Walk to Defeat MND Redcliffe was originally set to take place on Sunday, 26 October, at 9:00 AM.
Although the in-person event has been cancelled, we’re thrilled to announce the first-ever virtual Walk to Defeat MND for the Redcliffe region!
Just as we would have for our in-person event, this year’s walk will be led by our Walk Champions, Jaide and Kara from Team Mandy, who continue to inspire us with their passion and dedication.
What is a Walk Champion?
We know MND has directly impacted many in our community, which is why our wonderful community choose to make a difference. Their ongoing commitment to making a positive impact is commendable, and we've introduced the Walk Champion initiative to celebrate people that really go the extra mile!
Before each Walk, we ask a family or individual in our community who is participating for a loved one living with MND or is honouring those they've lost to this devastating condition, to be Walk Champion. The Walk Champion intentionally leads our Sea of Blue, and we'll share their wholehearted reasons for walking.
Introducing Walk Champions, Jaide and Kara
Firstly, on behalf of all of us in Team Mandy, we would like to thank MND QLD for supporting our Mum through her MND Journey that sadly ended in October 2024.
Mum/Mandy was an incredible and courageous woman who meant so much to those who had the honour of enjoying life with her. As Mum said on many occasions, "If I can help just one person from suffering from this disease, then I have made a small difference to all of the others living in this cruel reality".
We would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person from the MND QLD Team who always had nothing but the utmost care and compassion during this challenging time.
Mum was diagnosed with ALS/ MND in June of 2024, after it had started affecting her ability to swallow. In the few short months after being diagnosed, Mum was losing the ability to use her hands & arms, her speech deteriorated to the point that it was hard for others to understand her, which was also very frustrating for her to live through. Mum also had difficulties with daily living & self-care tasks. Despite all of the unexpected declines, Mum continued to smile and have a positive attitude, even naming her feeding tube “Percy the Purple PEG”.
Since then, my sister and I have been raising awareness and donations for MND QLD. Our Mum was a beautiful, compassionate, caring and loving person who showed us the true meaning of courage, perseverance and resilience while fighting the beast.
On Mum’s last day she showed us, her sisters and best friend what real courage is when she chose to leave this world via voluntary assisted dying. She went her own way, dignity intact, whilst being surrounded by those she loved, making beautiful memories that we will cherish forever.
We would like to thank everyone who has joined Team Mandy, to walk in her honour, and to those who have donated money to Team Mandy and MND QLD. We would especially like to acknowledge and thank Beerburrum State School, the staff at Undurba State School, True Colours Disability Support Services and MJ Hydraulics for raising much-needed funds to help support people living with MND and their families.
Your support means the world!
Register for the Walk