The Year That Was – 2024

I have written a lot about this year, 2024, so I won’t bore you with the details again! Suffice to say, it wasn’t the best of years, but it was one that filled me with immense gratitude. As the year draws to a close, I encourage you to take a moment to look around at the people in your life who have given of themselves to you this year. Be grateful for them, because what would life be without the people who love and support us?

Gratitude can fill our hearts with love, joy, and resilience. It reminds us of the beauty in even the most challenging times and strengthens our ability to keep moving forward. For me, 2024 was full of moments where gratitude carried me through.

There are so many people I want to thank—my husband Russ, my sister Cynthia, and my mum Phyllis, who have been unwavering in their support. I am grateful to the friends who stood by me through my health battles, sent messages of encouragement (even when I couldn’t read them myself, Cynthia did), visited when I was up for it, and helped with countless car rides to and from the hospital. You know who you are, and I am forever thankful for you.

To the incredible doctors who guided me through this year, particularly Sue White and Alice MacNamara from the VIS, Matt Conron (my lung specialist), Jon Darcy (infection specialist), Jon and Mitch from ICU, and Neil Shuey (my neurologist)—thank you for your expertise and care. You are the reason I am here, writing this today.

And to the VIS team, especially Anne-Marie, Ali, Kylie, Luke, Josh, and Gillian, you helped me find my way back to some semblance of fitness, making it possible for me to race in Switzerland for my final international event. To AusCycling management, staff, and teammates, your support ensured I could take part in that special race, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

To say 2024 was challenging feels like an understatement—it certainly didn’t go as planned. But through all the hardships, it showed me just how full my life is with people who care. For that, I am endlessly grateful.

So, here’s to 2025. May it bring fewer health challenges and even more moments of gratitude, connection, and joy.