"I left my arm in Adelaide!" Kerryn Harvey, Paratriathlete

The Strength of Us

Kerryn Harvey was a triathlete and after a 2013 cycling accident in the Adelaide Hills, Australia, she contracted a flesh eating bacteria, referred to as Necrotizing Fasciitis resulting in a four quarter arm amputation which includes her whole arm, shoulder and some chest and back muscles.

With toxic shock and organ failure, Kerryn’s loved ones had to decide whether to amputate to try and save her life, or say their goodbyes. Fortunately for Kerryn, her friends knew just how strong she was and knew that when she woke up, she would make the most of her life, no matter what.

In this episode you will hear Kerryn’s story of survival against all odds. In fact, she had less than a 5% chance of living but the incredible medical team at the Royal Adelaide Hospital not only saved her life, but were the inspiration for Kerryn to give back when she got back on that bike. Kerryn raised a significant amount of money for research at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and began the Start Foundation. A charity that helps amputees to afford the prosthetics, equipment or modifications needed in order to play sport.

Kerryn has gone on to achieve more personal goals and now holds a world ranking as a paratriathlete. Nothing stops this woman from giving it her all. She is now a personal trainer, an inspiring sportswoman and a force of nature.
Donate to the START foundation here: https://www.startfoundation.org.au/donations
For further support:
https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/
https://www.auscycling.org.au/membership/other/insurance-overview
https://www.letstalkaustralia.org/
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
https://www.lifeline.org.au/131114/