Thursday, 19 June 2025

Motor neurone disease

Kim O’KEEFFE (Shepparton) (09:50): I want to acknowledge a fantastic event on Monday, Parliament’s first Big Freeze. It was so great to see all members coming together to support our member for Pakenham. What an amazing event and result, raising over an incredible $54,000 for MND research. Emma should be really proud of the incredible amount raised and also raising MND awareness. You are such an inspiration, Em. It was a freezing day, and well done to those that got dunked.

I have a very close friend, Maxine, who is also fighting the beast, and we did a walk a few weeks ago, with over 40 attending, to support Maxine and to raise MND awareness. We raised close to $2000. Also, a shout-out to Maxine’s husband Damien for his amazing love, care and support. Maxine also has a caring community behind her. Maxine has written a book sharing her MND journey in hope that it will create a better understanding of MND and also the challenges she and her loved ones face. The title of her book is No I Am Not Drunk, and it is soon to be released. Maxine and Emma are also in touch, which I know has been a real support to Maxine. These two incredible women are making such a difference during such challenging circumstances.

I attended the 11th Big Freeze at the MCG. It was incredible to see a sea of MND beanies and very touching to see Neale Daniher and his family on the oval, waving to the thousands in the crowd. Neale had the biggest smile on his face, and Emma and her daughter were also there. Neale and his family have done an incredible job raising millions of dollars for MND research. What an absolute legend.