Meet Jaxon

Jaxon Taylor, is a driven and passionate 18-year-old from Baulkham Hills, NSW. Jaxon lives with Merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy, a condition that affects his muscle strength from birth. But to Jaxon, his condition is just one part of his identity. He’s a devoted sports enthusiast, powerchair football player, podcast host, and an emerging journalism student.

Jaxon has played powerchair football for a decade and is deeply dedicated to the sport. He’s also an avid fan of the Western Sydney Wanderers and Liverpool FC. His love of sports inspired him to launch his podcast, “Powered by Football,” where he passionately covers powerchair football matches and results.

Now a Bachelor of Communications student with a major in journalism, Jaxon dreams of becoming a full-time podcaster. “Starting the podcast felt like a natural step toward my goal,” he shares, explaining how his studies support this passion.

Jaxon’s relationship with Muscular Dystrophy NSW (MDNSW) began at the age of five when he attended his first camp. The camps became a place where he found “mates for life” and a unique sense of community. “Camp has a vibe I can’t find anywhere else in the world,” he says.

For Jaxon, these friendships mean everything—staying in touch with his fellow campers year-round has given him a network of support and companionship.

Reflecting on his camp journey, Jaxon says he would tell his younger self to “own it, be yourself, be open to making new friends.” His message to others considering a MDNSW Camp or the Young Adults  Retreat is clear: “Just go for it. Be yourself and enjoy the experience.”

Transitioning to the MDNSW Young Adults program marked an important milestone for Jaxon, offering him the chance to connect with peers his age in a new setting. Held at a lodge in Blacktown, the retreat brought together young adults to share experiences and bond over shared interests.

For Jaxon, one highlight was creating the “Social Media Takeover” video, which became MDNSW’s most-viewed social media post. “I had the freedom to do whatever I wanted for the video, and trust me, we got up to some mischief!” he laughs.

The retreat also allowed Jaxon to stretch beyond his comfort zone, encouraging him to connect with others on a deeper level. “Being surrounded by people my own age made me more confident and open with my peers,” he reflects. It’s a confidence that has carried over into his daily life, where he feels more assured about meeting new people and making friends.

For Jaxon, the YA Retreat isn’t just about activities; it’s about a supportive, close-knit community where “everyone helps everyone.” One night, when he needed assistance turning over, two carers who weren’t assigned to him stepped in to help. “That sense of togetherness and support is what makes these experiences so special,” he says.

Looking to the future, Jaxon hopes to see powerchair football as part of next year’s retreat activities—a dream that aligns with his lifelong passion for the sport. He credits MDNSW with giving him opportunities that have shaped his life and filled him with gratitude. “The experiences and support I’ve received from MDNSW have been incredible,” he says.