and Supporters:

As many of you know, on February 4, 2016, I underwent what was supposed to be routine surgery to remove a fibroid.

The surgery did not go as planned. I developed serious medical complications, including a haematoma, resulting in the necessity for a KCI Vac, as well as more than one infection.

I am recovering at home, however I remain under the care of the Head of Gynecology at the Victoria General Hospital, and, at his request, am also being seen by an Infectious Disease/Internal Medicine Specialist.

Consequently, and on the advice of my doctors. I am withdrawing from the 2016 ITU World Championships. This is not a decision that I came to quickly or easily. My doctors, coaches and I have been in discussion from the beginning about the best course of action. However, in light of the current situation, I believe that I will not be sufficiently prepared to represent my country in 2016.

 

Once I am cleared to exercise, I will be returning to training with Mercury Rising Triathlon under the coaching of Sara Gross with my focus on qualifying for the 2017 World Championships.

Right now, I am slowly working up to walking for a continuous 30 mins 🙂

I am thankful that my fibroid was benign (non-cancerous) and that I am expected to make a full, albeit slow, recovery.

I remain grateful to my surgeon, to his team, and to the health care professionals who have shown me the best of our medical system over the past 4 weeks. Our system is not perfect. But I can say that I have been treated with respect, dignity, kindness, and professionalism, by the dozens of doctors, nurses, and aides that I have encountered. I am grateful live in a country where I have access to this system. I am grateful to live at a time in history where recovery from this kind of procedure is not only possible, but expected.

I am grateful for the love of family and friends, both in Victoria and around the world who continue to show me love and care.

It’s been a tough road, and I want you to know that I appreciate your support through everything.

Thank you.