Time to walk to D-feet Motor Neurone Disease
Warragul resident Barb Phillippi and a group of dedicated friends are currently organising the next Warragul Walk to D-feet MND, which will be held on Sunday, November 29 in the Burke Street Park.
The day will begin at 10am for registrations. At 10.30am the short walk will commence, with participants heading along the Linear Trail and returning to the park for a sausage sizzle provided by Warragul Rotary Club, and entertainment for all the family. Registered walkers will all receive a Walk to D-feet MND T-shirt to wear on the day.
There will be special giveaways, balloons, and MND merchandise will be available to purchase.
The Warragul Walk to D-feet MND has in the past raised thousands of dollars towards essential research to combat this terrible disease. Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a degenerative disease that can affect any adult, attacking the nervous system and eventually destroying all voluntary muscular control, including movement, speech and swallowing, leading to death usually within a few years. There is no cure.
All funds raised from the Warragul Walk to D-feet MND are donated to MND Victoria, towards supporting people with MND and funding continuing research to discover the cause, develop treatments and ultimately find a cure. MND Victoria is currently the only organisation focussed on supporting people living with MND. They provide information and essential aids and equipment, free of charge, for as long as is needed, to help people living with MND to achieve the best quality of life possible, throughout their journey.
For the past 10 years, Barb Phillippi has been battling MND and organised the first Warragul Walk to D-feet MND in 2012 to raise awareness in the community about the disease. It was in 2005 when Barb, an active sportswoman at the time, began to notice certain symptoms, like tripping and stumbling for no apparent reason when playing netball.
Within a short space of time Barb required foot and ankle orthotics to help improve her movement and stability. Gradually Barb lost the ability to walk or use her arms, eventually losing all movement below the neck, although the sensory nerves are undamaged, and is now dependent upon her family, friends and carers for all her needs.
She remains determined to raise awareness of MND. She wants people to understand that despite seeing a person in a wheelchair, sometimes with a noisy breathing machine, their “minds are not affected by this disease”. Barb’s mind is sharper than ever and she is grateful she still has the ability to talk. “I just want people to understand what is wrong with me and that it is okay for us to talk about it.”
Another local person living with MND John Parker also will be taking part in this year’s walk.
John said he was diagnosed with MND in 2013.
“At that stage my legs were a bit weak, but I was able to walk around unaided. Within two months I needed leg braces, then about three months later I required crutches.
“Within the next six months I required stronger leg braces and a wheelie frame.” Within two years John needed an electric wheelchair and a transfer lifting machine.
His wife has become his full-time carer. Talking about MND Victoria John said, “The MND Association has provided me with the aids I’ve needed, free of cost and when I’m finished with them, I send them back.”
After being diagnosed with MND John had to stop working as a union official for the CFMEU, eventually resigning from his honorary position as secretary of the Gippsland Trades and Labour Council at the end of last year.
Walkers of all ages, families and friends are invited to join the walk. Registrations can be made online at www.mycause.com.au/events/walktodfeetmnd or a hard-copy entry form can be downloaded from www.mnd.asn.au. Registration costs $20 for adults, $10 children/students (5-18 years) or $50 for a family registration (two adults and two children). Registration will also be available on the day from 10am.
For more information about the walk contact Barb Phillippi on 0427 566 021. If you require more information about MND, contact chief executive Rod Harris on 1800 806 632 or email info@mnd.asn.au.