Tracy Todd was once an energetic sportswoman, tanned from spending time in the sun. Her 10-month-old baby, Chad, kept her on her toes but for the fit and trim Tracy, he was her world. She was only 28 when her life changed within split seconds on a fateful day in April 1998.

A tragic accident left her a quadriplegic. Since her setback, she has learned that "you do not need to walk to be able to soar in life".

Her long road to recovery was filled with many challenges but somehow Tracy managed not only to overcome them, but also to inspire others around her to reach greater heights. Her regular blog gives one insight into her life as a quadriplegic, but more so provides food for thought and uplifts the soul.

She has influenced the lives of thousands of people all over South Africa through her powerful and entertaining presentations as a motivational speaker.
Her parents and a close circle of friends have, since the accident, helped taking care of her financial and other needs.
But, the recent difficult economic climate has also affected many of her "angels" and Tracy now finds herself in a difficult situation. Apart from this, she has also been suffering from severe spasms lately which have led her to being confined to her house as the spasms make her fall from her chair.

A group of friends have got together and decided to start a fund-raising project to support Tracy in these difficult times.

The first event will take place at The Grove centre today where a few businesspeople and celebrities will try to "walk a mile in another man’s shoes" by spending time in a wheelchair doing shopping.
The Grove has decided to place more focus on people with disabilities and will over the next few months become involved in similar projects.

Dis-Chem has pledged its support and donated 10 wheelchairs for fund-raising purposes. On October 12, a special fund-raising event will be held for Tracy at the Emnotweni Arena, that has kindly sponsored the venue and catering services for the event. Well-known singer, Mathys Roets, who was paralysed after a motorbike accident two years ago, will be the guest artist with his fellow "Ses Snare" friend, Thean Kotzé.

You can look forward to a relaxing evening with a three-course meal, great entertainment and for only R150 per person, get excellent value for money. Guests will also receive a special gift at the event. Corporate tables of eight people are available at R1 200 per table. Her life story has touched many hearts and makes one look at life with renewed appreciation.
Don’t miss out on a fantastic event and an opportunity to give to someone else in need.

For bookings or more information contact Annalize Uys on 013-754-1600, Jacki van Zyl on 083-301-9247 or Monique on 083-291-8021.

A prayer…

One whole day is all I ask
Posted on January 10, 2010 by Tracy Todd

Dear Lord

If only You gave me back the use of my arms – I don’t need my legs – for just 24 hours…

I would wrap my arms around my 12-year-old son and hold him to me tightly.

I would squeeze his cheeks between my hands and kiss him all over his face.

I would wipe my tears of joy and blow my nose holding tissues in both hands.

I would hug all my family and friends.

I would put my arm around all the special people, who have been so good to me, to thank them for their ongoing love, care and support.

I would linger in a hot bubble bath and wash my own hair and cleanse my face.

I would brush my teeth on my own.

I would dress myself.

I would apply my own make-up.

I would blow-dry and style my hair in my own way.

I would go out into the garden and dig into the soil with my bare hands and fingers.

I would pick my roses, hold them to my nose and sniff their divine scent.

I would eat all the ribs I could and savour each bite.

I would hold a steaming cup of coffee to my lips with both hands and sip it slowly. Or, maybe a tall glass of bubbly.

I would slam the door of my bedroom shut so that I could just be alone even if it were for just a few minutes.

I would hold a pen in my hand and sign my name on a piece of paper 100 times.

I would hand-write a letter to my son so that he can never forget what his mom’s handwriting looked like and always read how special he is and how much I love him.

I would clap my hands for joy and put my hands together as I pray to you to thank you for the many Angels and blessings you have brought into my life.

Amen

I share this prayer with all of you… not to solicit any sympathy or pity. I hate pity! I share my prayer in the hopes of reminding you to stop for a moment… think of all your blessings… appreciate what you can do… see the beauty in your life, your heart and that of others… and truly live.
Take nothing for granted.

From Tracy’s blogg on http://tracytodd.wordpress.com/