“Clearly It Was a Sign” – 48-Year-Old Nurse on Undertaking Parachute Jump Following a Horrifying Diagnosis

Unforeseen turns in life often lead to shaping our destinies. A 48-year-old resident of County Kildare also found her destinity reshaped. Her inspirational story exhibits her courage and resilience while living her life to the fullest. Nicola Kelly-Paquin worked as a nurse when her life took a drastic turn when she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. 

After the detection of the terminal disease, the wife and mother of three refused to surrender to the illness. Even amidst her long and strenuous journey living with the disease, she has been full of life. Let’s delve into this article to explore more about the journey of this brave woman.

Nicola’s remarkable journey: From tragedy to triumph

Parkinson’s Disease started showing subtle signs when she worked as a neuro-rehabilitation specialist at the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH). Kelly-Paquin did notice that she was losing strength on her feet and thumped her way while walking. Apart from this, it was PJ Gaire, her fitness trainer who noticed slowing movement on the left side of her body, especially on her left arm during weightlifting sessions. 

Her extensive experience of 25 years in neuro-rehabilitation played an indispensable role in figuring out the challenges that lay ahead and the ways to deal with them. Even amidst the chaotic situation brought about by the sudden diagnosis, she had taken part in a research study at University College Dublin (UCD). There, she was part of an assessment  where she expressed her knack for performing a parachute jump that she mentioned in her “50 things to do before turning 50.”  

Her sister made her wish come true, and it was on 8th October she participated in the skydiving adventure. Kelly-Paquin’s journey so far has taught her valuable lessons out of which she shares one with Leinster Leader, “Be kind to yourself and start off by finding the little things in life that bring you joy, think in the present and try not think of the road ahead.”

Parachute jumping for a noble cause

Taking part in the adventurous feat along with an instructor, sister, and two others whose father passed away suffering from PD, she raised €14,680. The fund will be used as a means to spread awareness and research regarding the cure of the disease.

Read More: 81-Year-Old, Along with 19 Daredevils, Went Skydiving from 14,000 Ft to Raise Funds for a Charitable Cause 

It was her acquaintance with the charitable group “Dogs for the Disabled” that sparked her interest in fundraising. The heartwarming encounter with the two-year-old Labrador, Nemo, encouraged her to assess her skills to continue with this fundraising journey.

Although initially, the diagnosis came as a shock for her, gradually Kelly-Paquin changed her perspective towards life and focused on gaining empowerment through information. She joined two associations namely Parkinson’s Association of Ireland and Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease group. Observing the disease from close proximity, Kelly-Paquin emphasizes the cruciality of self-compassion and taking one step at a time while heading forward in life.

Nicola Kelly-Paquin’s journey from detecting the disease to her persistent fight against the disease will continue to inspire everyone suffering from PD. Apart from this, her engagement with the greater cause of raising funds and awareness along with involvement in enlightening programs serves to showcase the transformative power of resilience blended with compassion. 

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