Former children’s TV host Fiona MacDonald’s road trip of a lifetime for MND research
A Journey of Determination and Resilience
Former children’s TV host Fiona MacDonald, along with her sister Kylie Thynne, recently embarked on a courageous and ambitious road trip around Australia to raise awareness and funds for motor neurone disease (MND) research. Despite facing the daily challenges of MND, Fiona’s determination to make a difference inspired her to undertake this incredible journey.
A Devastating Diagnosis
In November 2021, Fiona received the devastating news that she had been diagnosed with MND. This cruel disease progressively weakens the body’s muscles and has no known cure or effective treatment. For Fiona, MND initially stole her voice, preventing her from delivering her trademark witty one-liners and engaging banter. With each passing day, Fiona’s mobility also deteriorates, making simple tasks increasingly difficult.
Raising Awareness and Funds
Rather than retreating from the world, Fiona decided to use the time she had left to raise awareness about MND and support Professor Dominic Rowe’s research into the disease. She formulated a plan to drive around Australia, covering more than 15,000 kilometers in just 40 days. Joined by her sister Kylie, they embarked on this meaningful voyage, which they named “It’s a Big Lap,” in honor of Fiona’s previous TV shows, such as “It’s a Knockout.”
A Journey Filled with Laughter and Love
Throughout their journey, Fiona and Kylie experienced countless moments of laughter and joy. They made it a point to stop in remote places to hug trees, played music loudly, and even had a refreshing dip at Cable Beach in Broome. Fiona’s love for the ocean, which she can no longer fully enjoy due to her condition, made this experience particularly meaningful. Despite the physical and emotional toll this trip took on Fiona, she was determined to live every day to the fullest and continue spreading her message of enjoying life and finding laughter wherever possible.
The Urgent Need for Research Funding
A Cruel and Insidious Disease
MND is a rapidly progressive and terminal neurological disease, with no known cure or effective treatments. The number of deaths from MND in Australia has more than doubled in the past 30 years. Although the cause of the disease remains unknown in the majority of cases, researchers like Professor Dominic Rowe are determined to discover the underlying factors contributing to the illness.
The Role of Environmental Factors
While genetics only account for around 10% of MND cases, there is growing evidence pointing to environmental factors playing a significant role. One theory involves exposure to heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals. Another suspects a link between MND and blue-green algae, specifically a toxin called beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA). Professor Rowe and other scientists believe that BMAA has the potential to damage the body’s nerves and trigger MND.
The Urgency for Research Funding
With the incidence of MND on the rise and the dire need for effective treatments, Professor Rowe emphasizes the urgency for increased research and funding. Philanthropic support plays a crucial role in the work done at Macquarie University’s MND clinic, where Fiona receives comprehensive care. The clinic also conducts world-first trials, such as Professor Rowe’s therapy aimed at slowing the progression of MND. However, the next phase of this trial requires $2 million in funding.
Living Life with Resilience and Purpose
A Lesson in Strength and Hope
Fiona’s road trip of a lifetime serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Despite her voice being taken away and her body slowly succumbing to the disease, Fiona’s determination and resilience shine through. Her journey is not only about raising awareness and funds for MND research but also about inspiring others to live every day to the fullest and find joy in life’s smallest pleasures.
Embracing the Emotions
Fiona encourages others facing challenging circumstances, such as a terminal illness, to allow themselves to experience the full range of emotions. She acknowledges the grief and sadness that comes with such a diagnosis but emphasizes the importance of not letting these emotions drown you. Instead, Fiona encourages individuals to embrace their emotions and find the strength to keep going, living each day to the best of their ability.
A Message of Hope and Support
Fiona’s journey is a testament to the importance of raising awareness, supporting research, and providing care for individuals affected by MND. Every dollar raised through her road trip will contribute to Macquarie University’s ongoing research efforts and patient care. Fiona’s hope is that her efforts will bring us closer to finding a cure for MND, offering hope to future generations who may face this devastating disease.
Overall, Fiona MacDonald’s road trip serves as a poignant reminder of the power of resilience, determination, and love in the face of adversity. Despite her own challenges, Fiona continues to inspire others to live life to the fullest and make a difference in the world. By sharing her story and raising funds for MND research, Fiona’s journey has a lasting impact on the fight against this insidious disease.
<< photo by Gaspar Uhas >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
