A loving father, Grandfather, Husband, son, brother and friend

Dale is 46 and currently facing a battle against the advanced stages of MND, MND short for Motor Neurone disease. MND is a rare, incurable condition thought to affect around one in 50,000 people. It progressively damages the nervous system, causing the muscles to waste away. This happens when specialist nerve cells stop working properly as the disease progresses.

Motor neurones are found in the brain and spinal cord, so messages are no longer transmitted to the muscles. When muscles aren’t used, they deteriorate and waste away. Scientists are still unsure exactly what causes the motor neurones to stop working properly.

MND can affect adults at any age, but is usually diagnosed in people between the ages of 40 and 70, with around twice as many men affected as women. Dale was diagnosed over a year ago and rapidly deteriorated since then

MND isn’t curable but the emphasis is on symptom control, either with medication, clinical equipment, therapies or a combination of these treatments. Each patient’s experience depends on their own personal journey with MND. The disease affects people to such different extents and in so many different ways that a tailored approach is always taken to which treatments and services each individual needs. Many healthcare professionals can be involved in the care of someone with MND. This is known as a multi-disciplinary team approach.

Some patients, especially those in the more advanced stages of the disease, may be referred to a hospice for palliative care, which is designed to reduce any discomfort, address the physiological and spiritual aspects of care, and support the family. The support provided will depend on each individual’s needs and preferences.

Due to MND Dale isn't able to produce a strong enough cough to help remove secretion from the lungs and it builds up over night causing all sorts of problems leading him to be hospitalised. This is why the Cough Assist machine has become a crucial factor in Dales care as he would have to travel daily to the hospital to receive this treatment.

How does the Cough Assist work?

Using a process called mechanical insufflation-exsufflation, the CoughAssist gradually applies a positive pressure to the airway followed by a rapid shift to negative pressure. This rapid shift produces a high expiratory flow from the lungs, simulating a cough. The technique avoids airway damage and offers an alternative to an invasive procedure while still offering patients greater comfort and quality of life. This machine retails for around $10,000. We would also like to add that once the machine is no longer required it would be donated to charity and be able to give someone in need the opportunity to use it.

Dale would also like to use some of these funds to spend some precious time making more wonderful memories with his Children and family. Dale is originally from Whangaruru Northland and part of the legacy he has for his children includes their homestead which needs repairs.

Any donations made are greatly appreciated whether big or small.

From the bottom of our hearts

Thank you!