In April 2015 Korina Valentine lost all four limbs to sepsis.
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Five years later she is embracing the art of Yoga complete with the use of prosthetic limbs.
Guiding Korina to develop her skills in the ancient form of movement is Southern Highlands Yoga instructor Annie Di Natale.
In fact, Annie and Korina have been working closely together for the past six months.
Annie said that Korina had been working towards walking with prosthetic limbs unaided by the end of the year.
"She has gained so much strength through holding her body in poses, moving her body in ways she hasn't for some time," Annie said.
"She has a personal best time of 1.30 minutes for a forearm plank.
"The focus and concentration that the yoga gives Korina is quite priceless.
"We start with a breathing sequence to ground and clear the space for her and move into seated twists which are amazing for her spine and chest.
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"She spends a fair amount of time in a mobile chair, so moving and twisting through her upper back is very important.
"Her balance also has improved, even in her seated postures, of which then translates to when she uses prosthetic limbs.
"We do a lot of glute and hamstring work to strengthen that area to support her when using limbs.
"It's an all over body work out and tune up for her each week.
"And then of course the relaxation. Yoga creates a space where it can feel like you are in your own little bubble and peacefulness."
Inspired by Korina's determination Annie is now keen to extend additional support through a special fundraising event to be held on September 13.
She will conduct a Yoga in the Vines event at Atermis Wines in an effort to raise funds for Reaching4Korina.
The event will coincide with World Sepsis Day which aims to raise global awareness about sepsis an illness which accounts for at least 8 million deaths worldwide annually.
Sepsis is the body's extreme response to an infection and is a life-threatening medical emergency. It happens when an infection you already have - in your skin, lungs, urinary tract, or somewhere else-triggers a chain reaction throughout your body. Without timely treatment, sepsis can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.
The Yoga in the Vines fundraising event will kick off at 9.30am on September 13.
This will be held at Artemis Wines at 46 Sir Charles Moses Lane, Mittagong.
Cost of participation is $20. Tickets can be purchased through www.reaching4korina.com.au
All proceeds will be donated to Reaching4korina.
To learn more about Southern Highlands Yoga go to www. Mittagongyoga.com.au
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