Maddison McCamley sets ‘Doing it for Debs’ 100km fundraiser challenge
The daughter of a Redlands executive assistant has recalled the shattering moments her mother laid paralysed on her bathroom floor after suffering a ‘catastrophic’ stroke — and the bold plans she has to help.
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The daughter of an active, Bayside executive assistant, who’s life was devastated by a shocking stroke leaving her paralysed and unable to talk, has set herself the fundraising challenge of running 100km in one month.
Maddison McCamley, 28, is determined to spread awareness to the importance of immediately contacting emergency services if someone is showing the symptoms of a stroke, after her mother was helpless, lying paralysed for hours.
Cleveland resident Debbie McCamley, 64, who “fiercely loved her job”, suffered a stroke in June 2020, after a blood clot in her brain left her in and out of consciousness, lying beside the toilet unable to talk or move.
Mrs McCamley experienced no “typical stroke symptoms” prior.
“On the day, mum felt sick so went to the toilet to try to throw up, she then woke up from being unconscious in between the toilet and the wall, her left leg and arm were paralysed and she was unable to call out to my dad,” Miss McCamley said.
Mrs McCamley said her voice was almost non-existent and raspy.
“When my husband did come in we both pretty much panicked and tried together to move onto the bed, we didn’t really know what to do,” Mrs McCamley said.
Miss McCamley stressed the importance of contacting emergency services as soon as possible, even in instances where you’re unsure.
“Sometimes people might be too scared of ‘being a burden’ to call an ambulance, but if something is wrong and it doesn't feel right you need to make the call,” Miss McCamley said.
Mrs McCamley spent nearly six months at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, with doctors saying she would never walk again.
“One of the worst moments of my life came with the words spoken by the Emergency Doctor, following CAT scan and various other tests ‘you’ve had a catastrophic stroke’,” Mrs McCamley said.
“The awful things in the background (of recovery) still haunt me,” she said.
Miss McCamley said to everyone's amazement her mother began wiggling her toes and lifting her calf within one month, and with extensive rehabilitation, was able to stand up and take limited, small steps.
“Mum’s personality has changed quite a lot since her stroke, she is more free-spirited but in a good way,” Miss McCamley said.
“She still has her fun loving nature and loves to stand out in her Elton John sunnies and crazy hats.
“Unfortunately her left arm has been permanently damaged and she will never be able to move it again, but she is happy that she is able to take a few little steps,” she said.
The fundraiser ‘Doing it for Debs’ was started with the goal of raising $1,000 but two days in the page has accrued nearly $3,000.
“I have changed the fundraising goal to $5,000 and we’re all amazed at the support we’ve received from everyone in her life,” Miss McCamley said.
“This has helped me feel extra motivated as I’m active, but not a runner.
“I have always wanted to do something for mum, her recovery is very isolating and independent so I when this popped up I saw it as a great opportunity to be able to help her by raising money and awareness,” she said.
“If mum didn’t have the funding, her life would look very different.
“Every dollar raised brings us one step closer to preventing more strokes, saving lives and enhancing recovery for people like my Mum.”
Miss McCamley will be running throughout the month of November, if you can donate to ‘Doing it for Debs’, click here.
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