A sister’s legacy: How Katrina brought a DIY Big Freeze to Airlie Beach
When someone is diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), the effects can reach far beyond the person receiving the news. Families, friends, colleagues, sports clubs and neighbourhoods can feel the presence of the Beast.
For Katrina Chaplin, her sister’s experience with MND inspired her to fight back. She rallied the Airlie Beach community, pulling people together for a DIY Big Freeze that highlighted the power of people and community. Through her passion and advocacy, the event not only raised critical funds for MND research but also helped raise awareness across Airlie Beach of the reality of the Beast and the urgent need to fight back.
A family’s experience with MND
Katrina’s journey with MND began with her sister’s diagnosis.
“In July 2015, my sister broke her leg after falling from her bed. When her recovery didn’t progress as expected, she underwent further testing. That testing revealed that she had MND,” recalled Katrina.
Katrina’s sister died on New Year’s Eve 2015. She was just 54 years and 2 days old.
In March 2016, Katrina and her family learned that her sister had the mutated C9ORF72 gene. This is a common gene linked to MND.
Of people diagnosed with MND, 90% are the only known member in the family to receive a diagnosis. This is known as sporadic MND. The other 10% of people diagnosed have inherited a mutation in a gene from a parent. This is known as familial MND.
Genes are like instructions for the body. A change, or mutation, in a gene can make it more likely that someone develops MND. C9ORF72 is one of the most common gene mutations associated with familial MND.
It is important to note that having a gene mutation increases your likelihood of developing MND. It doesn’t mean you will definitely get MND. Other factors, like your environment and other parts of your DNA, also influence the risk.
“I’ve had my sister, my aunty, my uncle and two friends all die from motor neurone disease,” explained Katrina. “Mum was found to have passed on the faulty gene as well. It is an insidious disease.”
With her deep connection to MND, Katrina was determined to make a difference.
“After 10 years of my sister’s passing it was time to do something to raise money to find a cure.”
A day that united Airlie Beach
Katrina’s vision for the first Airlie Beach Big Freeze was a fun-filled day the whole community could enjoy.
“It was important for me to create a day that was fun and inclusive for the whole family. As Neale often states, events like DIY Big Freezes are all about putting the Fun back into FUNdraising,” explains Katrina.
The event had its own take on the Big Freeze Slide, with community members sponsored to take on the icy challenge, plunging down the Airlie Beach Big Freeze Slide.
There was also a charity auction featuring sporting memorabilia including signed State of Origin, Brisbane Lions and Cowboys Women jerseys along with plenty of prizes supplied by local businesses.
The success of the day was a true team effort: more than 20 volunteers gave their time, local businesses contributed uniforms, and photographers and videographers captured every moment, each one working together to ensure the day ran smoothly.
Moments that showed why it matters
Beyond the fun and thrill of the icy plunge, Katrina wanted to use the day to help raise awareness of MND across the Airlie Beach community. To do this, she invited Natalie and Bianca, two North Queensland locals living with MND to the event.
A memorable moment for Katrina was when Natalie, who was awaiting confirmation of an MND diagnosis, met Bianca, who lives with the disease. The two women instantly connected, sharing stories, their fears and their hope for the future.
“They both got so much out of talking to each other,” Katrina recalls. “Seeing them connect with each other was one of the most powerful moments from the day.”
Not to let MND, or the uncertainty surrounding it, hold her back, Natalie participated in the day’s Big Freeze Slide. Wearing boxing gloves and a helmet, and the assistance of Katrina’s husband, Natalie ascended the stairs to the top of the Slide, before launching herself towards the icy pool below.
“Even though she paid for it for a week, Natalie was determined to take on that slide,” said Katrina. “She told me later that it was worth it all just so she could reach her goal. Everyone in the audience was so supportive of her efforts.”
Not to be overshadowed, Bianca and her team from Mackay arrived in style. Each wearing a F#$@% MND t-shirts, showing their solidarity and that the fight against the Beast stretches far beyond one town.
“They’re now going to contribute to this year’s DIY, focusing their fundraising efforts in Mackay,” Katrina said.
The power of community
For Katrina, seeing the community rally behind the event was unforgettable.
“People who came to just see the people slide ended up staying the whole afternoon because they had so much fun.”
The experience also revealed the strength of the local community.
“I knew there was something special about the Airlie Beach community but didn’t realise until this day and throughout the lead up, how wonderful the community is.”
Bringing the DIY Big Freeze back for 2026
Today, Katrina is looking ahead to the 2026 Airlie Beach DIY Big Freeze. When asked what advice she’d give to others thinking of hosting their own event, her answer was simple: just do it.
“Treat your first DIY as a chance to learn and take lessons from,” she said. “You’ll be amazed at the support businesses and the community will give to your event.”
Katrina’s other advice for newcomers looking to host a successful DIY Big Freeze? Plan early, promote widely, and make the most of every moment with your participants.
“DIY Big Freeze events are all about people. From the sliders to the volunteers to the lived-experience community to businesses rallying behind the cause, everyone wants to contribute and help fight the Beast in any way they can.”
For anyone considering hosting their own fundraiser, Katrina encourages reaching out and learning from those who have done it before.
“There are so many people who are open and willing to share their tips and advice for hosting a DIY Big Freeze. If you’re ever unsure, just ask questions. We’re all here for the same outcome. We want to beat this insidious disease.”
Choose Fight by hosting a DIY Big Freeze
Like Katrina, you to can host a DIY Big Freeze in 2026.
By hosting a DIY Big Freeze, you can bring the magic of the MCG’s Big Freeze to your own community. Whether it’s an Ice Bucket Challenge, selling Socks and Beanies, or your creative take on the iconic slide, every gesture fuels critical MND research and care programs supporting Australians living with the Beast.
Joining the fight begins with a choice. I Choose Fight. Will you?
This Big Freeze, unite your community, make a splash and bring us closer to a world free from MND. Learn how you can host a DIY Big Freeze on our website.