Recipient Story: Living Each Day Fully

Motor Neurone Disease

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a relentless and life-altering condition, stripping away the ability to walk, talk, and move with ease. For those diagnosed, every day is a battle—a test of resilience, adaptation, and courage. Yet, through it all, hope prevails.

In South Canterbury, the Aoraki Foundation serves as a vital link between generosity and impact. Your donations ensure that people living with MND receive the care and support they need. For one local client, that support has made all the difference.

Like many, they had never heard of MND before their diagnosis. Their neurologist had given them two years to live and advised them to put their affairs in order. That was 11 years ago.

Since then, MND has become the greatest challenge of their life. Each day presents new difficulties—losing the ability to walk was a devastating transition, especially for someone who was once active and passionate about sports. Now, life is about observing rather than doing.

Yet perhaps the most profound loss has been their voice. Unable to speak, they often feel isolated, as though their very identity has been challenged. But despite these hardships, they recognize their fortune—they are still here, supported by a trained MND advisor, defying expectations.

“Despite the challenges, I choose to see today as the best day of my life.” - Motor Neurone Disease client

Their MND New Zealand Support Advisor became more than a friendly face. She was a trusted voice on hard days, a source of expert guidance, and a quiet constant when everything else felt unknown. From helping organise neurology visits and mobility support, to simply being present—she made a difference in every chapter of the family’s journey.

Our Support Advisor helped us take one day at a time. We always looked forward to those visits—they brought light when we needed it most.”

Their advice to others facing MND is simple but profound: Stay positive, every day is worth appreciating. And they remind you, today is the best day of your life, for tomorrow you will be just a little bit worse.

Stories like this are not easy, but they are honest, generous, and deeply human. And thanks to MND New Zealand’s dedicated support team, no one walks this path alone.

How the Aoraki Foundation helped:

The Aoraki Foundation supported Motor Neurone Disease New Zealand Charitable Trust with a $3,460 grant from the South Canterbury Health Fund. This funding helped ensure that a Community Support Advisor could continue their vital work with families across South Canterbury.