A True Pole-Star
Posted by Claudia on January 10, 2012.
A pole-dance fitness instructor has successfully overcome the devastating effects of cystic fibrosis and re-launched her classes just months after major surgery.
Twenty-two year-old Kirstie Tancock underwent a double-lung transplant in July and has made a remarkable recovery, recently returning to her energetic job.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease which affects the lungs and digestive system. Born with the condition, Kirstie, from Honiton, Devon, initially took up pole-dancing to improve her health and fitness levels. The illness unfortunately took over in March and she was told the tragic news that the situation could be life-threatening unless an organ donor was found. Just three days later, Kirstie showed the stength of her determination and left her bed for the day to marry the love of her life.
Her condition had worsened considerably by the time a donor was found in July.
The recovery process from such an ordeal is a challenging one, but Kirstie has taken it all in her stride.
‘I have been building up my strength for a while and started using the pole again about 3 months post-transplant’.
After the operation, she had to learn to walk again and now almost back to full strength, she says she can execute routines she could never do before.
‘…the moment I was able to perform my hardest move, which is the twisted group hand swing, I knew I had cracked it.’
Kirstie’s positivity is inspirational and she is now back in to the swing of things, with old and new students attending her classes. She also works with the organ donation charity LiveLifeGiveLife.
Polestars wishes Kirstie all the best for the future…keep on twirling!