Navigating MND Together as a Whānau

This is one of the hardest things I have ever had to write.

In January 2026, at 41, Joe was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND/ALS), a progressive, life-limiting condition with no cure.

Since then, his mobility and speech have declined. He can no longer walk independently and needs help with most everyday tasks. His powered wheelchair has given him a new lease of life—more independence and freedom to keep doing things he enjoys.

Together, we have six tamariki. Watching their dad’s condition change so quickly has been difficult. As a whānau, our focus is on keeping Joe safe and comfortable, supporting his independence, and making memories together.

Just before his diagnosis, Joe asked me to marry him. We had no idea how suddenly our lives were about to change. We still dream of becoming husband and wife and sharing that day with our tamariki while Joe can fully enjoy it with us.

We are raising funds to meet Joe’s changing needs, including specialised equipment and essential costs that are only partially funded or not funded at all.

Your koha will also help make our wedding possible and create memories through birthdays, whānau photos and small adventures together.

More than anything, we want to make the most of our time together, giving Joe special experiences with the people he loves and our tamariki memories with their dad to treasure.

We understand money is tight but if you cannot donate, sharing our page would mean so much.

Ngā mihi aroha,

Tracey