Help Make Time Count for Kiwi Drummer with Terminal MND Diagnosis - every day matters
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.
Dave Goodison's involvement (page creator)
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.
Use of funds
Supplements and treatments / therapy; home modifications, mobility vehicles, equipment and aids; making memories with his wife and children.
Latest update
It's been a while but I'm still here! Updates and our next goal 27 March 2026
Sorry it's been so long since we posted an update! We have been really busy making memories and adjusting to living well with MND.
Since we last spoke - Thanks to your generosity! We have travelled to the United States and back,
We travelled to Melbourne to see Oasis and visit my sister Karen,
We travelled to the South Island, to take Bella on a bucket trip to Milford Sound,
Kendall and I have started to write some music together!
We went to the very last Splore Festival,
We took part in Round The Bays and raised $2200 for Motor Neurone Disease NZ!
We had a concrete footpath installed to accommodate my heavy duty wheelchair,
Plus so many more awesome adventures.
I'm doing well considering I am now using a wheelchair 90% of the time - It has given me a sense of independence and freedom.
A friend has generously donated an electric wheelchair that we can use for travel, unfortunately transferring in and out of our car with this chair has become difficult and nerve-racking.
Which brings me to our next challenge - being able to take my heavy duty wheelchair places would alleviate so much stress. Our current vehicle is not suitable and options for transport from Thames to my Waikato Hospital appointments are limited.
We are now focusing on raising enough funds to buy a wheelchair van.
Please consider sharing around to help us achieve this next goal!
Thank you so much for ongoing love and support.
Chris, Kendall, Bella and Sam xx
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