Motor neurone disease is a rapidly progressing, terminal disease. There is no known cause, active treatment or cure.
When someone, like Ian, is diagnosed with MND their whole life changes. Their family's life changes too. Thankfully for Ian, and other people with MND, they can access the care and support services they need from MND Victoria - and all at no cost to them.
As Ian said: "My life definitely changed on that day in December 2016, just ten days before my 39th birthday, when my GP told me he thought I had motor neurone disease. How could this be? I was only just turning 39. I was fit and healthy with my whole life before me. I think at first I did not really believe him but I was forced to confront reality when told by the neurologist. He pointed out the wasting of my finger which must have beenhappening over a few months and that was the moment I knew I was in “deep shit”. This was when it really hit home for my wife Bianca too.
Right from the start we have tried to create a legacy box for Caleb. We have lots of birthday cards which I’ve written in, lots of gifts, some of which we still need to wrap! We also do everything we can to include him in our daily lives. Thanks to the power wheelchair from MND Victoria I can walk him home from school, which is something we both enjoy very much.
We don’t know how much longer we will have together. We take each day as it comes, seizing every opportunity to stay connected with our family and friends. While MND will eventually kill me, it will not kill the love and pride I have for my wife and son.
Thank you for reading our story. Please know that any gift you give to MND Victoria will help someone just like me to live better, for longer."
Your support is VITAL for us to provide care + support for people living with MND. Our services enable them to continue living at home with their family.
Until there's a cure, there's care.