Rowena takes a chance

Umina Beach resident Ms Rowena Newton was recently given the chance to ski down Perisher's Front Valley, thanks to the support from the Disabled Winter Sports Association and the Muscular Dystrophy Association of NSW.

Ms Newton was diagnosed with dermatomyositis, a debilitating and muscle-wasting disease six years ago, after tripping over in her home and finding she couldn't get up.

Six weeks after that incident, she was admitted to Royal North Shore Hospital which was then followed by six weeks of rehabilitation at Mt Wilga Private Hospital.

"During this time, I felt like I'd been dumped on the side of Mt Everest in my pyjamas left to claw my way through the snow and ice to the summit with nothing but my bare hands," Ms Newton said.

"Having a chronic illness is a tough road."

Despite her diagnosis, Ms Newton recently decided to challenge herself by attempting to ski down Front Valley with her family.

"Five years later while watching the rest of the family ski, I decided to ski down the mountain instead of trying to climb up," Ms Newton said.

"I turned the mountain around.

"However, going down the mountain proved far more challenging in reality."

On her first day on the slopes, Ms Newton arranged private, adaptive ski lessons which were discounted through her Disabled Winter Sports Association membership.

"Ironically, I found it easier to move with the skis on," Ms Newton said.

"But my first time down the carpet was scary."

On day two, Ms Newton travelled to the very top of Front Valley to begin her great downhill challenge.

"I felt like I was perched on the very edge of the world about to fall off," Ms Newton said.

"As much as I had faith in my instructor, I struggled to trust my jelly legs which have let me down in much more humble situations.

"Half way down, I had to pause as I was having trouble breathing but we kept going and I finally made it to the bottom.

"I had done it."

At the completion of her challenge, Ms Newton said she found she had gained a changed outlook on life and her situation.

"At this point, I realised that my journey was as much about conquering my mountain of fear as much as beating any physical mountain," Ms Newton said.

"I still have dermatomyositis and it affects me on a daily basis but I still get out there and carpe diem - seize the day".

"Whatever your personal mountain may be, I encourage you to see it from a different angle and take a fresh approach.

"No one can do everything but you'll never know what you can achieve unless you have a go," said Ms Newton.

Media release, 13 Sep 2013

Rowena Newton, Umina