The family of a Dunsborough woman who has ‘always put everyone first’ are holding an event to raise funds for research into the disease which has debilitated their beloved mother.
Carol Bogaers, a mother of three and grandmother of seven, was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease in September.
Her children Danielle Marsden, Anita DeMarchi and Matthew Bogaers have organised Carol’s MND Fundraiser, with all proceeds going to the Motor Neurone Disease Association of WA.
Motor Neuron Disease is a terminal neurodegnerative disease that causes rapidly progressive muscle weakness. The disease effects the nerve cells that control the ability to speak, move, breathe and swallow.
In a cruel twist, Carol has spent the last 35 years working for Disabilities Services Commision as an area coordinator.
The 67-year-old adored her job and said it was bizarre to now have a condition which had resulted in her becoming disabled.
Despite now feeling as though she is trapped in her own body, Carol said she finds joy in her children, grand children and daily visitors.
“I do try to keep a positive mind because you can’t change it and if I was down, everyone would be,” she said.
Husband of 48 years, Arnie, said the family didn’t know much about Motor Neuron Disease prior to Carol’s diagnosis.
He said they were now passionate about fundraising for research, to save other families from going through the same thing.
“It’s a horrible thing to watch someone deteriorate,” he said.
“We take it day by day, we don’t know what the future is.
“The research they are doing now will probably be too late for Carol and the research doesn’t get a lot of funding other than private funding from events like this.”
Danielle Marsden, Anita DeMarchi and Matthew Bogaers added they were spurred into action by their Mum’s diagnosis.
“We wanted to do something positive and not sit back,” they said.
“We are great believers in giving back.”
Carol’s MND Fundraiser will be held on June 16 at Solitaire Homestead.
The event will feature music performances, live and silent auctions, plus food and drink.
Tickets are $50 and include a free drink and afternoon tea.
For more information, visit facebook.com/CarolsMNDFundraiser.
