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Tracie LawlorBritish woman, victim of cystic fibrosis.
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Tracy Lawlor: A Life Lived with Cystic Fibrosis
- A Family Affected by Cystic Fibrosis
- A Tragic Loss and the Formation of a Fund
- Progress and the Tai Chi Research Project
- A Tribute to Tracy and Hope for Joe
Tracy Lawlor: A Life Lived with Cystic Fibrosis
Tracy Lawlor, a British woman, lived under the burden of cystic fibrosis but still managed to lead a fulfilling and interesting life. Despite knowing the fatal outcome of her disease, Tracy never gave up and became an inspiration to others. Tracy Lawlor passed away in November 2007, at the age of 24. Her genetic condition, cystic fibrosis, left her with little chance of survival as her lungs slowly filled with mucus. Adding to the complexity of her situation, Tracy's younger brother, Joe, also suffered from the same disease.
A Family Affected by Cystic Fibrosis
Joe Lawlor, born four years after Tracy, exhibited the same symptoms as his sister, indicating that his time on Earth would also be limited. However, ongoing research provides hope for Joe and others affected by cystic fibrosis. Surprisingly, one of the most promising directions of study is the effect of Tai Chi exercises. Practitioners of this Eastern technique have shown promising results in combating this cruel disease.
A Tragic Loss and the Formation of a Fund
Tracy Lawlor's cause of death was a general infection that she acquired during a routine hospital procedure. Her family had known about her illness since she was one year old. Cystic fibrosis is caused by a faulty gene that controls the movement of salt and water in the body's cells. This disruption leads to the slow filling of the lungs and digestive system with mucus. Breathing and digesting properly becomes challenging for those affected, requiring regular specialized procedures.
Six months after Tracy's death, her family established a special fund dedicated to researching cystic fibrosis. The Lawlor family aims to support individuals affected by cystic fibrosis worldwide, aid ongoing research for a cure, and improve the lives of those living with the disease. The fund sponsors support for patients, purchases necessary equipment (such as trainers, bicycles, and blood oxygen level monitors), and covers the costs of specialized procedures like acupuncture and Tai Chi sessions.
Progress and the Tai Chi Research Project
The fund has been successful, raising nearly £200,000 since its creation in 2008. Approximately £40,000 has been allocated to relatively new and promising research, specifically investigating the effects of Tai Chi on cystic fibrosis patients. This research project is being conducted by a group of researchers from South Bank University in the capital.
Mr. Lawlor, Tracy's father, stated that this area of study was previously neglected. The project requires a total of £51,000, and the remaining £11,000 will be raised through a venture called the "Three Peaks Challenge." This initiative involves a group of friends who will undertake a physical challenge to gather the remaining funds.
A Tribute to Tracy and Hope for Joe
For Joe Lawlor, the work of the fund is primarily a way to honor his sister's memory. Tracy and Joe had always been close, with Tracy taking care of her brother's medication and ensuring he adhered to the challenging aspects of living with cystic fibrosis. Tracy showed Joe that even a life-threatening illness could not hinder a determined individual. She demonstrated that despite one's condition, it was still possible to attend college, embark on travels (such as her six-month stay in China), and lead a meaningful life.
