TWO friends brought together by grief have found a positive way to remember their lost loved ones.
Caroline Jensen and Jo Bevis both lost a child to Spinal Muscular Atrophy at 19 months and seven months respectively.
Mrs Jensen describes the disease as cruel because it would slowly take away motor neurons in the spine until there is no movement left.
“You witness your perfect baby becoming weaker and weaker over time until even the smallest movement requires tremendous effort,” Mrs Jensen said.
There is no cure for the disease and little treatment for the children who are diagnosed.
The pair met coincidentally after both moving to Dunsborough from Perth.
Since then they have raised thousands of dollars for the Children Medical Research Institute.
“It feels positive to contribute something towards the fight against genetic diseases in children,” Mrs Jensen said.
On Friday the pair will be part of a fundraising event at Samudra in Dunsborough for Jeans for Genes Day.
Jeans for Genes Day aims to raise awareness and funds for the Children’s Medical Research Institute which try to extend the lives of children.
Mrs Bevis said she had an extra incentive to help out the institute with her 11 year old son being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2003.
“The cause of Type 1 diabetes is still relatively unknown, but it is thought to be a combination of environmental and genetic influences,” she said.
For more information about the fundraiser contact Samudra on 9779 9977.
