Karyn Hobday - Champion Team

I first heard of MND when my Dad, Ray Bayly, aged 62 years was diagnosed with this disease on April 2, 1990. What a huge shock to him, to Mum and to our family. Dad was a man of action, he soon found out about the MND Association and became involved, joining the Committee of Management. Later he and Mum moved from Melbourne to live near me and my husband, Dave at Pt Lonsdale. Dad and I then became a part of the newly formed Barwon MND Support Group, led by Rev Ian Parton.
Our family’s journey with MND wasn’t easy at all but my Dad and Mum were always positive and appreciative of the wonderful support they received from the Association and the staff at Bethlehem Hospital. Dad died in November 1994.
We kept our membership with MND Vic current, always reading the newsletters. I was keen to give back to the organisation which had provided so much support to my Dad and family. From 2005 – 2007 I was a member of the State Council of MND Vic. As a Social Worker I spent approximately 30 years of my career focussed on supporting individuals, children and families with disabilities. In 2014, 20 years on from my Dad’s death, I was successful in being appointed as Regional Coordinator for the Barwon Region with the MND association. During this time I was fortunate and privileged to get to know individuals and their families living in Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast and Colac affected by MND and I learnt so much from them as they endeavoured to manage living with MND.
MND will always be a huge significant part of my life and I am humbled and appreciative of being asked to take part in the Great MND Relay. I will be there representing my dear Mum who passed away just recently, my brothers and my broader family and I will be walking for my Dad, all those I have known with MND and their families and for all in the MND Community here in Victoria today.
Remember “Until there is a Cure for MND there is Care”
My pledge time is: Friday 24th June at 5pm