the cornflower
LIVING WITH MND - CHANTAL’S STORY
WALK TO DEFEAT MND REDCLIFFE
SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICES
MEET AMY - MND ADVISOR
FAREWELL AND THANK YOU TO ELYSE MABERLEY
It is with deep gratitude - and a lot of sadness - that we announce the resignation of our Vice President, Elyse Maberley, from the Management Committee. After nearly five years of dedicated service, Elyse has made the difficult decision to step away from her role. Her departure is a significant loss for our organisation, but we remain incredibly grateful for the time, expertise, and passion she has shared with us.
Elyse’s unwavering commitment to our mission has left a lasting mark on our organisation. She has been a steady and thoughtful presence, bringing a level-headed and practical approach to every discussion while never losing sight of the passion that drives our work. Whether guiding strategic decisions, supporting the President and CEO, or offering wise counsel to her fellow committee members, Elyse’s contributions have helped shape the direction of our organisation in meaningful ways.
One of Elyse’s greatest strengths has been her ability to bring clarity and balance to complex discussions. Her insights have always been measured, sensible, and deeply considered, ensuring that our organisation moves forward with both confidence and purpose. Beyond her strategic contributions, she has also been a wonderful source of support, encouragement, and wisdom for those who have had the privilege of working alongside her.
As we reflect on Elyse’s incredible service, we want to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks. Her generosity in sharing her time and expertise has been a gift to our community, and we know that her impact will continue to be felt for years to come. While she will no longer be serving in an official capacity, we have no doubt that Elyse will remain a passionate advocate for our cause.
With Elyse’s departure, we now have an opportunity for others to step forward and contribute to the leadership of our organisation. Our Management Committee is a collegial and committed group, working together to ensure that
CONTACT & SOCIAL MEDIA
MND Queensland
ABN: 75 990 922 939
Phone: 1800 777 175 or 07 3372 9004
Email: info@mndqld.org.au
Web: www.mndqld.org.au
Street: 1/89 Factory Road, OXLEY QLD 4075
Post: PO Box 470, INALA QLD 4077
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MNDQLD
Instagram: @mndqld
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/mndqld
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@mndqld
we continue to grow, adapt, and serve our community as effectively as possible. We are particularly looking for individuals with experience in fundraising, marketing, or strategic partnerships - those who can help us strengthen our networks, build key relationships, and secure the resources we need to thrive.
If you or someone you know is passionate about our mission and would like to learn more about joining the Management Committee, we encourage you to reach out. Our President, Diana Melham, would be delighted to have a conversation about what’s involved and how you can contribute to the future of our organisation. You can contact Diana at president@mndqld.org.au or on 0412 605 129.
Elyse, on behalf of the entire community—thank you. Your dedication, wisdom, and passion have been invaluable, and we wish you all the very best in your next chapter.
CONTENTS
As we begin a new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on 2024 and look ahead to the exciting plans we have for 2025. This is our first newsletter of the year, and it comes after what was undeniably our biggest year yet. For the last five years, we have continued to grow - expanding our services, reaching more Queenslanders impacted by MND, and strengthening our voice as a leading advocate for the community. 2024 was no exception.
A key focus last year was the implementation of our strategic plan, ensuring that our growth was purposeful and aligned with the needs of the people we serve. I am proud to say that we have made significant progress in delivering on that plan. More Queenslanders than ever before accessed our services in 2024, and we have firmly established ourselves as a large and impactful charity, one that is committed to providing the best possible care and support to individuals living with MND and their families.
Big Plans for 2025
While 2024 was a milestone year, we have no plans to slow down. In fact, we are preparing for an even bigger 2025, with some critical new services set to launch. This year, we are:
a Introducing a psychology service - something that is desperately needed to help individuals and families navigate the emotional and mental health challenges that come with an MND diagnosis.
a Expanding into respiratory physiotherapy, ensuring that people living with MND can access this vital support.
a Strengthening our regional presence, so that no matter where someone lives in Queensland, they can get the help they need.
a Hosting fundraising events across the state, giving our supporters in regional areas more opportunities to get involved and make a difference.
a Continuing our push to secure state government funding, because the scale of MND Queensland’s work should be recognised and supported at a state level.
None of this would be possible without the incredible team we have - a group of professionals whose skill, dedication, and deep compassion make all the difference. From our service delivery team to our fundraisers, the Management Committee and our support staff, our volunteers
and advocates, every single person plays a role in helping us grow and reach more people. Our plans for 2025 are ambitious, but with this team, and with the continued support of our amazing community, I have no doubt that we will make them a reality.
Christmas Appeal – A Huge Thank You
One of the most powerful ways we saw our community come together recently was through our Christmas Appeal. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every single person who contributed - whether through donations, sharing stories, or helping us spread the word.
Your generosity has put us significantly closer to launching our psychology service, which will provide much-needed mental health support for people living with MND and their loved ones. This service will be life-changing, and we simply could not take this step forward without you.
I also want to acknowledge and sincerely thank those who shared their personal stories as part of the appeal. Speaking about the emotional and psychological impact of an MND diagnosis, or the grief of losing a loved one, is not easy - but it is essential. By opening up and giving others insight into the realities of this disease, you helped bring our community closer together and highlighted just how critical this new service will be.
Looking Ahead
At MND Queensland, we are committed to growing, improving, and evolving - because the people we support deserve nothing less. Every year, we aim to do more, reach further, and advocate louder for the needs of Queenslanders impacted by MND.
I want to thank you - our community - for being with us on this journey. Whether you are accessing our services, supporting our work, raising awareness, or fundraising, you are a crucial part of this movement. 2025 is shaping up to be another incredible year, and I can’t wait to see what we achieve together.
A diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is life-changing. In an instant, individuals and their loved ones are thrust into a world filled with uncertainty, complex systems, and countless decisions. It’s a time of profound adjustment, and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. MND Queensland is passionate about ensuring that no person affected by MND tackles this beast alone. Our MND Advisory Service exists so that when people reach out, they’re met with compassionate guidance, practical support, and - above alla reassuring presence to help them find their way.
One of the greatest sources of stress for individuals with MND and their carers is figuring out where to turn for help. The healthcare system can be confusing, and the NDIS, My Aged Care, and other funding pathways often feel like a maze. That’s where our ‘no-wrongdoor’ approach comes in. Whether someone calls us for the first time with a question, needs assistance navigating their funding options, finding care providers, or is looking for emotional support, they’ll always find the right support at MND Queensland.
Our MND Advisory Service acts as a constant source of comfort and direction, ensuring that no matter what challenge arises, there is always someone to talk to, someone who understands, and someone who can help. We believe in empowering people with MND and their carers with knowledge and confidence so they can focus on what truly matters - living well for as long as possible.
The weight of uncertainty, the fear of what’s ahead, and the daily emotional impact can take a serious toll. Our MND Advisors understand this deeply, and their role extends beyond providing information - they offer a caring ear, a compassionate heart and a steady presence for those facing the challenges of MND.
MND Queensland currently has Advisors on the ground in Townsville, Cairns, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. In 2025, we have already employed three more MND Advisors to meet demand and expand our reach. We are excited to be expanding services further on the Gold Coast and into the Fraser Coast. Whilst we acknowledge that we can’t be everywhere, our team are still very capable and able to support clients anywhere in Queensland. Whilst a cuppa around the table might be hard to share, our Advisors are still only a phone call, text message, or email away and are still very much able to help!
If you or someone you love needs support,
please reach out to our MND Advisory Service. Because together, we can provide not just care, but comfort—and that makes all the difference.
PS – Whilst our MND Advisors play a crucial role in offering emotional reassurance, we know there is more to be done! We are still working hard to fund a dedicated psychologist to provide even greater emotional and psychological support for people living with MND and their carers. If you’d like to help us make this vital service a reality, we’d be incredibly grateful for your support. Visit our website to make a donation!
What our Clients and Carers say about us:
“Without MND Queensland, I don’t know where we would be today” – Carer of a person living with MND.
“Spectacular kindness and professional approach to any contact we have with MND Queensland” – MND Queensland Client and Carers Survey Participant.
“MND Queensland makes sure we do not face our fears and apprehension alone” – MND Queensland Client and Carers Survey Participant.
“You are there – all the time – for me it’s comforting knowing I can call you any time and my carer can do the same” – MND Queensland Client and Carers Survey Participant.
Have you seen our monthly Spotlight on Services Newsletter for clients & carers that is sent out by Alicia? Make sure you check your email inbox to stay up to date on what’s happening at MND Queensland, education opportunities, research and clinical trials updates, and much more!
Pictured: MND Advisor, Jason with Sam & his carer, Lesley
Supporting MND Queensland has never been easier! You can make a meaningful difference - just by rounding up your everyday purchases!
How It Works
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Sign up today and make a meaningful difference in the lives of Queenslanders impacted by Motor Neurone Disease!
LIVING WITH MND - CHANTAL’S STORY
Chantal is 64 years old and first experienced Motor Neurone Disease (MND) symptoms around 16 years ago. It took three years to confirm her diagnosis which she received in 2012. Her doctor didn’t give her much information and instead told her to go home and research MND. She found that she had an average of 2.5 years to live. At the time, she had no idea just how much her life was about to change, nor that she would defy medical expectations and continue living with the disease for over a decade and a half.
Chantal is French and studied to be a chef from the age of 15, a career she enjoyed until the age of 21 when she met her husband Kendall in France while he was on a church mission. Six months later she was on a plane down under to get married to the love of her life. They built a life together, raising two children, Angelique and Steven, and later welcoming five grandchildren.
Chantal’s journey with MND has been one of resilience, adaptation, and an unyielding determination to make the most of every moment. Despite the challenges that have come with the disease, she remains an inspiration to those around her, demonstrating strength and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Her symptoms started subtly. She used to walk daily with her husband Kendall and started to feel her left foot flicking. She played basketball for 20 years and thought her issues may have stemmed from a back injury and even had surgery for it, which didn’t alleviate her symptoms.
Chantal saw around 20 doctors and specialists from 2009 to 2012 and went through a series of tests resulting in her MND diagnosis in 2012. Like many who receive an MND diagnosis, she didn’t know much about MND. “I had no idea what it was, absolutely none!” she told us.
“The doctor said, ‘You go home, you go on the computer, and you will be horrified.’ And I thought, ‘My goodness what is this?’ You know, no explanation, nothing! And it was very scary. So I went home and then I verified everything. I couldn’t believe it!”
When asked how her diagnosis has impacted on her, Chantal responded “I just tried to live my life. I didn’t change anything because I tried to be positive. I have so many friends, a lot of family. I found myself being busy. You don’t think about it.
But that’s me. I just keep going. Nothing will stop me, and it doesn’t.”
Chantal leaned on her loved ones for support, including her husband Kendall, who was by her side every step of the way. However, life had another cruel twist in store, Kendall was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2014. This came as quiet a shock as he lived a very healthy lifestyle, never drinking or smoking. After eight years of chemotherapy treatment - while continuing to care for Chantal - Kendall passed away.
Living with a progressive, debilitating disease like MND has it’s challenges. Chantal shared “It can be very depressing. You see your body changing every day. Some days are okay, some days are not when it comes to your strength. And you’re thinking, ‘Maybe tomorrow my respiratory is gonna give up. Maybe tomorrow I won’t be talking.’ So you think about all this, but for myself, I’m thinking, ‘Okay, I know it’s not that. It won’t be tomorrow; it won’t be today.’
Over the years, Chantal’s MND symptoms have progressed quite slowly. She used a walking stick for a while, then a walker, then progressed to a scooter, but she now relies on an electric wheelchair for mobility.
Her hands are very weak and she can’t hold things anymore meaning she can no longer enjoy
Pictured: Chantal at home
her passion of French cooking. Thanks to the NDIS, Chantal has 24-hour in-home care. She enjoys passing her culinary skills along to her carers and family.
Despite physical limitations, Chantal has found ways to continue pursuing her passions and interests. She has developed a deep appreciation for writing and social media, sharing her stories and using them as outlets for expression, emotional wellbeing, connection and education. Inspiring others to be better in their own lives.
Having a positive attitude towards living with MND is one of the reasons Chantal believes she’s managed to live beyond initial expectations. She’s a joyful person and loves life. Other things keep her going too. She said “I go to church on a Sunday. I have a lot of friends. I teach on a Sunday. I do the newsletter for the whole congregation. I try to keep busy. I have lots of friends that come for dinner, family… When you have distractions, it distracts you from what you have, what you’re feeling, pain, or whatever. You forget about that. So, for me to have friends around me makes me forget what I have.”
She also acknowledges the role that organisations like MND Queensland play in helping people navigate the complexities of the disease. From emotional support to practical assistance, these services can make a world of difference in the lives of those affected.
Chantal has seen a great evolution in MND
Queensland and the services we provide since she first contacted us in 2012. One of the most valued services we provide Chantal is short-term equipment hire for her annual family holidays in Canungra where around 100 of the Pitman clan gather.
When asked what she’d say to MND Queensland’s donors and supporters that make our work possible she said “Thank you. My message is, continue, do not stop. And let’s put it out there that you need to keep doing what you’re doing. And even better!”
While MND remains a progressive and incurable disease, Chantal continues to face each day with unwavering determination. She hopes that increased awareness and funding for research will one day lead to better treatments, and ultimately, a cure.
For now, she focuses on what she can control— cherishing the time she has, staying connected to loved ones, and finding joy in the everyday moments. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, love, and hope in the face of life’s greatest challenges.
We asked Chantal what advice she’d give to someone newly diagnosed with MND and she replied “Don’t give up. It’s not the end. People will help... MND Queensland... You can get everything you need with the NDIS… Get the right people to help you. That’s the main thing, get the right people and very quickly.”
Chantal’s journey is an inspiration to all who hear it. Her strength serves as a reminder that while MND may take away many things, it can never take away the spirit of those who refuse to be defined by it.
Pictured: Chantal and her family
Pictured: Chantal pictured with her late husband, Kendall.
WALK TO DEFEAT MND REDCLIFFE
Our last walk for 2024 was held at Redcliffe on Sunday 1 December. With only one month’s notice, we had 138 registrants sign up and they raised over $20,000 to support MND Queensland’s work!
Our sincere appreciation goes out to all of our participants, volunteers, donors and vendors. We really couldn’t have done it without you!
Many thanks to our raffle prize sponsors The Camellia Home, Verve Portraits Brisbane and Moreton Bay Council along with Sharon (our wonderful cleaner who donated a gorgeous Nutrimetics pack) and Roxanne Gregory at Passport to Paradise, we are so grateful for your contribution and support.
A huge thank you to the Redcliffe Sunrise Rotary Club and Nundah Rotary Club for not only offering to keep everyone fed, but for donating the proceeds to our wonderful cause!
Thank you to Jon and the team at Bridge FM who helped to spread the word and raise awareness over the weekend, and to the Drewe family for sharing their story and leading the group as our ‘Walk Champions’. We are so lucky to have such wonderful contributors within our MND community.
Our first 2025 walk will be at the Gold Coast on 23 March and we have walks planned for Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville, Gladstone, Maroochydore, Toowoomba and Redcliffe. Want a walk in your area? We can help you put on a Walk to Defeat MND event, get in touch with us by calling 07 3372 9004 or email events@mndqld.org.au
We sincerely appreciate the wonderful support we receive from our community. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to provide many of our supports and services. We’d like to acknowledge some recent efforts by our community champions.
CPA Gala Dinner
On December 5th, CPA Sunshine Coast hosted an unforgettable Gala dinner! The evening was made extra special thanks to the incredibly talented artist David Hart, who generously donated a stunning collection of his artwork for auction. Along with a variety of other amazing auction items, the event raised crucial funds to support the incredible work we do for the MND community. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved, we’re excited to share that we raised an impressive $3,627! A massive thank you to the CPA committee for their passion, effort, and generosity. We can’t wait for even more exciting events like this in 2025!
elFarqo Live Stream Fundraiser
Reid’s Place Continues to Support MND
Queensland
Reid’s Place has shown incredible ongoing support for Queenslanders living with MND through their successful High Tea campaign, raising $3,150 in 2024. This award-winning venue donates $2 from every high tea purchased, and we’re excited to announce they’ll continue their support into 2025. If you’re in the Scarborough area, make sure to treat yourself to a delightful high tea while supporting a great cause.
Peer to Peer Events
Our dedicated fundraiser, Liam, hosted another successful live stream campaign, Farqo’s Christmas Special. This 24-hour event, streamed live on Twitch and YouTube, raised funds in honor of Liam’s fatherin-law, Kelvin, who is living with this devastating disease. The stream proved to be an excellent way to engage with a younger, tech-savvy audience and raise awareness within the gaming community. Thanks to the incredible support, this 2024 campaign raised a recordbreaking $3,170! Stay tuned for the 2025 Christmas stream and don’t forget to spread the word to your gaming friends!
Toowoomba Grammar School’s Generous Support
Our sunny state is packed with exciting opportunities to stay fit and active, with endurance challenges and marathons happening all across Queensland! Now’s the perfect time to set your fitness goals and sign up - these events often have limited spots, so don’t miss out! Did you know that many annual marathons let you run for a cause? You can turn your fitness journey into something even more meaningful by choosing MND Queensland as your charity and rallying friends, family, and co-workers to support the cause. Get involved, make a real difference, and sign up for a local challenge near you today!
Fundraising Made Easy
Want to help, but not sure where to start? We’ve put together a simple and easy-to-follow fundraising guide to help you organize your own successful fundraising campaigns. The guide is packed with event ideas, tips, templates, and more. You can access it on our website or contact us directly.
We were thrilled to receive a generous donation of $880 from Toowoomba Grammar School, raised through a Free Dress Day fundraiser. This kind gesture brightened our day here at MND Queensland, with every dollar going directly to support a community member living with MND. It’s such a simple yet effective fundraising idea—why not suggest hosting a Free Dress Day at your own school?
Get involved today by contacting our Community Fundraising Coordinator, Mikhayla by emailing mikhayla. barr@mndqld.org. au or calling 07 3372 9004
STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE
At the beginning of last year, we let you know about MND Queensland’s 2024-2026 Strategic Plan and made a commitment to keep you informed as we work together to achieve our shared goals. We’re pleased to provide an update on the progress we’ve made so far and to reaffirm our dedication to supporting all Queenslanders impacted by Motor Neurone Disease.
To refresh your memory, or to introduce our strategic direction to those who have since joined our community, you can access our Strategic Plan here: www.mndqld.org.au/page/78/strategic-plan.
It reflects our unwavering focus on expanding care and support, strengthening our community connections, advocating for the needs of people living with MND, supporting research, and ensuring the sustainability of our services.
Achievements in 2024
Over the past year, we have been incredibly busy implementing the strategic priorities we set out, making it impossible to capture every achievement. However, we’re proud to share some of the key milestones that reflect our commitment to supporting Queenslanders impacted by MND:
• Expansion of Advisory Services: We expanded our Advisory service to include a physical presence in Toowoomba, improving access to direct support for individuals and families in the region.
• Regional Road Trips: We commenced regional road trips, connecting face-to-face with individuals and families across Queensland to ensure we’re reaching those in rural and remote areas with essential care and support.
• Workshops and Education: We introduced regular workshops, including sessions for those newly diagnosed with MND and manual handling workshops for carers, providing practical tools for safer and more confident care.
• Peer Support Growth: Peer support groups have expanded across the state, now available in regions including Cairns, Townsville, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Brisbane, both in-person and online.
• Volunteer Engagement: We enhanced our volunteer engagement with a structured volunteer recruitment strategy, a range of new volunteer programs aimed at addressing unmet needs and a dedicated recognition event to thank those giving their time so generously.
• Staff Development and Wellbeing: To support our dedicated team, we introduced a monthly professional development series and implemented a new employee wellbeing strategy to promote resilience and growth among our staff and to improve retention.
• Research Collaboration: We continued to support research by partnering in initiatives such as the MiNDAUS registry and the University of Queensland’s Save Our Speech study, ensuring we contribute to both care improvements and the search for a cure.
Key Priorities for 2025
Looking ahead, we remain focused on several key priorities that will further strengthen our services and advocacy efforts in 2025, including:
• Expanding Services:
• Establish a psychology service to support the mental health of those impacted by MND.
• Expand our services to include respiratory physiotherapy.
• Expand our Advisory Service to include a physical presence on the Fraser Coast.
• Launch a dedicated Carer Support Program.
• Strengthening Care Quality and Support:
• Implement a Clinical Governance Framework to ensure high-quality care delivery.
• Develop the advisory element of our Advisor/ Support Coordinator role for enhanced client support.
• Improve administrative support across all areas to strengthen service delivery.
• Develop a comprehensive staff onboarding and induction program that ensures that all individuals have the knowledge to provide an MND expert service.
• Building Community and Advocacy:
• Increase our presence in regional Queensland with two new Walk to Defeat MND events planned for Cairns and Townsville.
• Strengthen partnerships with third-party fundraising events, particularly in regional areas.
• Establish a Queensland Parliamentary Friends of MND group to advance advocacy efforts.
• Seek to secure State Government funding to ensure sustainability and growth.
• Explore registration as an Aged Care Provider to further expand our service capacity.
Reviewing our Constitution
As part of our ongoing commitment to good governance and ensuring MND Queensland remains a strong and effective organisation, we will be undertaking a review of our constitution in 2025. This process will involve consultation with our members to ensure the revised constitution reflects the needs and priorities of our community. Once the proposed changes have been developed, all members will have the opportunity to vote on adopting the new constitution at a general meeting later in the year. We will provide further details on how you can participate in this important process in the coming months.
When did you join MND Queensland, and what inspired you to work with us?
I joined in July 2023 after working as a support coordinator for another organisation for many years. I was drawn to MND Queensland by the mission statement and values of the organisation, and the opportunity to do more for the community.
Can you tell our readers a little about your role as an MND Advisor/Support Coordinator and Team Leader? What does a typical day look like for you?
The role is very varied, which I love! As the team leader it is my role to support the team with anything they need and keep across what is happening for their clients. I also have a case load of my own clients, which I love, as it means I get to still directly support those with MND.
What do you find most rewarding about working at MND Queensland? Are there any moments or experiences that have stood out to you?
The most rewarding part of my role is knowing I am contributing to such positive outcomes for the MND community. The most stand out moment has been watching the NDIS MND pathway come into place. This pathway has cut down waiting times to the NDIS for those with MND and made a huge difference to the lives of our clients.
You’re based in Townsville and work remotely. What region do you cover, and what are some of the unique challenges and rewards of supporting people in North Queensland?
The biggest challenge with working remotely is the risk of feeling disconnected with the rest of the team, luckily I have an amazing team who all work hard to keep connected with each other. The biggest reward is being on the ground with clients. It allows me to get to know the local service providers and hospitals, and build connections with clients who live within my region. However, as we support those with MND throughout the whole state, I do have clients that are remote from me, down to Mackay and inland to Winton. Technology allows me to still build relationships with providers and the hospitals in these areas and keep connected with clients through whichever communication method best suits them.
Before joining MND Queensland, how much did you know about Motor Neurone Disease? What are some of the biggest insights or lessons you’ve gained through your work?
Before joining MND Queensland I knew very little about MND. I had previously supported a few clients with MND but wasn’t given the opportunity to get much knowledge of the disease. The biggest insight for me was how different it is for every single person diagnosed, there is no one definitive path the disease will take for each person.
What do you think sets MND Queensland’s services apart? How do you see them making a real difference in the lives of people impacted by MND?
MND Queensland services are unique in that our services team only support those with MND. Our Advisors and Support Coordinators, and Allied Health team are highly knowledgeable about MND and only look after those living with this disease. The difference this makes to those living with MND is a true understanding of what they are living with.
Over the last few years, MND Queensland has expanded its services across the State, with Advisors and Support Coordinators now based in multiple regions. From your perspective, what are the biggest benefits of having local support available?
Having a local Advisor and Support Coordinator means that we are able to be on the ground with clients and meet with them face-to-face. Being able to build this relationship is so important for clients going through the MND journey. This also allows us to host more face-to-face support groups in more areas of Queensland.
Working in this field can be emotionally demanding. How do you take care of your own wellbeing while supporting others?
My two dogs are my therapy, they are always ready for a cuddle if I need it! Getting outside with them is so important to me to keep my mental and physical wellbeing in check.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies or interests that help you unwind outside of work?
I have three kids ranging from 11 years old to two years old so I lead a very busy life outside of work! They all have different hobbies and activities to get to, so usually I spend my time as a taxi driver. If there is no sports on, we like to go camping and be in the outdoors.
Finally, is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
For those living with this diagnosis and their loved ones, please know you are not alone. Your MND Advisor is here to support you through this time. We also hold regular support groups, both online and in person in some regions. These groups are a great opportunity to connect with others also living with MND and share stories.
Are you looking for information, support or a way to advocate and raise funds for Motor Neurone Disease? We have educational workshops, support group meetings and community events for you to get involved in. For more information, to register or RSVP, visit www.mndqld.org.au/events, scan the QR code or call us on 07 3372 9004.
WHAT WHERE TIME DATES
Brisbane North Support Group Sands Social, 50 Keogh St, Sandgate 10:30AM 18 Mar, 20 May
Brisbane South Support Group Easts Leagues Club, 40 Main Ave, Coorparoo 10:30AM 15 Apr, 17 Jun
Townsville Support Group Von Stieglitz Room, Riverway Library, Thuringowa 10:00AM 19 Mar, 28 May
Cairns Support Group Oaks and Vine, 59/63 Esplanade, Cairns 10:30AM 7 Apr, 2 Jun
Bribie Island Support Group Bribie Is. Community Arts Centre, 191 Sunderland Dr 10:30AM 3 Apr, 5 Jun
Sunshine Coast Support Group Maroochy RSL, 105 Memorial Ave, Maroochydore 10:30AM 6 Mar, 1 May, 3 Jul
Gold Coast Support Group Burleigh Bears Leagues Club, 80 Pacific Ave, Miami 10:00AM 25 Mar, 29 Apr, 27 May, 21 Jun
MND EDUCATION
Online Newly Diagnosed Workshop (free)
Manual Handling Training (free) MND Queenland, 1/89 Factory Rd, Oxley
National MND Health Professional Webinar Series Online - Register at https://bit.ly/4hnT3o6 1PM or 2PM
MND Morning Masterclass - Head Support & Posture MND Queensland, 1/89 Factory Rd, Oxley 7:30AM - 9AM
Walk to Defeat MND Gold Coast Hollindale Park, Main Beach 9:00AM - 11:30AM Sun 23
Brisbane
Walk to Defeat MND Townsville Strand Park 9:00AM - 11:30AM
Autumn Appeal - Give the gift of peace of mind
So many in our community have shared stories about why they believe we need an MND-specific psychology service, like Bev who lost her daughter Nicole to MND and now cares for Nicole’s son Samuel.
Your gift will make this important service a reality. Donate now by visiting the website, scanning this code or calling us on 07 3372 9004. www.mndqld.org.au/campaign/100/autumn25
Send back to: MND Queensland, PO Box 470, INALA QLD 4077. If you are donating by card you can call us on 07 3372 9004 or visit www.mndqld.org.au/donations
Please send me information about leaving a gift in my Will
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