"We could ring MND Victoria and Liz, our MND Advisor, came out. We always felt that we could talk to MND and they were always available."

"Like so many people our age we looked forward to Bill’s retirement. We had worked hard and had lots of plans for an exciting future together exploring all the things we loved, and spending more time with our grandchildren.

It was a shock when Bill was having difficulty walking, breathing and sleeping during our retirement trip in Europe. Far from a lovely and relaxing trip, Bill didn’t enjoy it at all. On our return we started trying to find out what was wrong.

After 8 months of uncertainty, questions, tests and frustration, the neurologist delivered the news - motor neurone disease. Just like that our plans came to a grinding halt.

Thankfully we were given MND Victoria’s details and told to register as a new client. We attended an information session for people who have recently been diagnosed, which was quite confronting especially for me, and met our MND Advisor, Liz. The information night, advice and knowledge Liz shared with us was both overwhelming and indispensable. 

But she, and everyone we’ve been in contact with at MND, gave us more than just advice. They were essential in helping us navigate the complex health care system, referred us to My Aged Care and provided vital equipment to help us get through each daily challenge. All at no cost to us.

As Bill got weaker we were very grateful for the equipment that MND Victoria provided all at no cost to us. It was a great comfort to know that the special equipment Bill would need to maintain his independence, such as an electric riser chair and wheelchair, would be delivered to us at just the right time.

It’s been a very hard eighteen months watching Bill deteriorate eventually die from MND. I know that there will be many hard months ahead for our family as we try to come to terms with a future without our beloved husband, father and Poppy Bubbles.

We will always be grateful to MND Victoria for their care, knowledge, advice and support.

Bill’s life was well spent, he mentored and supported so many people and I know he will be missed by many. 

Thank you for taking the time to hear our story. I urge you to give generously to MND Victoria’s Christmas Appeal so that other families like ours continue to be supported and guided as they live with this disease."

Sue Hicks