Noella’s Inspiring Journey: A Tale of Resilience and Dual Sports

Hey there, folks! Today, I want to share an incredible story about an inspiring individual who has shown us all what it means to overcome adversity with grace and determination. Meet Noella, a para athlete with a remarkable comeback story that’s far from ordinary!

Noella was born with an arterial vascular malformation (AVM), a condition that affects the development of blood vessels and soft tissues, also known as Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome. This condition has presented Noella with numerous medical challenges throughout her life, but let me tell you, her journey is anything but typical!

For over 20 years, Noella has faced a barrage of medical hurdles—over 130 general anaesthetics, countless trips to Melbourne for treatments, and even a staggering number of surgeries, including ankle fusions and fracture repairs. Each challenge has been a chapter in her life that many would find daunting, yet Noella has faced them all with incredible strength and courage.

One of her most significant battles came in 2018 when, while attempting to wash her family dog, she suffered a severe femur fracture. This injury kept her in the hospital for six months, leading to a year and a half away from her beloved horses. It was a tough time, not just physically but emotionally as well, as she grappled with feelings of depression and the daunting task of staying motivated.

But don’t count Noella out just yet! In September 2022, she made the brave decision to have her leg amputated above the knee. Recovery wasn’t easy, but within just six months, she was back in the saddle, competing internationally in para dressage. Talk about resilience! Noella was not just healing; she was ready to conquer the world!

Alongside her passion for equestrian sports, Noella has taken on a new challenge: para ice hockey! That’s right, she’s now a dual-sport athlete and has even made it onto the National Squad. Noella says, “While the big dream is to represent Australia as a Para Equestrian, I won’t say no to opportunities in other sports.” This spirit of adventure and determination is truly inspiring!

Now, what’s next for Noella? She’s setting her sights on the 2025 Women’s World Championships in Slovakia, aiming to raise $7,000 to cover her expenses. But it’s not just about the money for her. Each donation is a testament to the belief that we can all overcome life’s challenges together! Noella’s journey serves as a reminder that no matter how tough things get, there’s always a way to rise above!

Greatest Achievements So Far:

• 2023: Second Place at Australian National Para Ice Hockey Championships

• 2023: Winning CPEDI2* on Mallee Jack and CPEDI1* on Jackabite at Sydney CDI, just 7 months post-amputation!

• 2024: Member of the DSA Futures Foundation Squad

• 2022: EA National Para Dressage Grade V Champion

• 2022: The Equine Pathways Australia Trophy – Sportsmanship Award

Noella’s story is not just one of personal achievement; it’s a narrative that resonates with many. Her unwavering spirit and commitment to her dreams inspire those around her to believe in themselves and their potential. So let’s rally behind Noella as she continues her journey! Every small bit of support counts; together, we can help her make her dreams a reality.

Thanks for tuning in to Noella’s remarkable story! Let’s keep cheering for her as she breaks barriers and pushes boundaries in para sports!

Remember, folks: it’s about the journey, not just the destination!