Jennie puts her best foot forward
A device designed to help war veterans has changed life for one Kiwi mum, writes Emily Ford.
Growing up barely able to walk, Jennie Jackson never imagined she would be able to take part in a marathon.
The Auckland mum was born with bilateral clubfoot, a debilitating illness which meant that while her left foot improved as she grew older, her right foot never did, despite two major surgeries.
Just walking from the house to her car caused excruciating pain, and running around after her young son was difficult.
Then, last year she was fitted with an ExoSym, a device designed for wounded veterans that straps to her leg and fits inside her shoe, allowing her to walk unaided.
Since then, she’s gone from considering amputation to taking part in hikes around New Zealand, Canada and the United States. And today, the day after her 46th birthday, she’s looking to knock off her biggest challenge yet.
She will join TV personalities, comedians, and sporting legends on the streets of Auckland for the 2016 ASB Auckland Marathon and Barfoot and Thompson Half Marathon.
TV3 anchor Mike McRoberts, The Bachelor winner Matilda Rice and Black Stick Charlotte Harrison are also set to join in the event.
Jackson will be walking for the most part, and her only apprehension is getting to the Auckland Harbour Bridge before the cut-off time.
‘‘I’ve been walking for a while and I feel confident I can do the distance. I just need to make the cut off to get across the bridge. It’s going to be a challenge.’’
The ExoSym is a device originally designed by American prosthetist Ryan Blanck for active and retired soldiers with limb injuries.
The device costs about $12,000 and is now available to people living with severe lower-extremity conditions and injuries.
The ExoSym has changed Jackson’s life and allowed her to cast aside thoughts of undergoing an amputation.
‘‘I could hardly walk. I would go to work and that was tiring enough sitting all day at a desk. I thought ‘why don’t we just chop it off?’.’’
Then, as she neared her wits’ end she was recommended the device through a clubfoot Facebook support group.
Jackson travelled to Seattle in May last year to have the device fitted and spent two weeks in training, learning how to move and walk.
‘‘I was mind blown and so emotional. It was like walking on clouds.
‘‘I’d never walked with so much ease, it was so amazing and I knew it was really going to work.’’
Almost 18 months on, and Jackson couldn’t be more thankful. A four-day hike is no longer impossible and she will happily park a bit further from the supermarket for the walk.
Now, she wants more people with clubfoot and similar conditions to see how it’s impacted her and consider getting the device as well.
While the hefty price tag is limiting for people, she says it’s worth it.
‘‘I would pay double that price now I know just what it’s given me.’’
Visit Jackson’s website – jjsbionicleg.webs.com – to connect with her and learn more about the ExoSym.