Janine and Paul’s story: A legacy of love, courage and hope
Janine had a rare gift. She made people feel seen and cared for. At Bunnings, where she became affectionately known as “Mum”, her kindness reached far beyond the Special Orders Department. Whether she was guiding a tradie through a complicated job or helping a first time DIYer find the courage to tackle a project, Janine gave everyone her time, her patience and her belief in them. As a union representative, she fought fiercely for her team, protecting and uplifting colleagues as though they were her own children. “Janine was always looking to help others,” recalls her husband, Paul.
At home, Janine and Paul built their lives around spending time together. With both working shift jobs, they planned their days so one of them was always there for their children. Family meals, shared routines, time together, these were the things that mattered most.
When Janine received her motor neurone disease (MND) diagnosis, she saw the shock and fear in her family’s faces and knew she had to put on a mask of bravery. Rather than retreat, the family chose to embrace the time they had. They cruised through the Pacific Islands, explored Tasmania in a campervan and travelled around New Zealand. Even when a wheelchair became part of the journey, Janine’s determination never dimmed. She was determined to create lasting memories with those she loved.
True to her nature, Janine focused on helping other people living with MND. Using eye‑gaze technology to stay connected, she made it her mission to raise awareness of MND; not just the physical toll, but the emotional weight carried by families and loved ones. She campaigned for funding, support programs and research. “She wanted to raise awareness and funds to improve other people’s quality of life, but also to find out what causes MND and eventually find a cure, giving hope to future families,” Paul explains. “She said this is why she kept fighting – to give others hope.”
Janine passed away in October 2014, but her legacy lives on. Inspired by her decision to include charities in her Will, Paul has done the same; ensuring her compassion continues to ripple forward, helping future families through his gift to FightMND.
When asked about his favourite memory of Janine, Paul’s face lights up as he recalls their sons’ wedding. “I got her up on the dance floor. I stood her up and placed each of her feet on my own, holding her tight as we slowly danced. We were the only people dancing at first, but then everyone joined in, knowing that if Janine could dance, then they all could,” he explains.
It’s a perfect reflection of who Janine was. Someone whose courage and determination inspired everyone around her to believe that anything was possible.
Leave a gift that fuels the fight for a cure
Just like Janine and Paul, you can help bring us closer to a world where MND no longer steals the lives and moments we cherish.
By including FightMND in your Will, you help fund vital research, assistive technology and support programs that bring hope to people living with MND and their families. Your gift, no matter the size, becomes a powerful statement for future generations.
Learn more about how you can leave a gift in your Will to FightMND. Your support brings us closer to a world where MND no longer exists.