Donate and help make every day count for Chris and his family after his terminal MND diagnosis.
Waikato, Waikato District
In October 2023, Chris and his wife Kendall were living their dream in their first home. But their joy was shattered when Chris was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), a terminal illness with a life expectancy of 2 - 3 years that will progressively rob him of his ability to move, speak, and breathe.
Chris is a man of action and inspiration and refuses to give up. Known for his adventures, contributions to the New Zealand music community, dedication to parkrunning, and being a devoted husband and father, Chris choses to face this diagnosis by raising awareness about MND and creating lasting memories with his family. Since his diagnosis he has been busy approaching sponsors and planning fundraising opportunities for the Motor Neurone Disease New Zealand charity.
MND is a costly disease. Chris will soon need mobility aids, home modifications, and ongoing treatments to maintain his quality of life. He and Kendall have already exhausted their savings and both will eventually have to stop working, but he dreams of taking his wife and children on one final trip to America.
Your support can make this dream possible. By donating, you can help Chris create precious memories, access necessary treatments, and maintain his dignity. If MND takes him early, your contributions will support his family and further the work of MND NZ.
Chris is determined to beat the odds and live longer than expected. With your help, he can fight this battle with hope and strength.
Please, donate today.
I have known Chris my entire life, growing up together in Glenn Innes and Mt. Wellington with our fathers working together on the NZ Railway and our families being the best of friends.
He is a brother.
Supplements and treatments / therapy; home modifications, mobility vehicles, equipment and aids; making memories with his wife and children.
Chrisfest 22 October 2024
Last month it was an honour to have a whole festival organized for me.
Chrisfest was advertised as a night of music and love raising funds for me and our family, and it truly was just that.
There were so many amazing surprises on the night, The Bads played a cover of The Ramones 'I Wanna Be Sedated', Beth Torrance played a cover of 'Pet Sematary' and Adam McGrath surprised me with a whole set of my favorite songs.
We were also so grateful for our friend Will Saunders who not only played a cracking set, but also designed the event poster, and a bonus Ramones logo style design that we printed on t shirts.
There were so many of you there, and a whole heap of friends and family - we are so pleased to say it was a sold out show!
It was also quite an emotional night, getting to play on the same bill as my son Sam and his band Video Nasty, as well as playing my last live show with Kendall - unfortunately it's not so easy to hold drum sticks any more.
I want to say a huge thank you to Lulu Macrae and Matthew Crawley and the Double Whammy Bar family who worked so hard to plan the event and make sure it went without a hitch - right down to making sure the event was wheelchair accessible. Thank you so much to all of the acts involved!
We received a huge amount of love and care to fill us up and bolster our spirits for the challenges we have ahead. We really feel so supported by our musical community!
Thank you so much for your generosity Roger. It is so appreciated! With love from Chris, Kendall, Bella and Sam x
Thank you Amy and Nick! It was such a joy to celebrate your wedding with you. See you again soon xx Chris, Kendall, Bella and Sam xx
This is so wonderful. Thank you so much all for your generosity and coming together to fundraise for us. From the bottom of our hearts. Much love, Chris, Kendall, Bella and Sam xx
Thank you Zvonko. It all helps and we appreciate your generosity! Much love from Chris, Kendall, Bella and Sam x
Thank you so much Jack! I hope it's not too cold over there! Take care, lots of love from Chris, Kendall, Bella and Sam x
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