Will you be there for the people who are always there for others?

Most mums and dads find small moments in the day to catch their breath.

While their children are reading, watching a movie or playing a game, parents usually have a few minutes to enjoy a coffee or chat with a friend.

But for the mums and dads I meet, times when their child is occupied are rarely relaxing.

Their worried eyes watch every move.

Did they just find it harder to get up off the floor?

Were they slower to bend down today than yesterday?

Every slight trip or stumble is another reminder that today is the strongest they’ll ever be.

While her boys play, Sandra is always watching, always worrying.

Living on high alert like this takes a heavy toll.

Parents know they should take a break. But after another night of interrupted sleep, hitting snooze instead of getting up for therapy or a specialist appointment doesn’t feel like something they can do.

When every session is another chance to help their child hold onto their strength, learn a new skill or stay independent for a bit longer, there’s never any time to rest and recharge.

The donor-funded Peer Connection Program gives families the chance to take a short break from the constant demands of caring.

Through wellbeing activities, carer retreats and family events, the program gives parents the time and space to focus on their own wellbeing.

Just as importantly, every activity is thoughtfully designed to bring together families facing many of the same challenges, creating a community that continues long after the activity has ended.

Please make your best gift today. Your donation – large or small – will reassure exhausted mums and dads that they don’t have to face muscular dystrophy on their own.

Muscular dystrophy doesn’t replace everyday family life. It comes on top of it.

I see how overwhelming life can be for the people holding everything together. Parents are already busy juggling school runs, sport, homework, laundry, dinners and bills.

When a child lives with a progressive muscle condition, the people who are there for them also have to coordinate therapies, hospital appointments, equipment suppliers, wheelchair maintenance and support workers.

As their child’s needs change, there’s a whole extra layer of responsibility most families never have to think about.

No wonder there’s no time left just for them.

Today I’m asking for your help for something close to my heart.

Your generosity will give more Queensland parents some time just for themselves. It’s a simple gift, but one that will have a lasting impact on the whole family.

Sandra is raising two young boys living with muscular dystrophy.

She adores them.

But while she has double the good days and double the joy, every appointment, every therapy session, every specialist visit and every worry about the future comes twice.

As her boys’ needs increase, so does the pressure on Sandra.

Sandra and another mum enjoying a creative pottery session at our Mother’s Retreat.

She now spends even more time making sure both children can manage day in, day out.

Earlier this year, Sandra attended a two-day mum’s retreat thanks to the generosity of people like you.

She told us the encouragement from the Peer Connection Program couldn’t have come at a better time.

Over those two days, Sandra enjoyed a sleep in, ate nutritious meals cooked for her, took part in wellbeing activities and shared uninterrupted time with other mums who understood what her life was like.

Looking back on her rare time away, she said:

“I was able to relax. Get some ‘me time’ so I could go home and be a better mum.”

Sandra amongst other mums and newfound friends at our Mother’s Retreat

For Sandra, the retreat wasn’t about getting away from her boys or avoiding her responsibilities.

It was about making sure she had enough left to give to give the two young children who depend on her every day.

Parents can’t pour from an empty cup.

Looking after themselves is just as important as looking after their children. Time to recover isn’t a luxury – it’s what helps parents keep showing up day after day for the people who need them.

Please make your generous donation today. It will only take a minute, and your kindness will give more Queensland parents the chance to look after themselves, as well as their family.

While every family’s story is different, all the parents I meet want the same thing…

…to give their children every chance to experience life while they can.

Knowing the years ahead will bring new challenges makes every day feel too precious to waste. Whenever family life allows a break from routine, making the most of special moments with their child takes priority over their own needs and wellbeing, because they know those opportunities won’t always be there.

No one can truly relate to this better than someone who’s living it too.

Connection is at the heart of the Peer Connection Program. Every retreat, workshop and event brings together families who can simply be themselves, without explanation.

The friendships they build become a lasting source of practical advice, encouragement and support long after the program ends.

Please make your heartfelt gift today. Any donation you can make will help carers running on empty take a much-needed break and connect with other families who truly understand life with muscular dystrophy.

Your kindness gives Queensland families somewhere to turn when they need it most. Thank you for being the person they can count on.  

With sincere thanks,

Penny Deavin

CEO, Muscular Dystrophy Queensland

P.S. Your donation will help more mums and dads find the encouragement that can make even the hardest days feel a little easier to face. Please give generously today.

P.P.S. No parent should have to navigate muscular dystrophy alone. Your kindness today will make sure they don’t have to.

Alternative options for your donation

If you prefer to make your donation via electronic transfer, you may use the following bank account details.

Account Name:  Muscular Dystrophy Queensland
BSB: 084-004
Account Number: 71-639-0235

To help us receipt your donation correctly, please include your MDQ donor reference number if one has been provided to you by us. You might also like to email our fundraising team, to let us know the donation is on it’s way.

Alternatively, donations via cheque or money order can be posted to:
Locked Bag 3020, Springwood QLD 4127

Thank you again. All donations are greatly appreciated.