Help fight MND at event

By Jonathon Howard

A SPECIAL event to highlight the plight of those living Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and to fundraise in the hope of someday finding a cure is set to take place at The Salvation Army Tweed Centre in Banora Point on Sunday, October 8, from 11.30am.

Tony Wichnevsky has lived with MND for the past two years and his wife Jill is his primary carer.

Jill and her sister Jeanette Buchanan wanted to raise the awareness and challenges of those living with MND. They hope the community, with some celebrity assistance, can help fundraise and continue the fight for a cure.

“It’s hard watching my sister Jill and Tony battle with this condition,” Jeanette said.

“Jill is such a strong person, but it’s a challenge and I feel Tony’s condition is robbing them of so much life.”

Jeanette says she feels guilty at times that her life is continuing at a somewhat normal pace, whilst her sister’s life is in “survival mode”.

“It’s a torturous situation for her to be in and it’s devastating for our families,” she said.

“Tony was full of life and a vibrant man as an active surf life saver and life member at North Kirra Surf Life Saving Club prior to the MND diagnosis.”

Tony is a man who would help anyone in need, was handy on the tools, and a passionate family man.

Jeanette is encouraging the community and residents, and those families living with MND, to join the event and share their grief and their experiences, as well as enjoying a family fun day.

Jill said life is a daily battle and she is “extremely appreciative” of the support workers and carers around her.

“The community support we have had is amazing and we are so grateful,” she said.

“We want to share Tony’s story and our experience to help raise awareness of MND and also our fundraiser in October to fight this disease.”

The family estimate that Tony has about six to 12 months left, although no one can guarantee how much time he has.

“My sister, Jill, along with Tony’s full daytime carers are keeping him at home in Banora Point, Jill does the nights alone,”

Jeanette said.

“She wants to do this for him. It’s very hard for her but she is doing it.”

The Salvos at Banora Point have very kindly donated their space along with a barbecue and people to cook for the event.

Coles at Casuarina have donated sau-