A gift of compassion: Judith and Keith’s story
In 1985, while recovering from triple bypass surgery, Judith’s Dad, Keith, knew something wasn’t quite right. He noticed the muscles in his forearms starting to twitch. This wasn’t an isolated occurrence. Before going into hospital, he tripped over while walking the family dog.
Then came the devastating diagnosis: Keith was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). He was given three years to live.
As the Beast ravaged his body, Judith remembers the muscles in her father’s arms and legs wasting away. Keith became less mobile. Judith’s mother had to help him shower and dress. He could no longer walk the dog.
As the disease progressed, Kevin started to have difficulty breathing. His doctors thought physiotherapy might help and admitted him to hospital. It was then Judith’s family was told he had three days to live.
“I remember visiting him in hospital the last time… seeing him struggle to breath was extremely upsetting.”
Back in the 80s, not much was known about the Beast. We are learning more about MND every day. Thanks to wonderful supporters like you we have come so far, but research takes a lot of time and money. We still have a long way to go.
Providing hope: Judith’s tribute to Keith
Keith dad passed away in January 1987. He was 64 years old.
He didn’t make the three years he was given to live. But Keith was a fighter, showing tremendous courage against MND. This is why we fight.
The lasting impact MND has on families like Judith’s highlights the urgent need for research and support.
By including a gift in her Will to FightMND in memory of her wonderful dad, Judith is providing hope that one day a cure will be found.
Including a gift in your Will
By including a gift in your Will to FightMND, you’re investing in a future where families like Judith’s don’t have to endure the heartbreak of losing a loved one to MND.
A gift in your Will to FightMND is the gift of helping us better understand MND. It is a gift of better treatments and therapies for people living with MND. It is an investment into a future without MND.
Until 18 September, FightMND is offering you the opportunity to secure your family’s future with an online Will through Safewill, normally $160.
Safewill’s simple platform provides step-by-step instructions, with each Will reviewed by a practicing Australian solicitor for peace of mind. After 12 months, a subscription fee will apply. Safewill’s terms and conditions are available on their website.
If you would like to have a confidential discussion about the impact you can have on MND research long into the future, please reach out to Eloise Shepherd our Gifts in Wills Coordinator at [email protected] or 03 7052 7004.