Margaret

My Mum June Pollard was living in Sydney, Australia, when she noticed a change in her speech. At first she thought her dentures were causing the problem.

She was a trooper - an inspiration to my children and to all who knew her.

But after many conversations with her on the phone, I decided to travel to Sydney from Tweed Heads, Australia, where I live, to attend the doctors' surgery with her.

We were referred to a Neurologist, at which time mum was sent to Concord Hospital for further tests. The news was broken to us in November 2005.

I brought Mum to live with me in Tweed Heads immediately, to try and provide as much care and family interaction as possible. Mum still had her speech (however slurred in some cases) and still had the use of her arms and legs.

Mum was 83 years young when she was diagnosed.

I feel that due to her age, it was harder to detect the symptoms, as things start going haywire at that age anyway. I didn't get much support from the Neurologist, so I did my own research into the disease on the internet and through speaking with doctors. During this journey I found that there is very little known in the medical profession about it.

Mum wanted to remain as independent as she could. I have never seen such determination! She hated living towards the end, but she continued to remain positive. Mum’s symptoms attacked her swallowing and speech from the onset, and this I believe is a much faster progression of the disease.

Mum went into a nursing home just 29 days prior to her death. She was looked after beautifully, and the home has commented to me that mum has taught them a lot about the effects of MND, and this will aid them in looking after any further cases they may encounter.

Mum entered hospital in June for a routine (PEG) insertion to assist in feeding, and tragically for the family, though best for her, she slipped into a coma, and passed away the next day.

My mother was fortunate to reach the age of 83 before being struck by this disease. She only lived for seven months after diagnosis.

She was a trooper - an inspiration to my children and to all who knew her.

Just before mum slipped into a coma, she gave me the "thumbs up" sign, and I was lucky enough to be by her side when she passed away.

She is in a better place now, and out of her suffering. I certainly hope they find a cure and or treatment in the near future.

I am happy to support any family going through the same traumatic time that we did, as it is very painful to watch your loved ones live in such difficulty. I can be contacted at msmithie2@hotmail.com (please mark MND response in the subject line).