For Alison, the early days of Jack’s diagnosis with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are moments she still carries with her. The uncertainty, the searching and the sudden shift in what life looked like for their family.   

Jack was eight when things first changed. Growing up on a farm in central west NSW, he was a typical country kid. But after breaking his collarbone in a four-wheeler accident, small differences in how he moved began to appear. His parents noticed he was finding new ways to get up from the floor and walking on his toes. This soon led to a referral to a paediatrician, then to a neuromuscular clinic. 

At their initial diagnosis appointment at Sydney Children’s Hospital in 2010, the family was told where to turn for trusted information. “They told us if we were going to google Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy to only look at the MDNSW site,” Alison says.  

Support arrived quickly.

"A Muscular Dystrophy NSW staff member visited our home in central west NSW and provided useful information and support to our family early on in Jack's diagnosis of DMD."

It was a small act of kindness at a time when their world felt overwhelming. It offered Alison a moment to pause and feel less alone. That early contact grounded the family during an overwhelming time and became the first step in a long and meaningful relationship. 

As Jack grew, so did his connection with MDNSW. He attended a camp in 2014, meeting “other families and children at the camp who were learning to live with DMD also.” Those friendships and shared experiences helped him feel understood.

The whole family found their own forms of support. John, Jack’s dad, attended a dads’ football night while in Sydney for appointments. And Alison found her own community too: “I am a regular participant of the ‘Mum's Wine and Chat’ Zooms.” For Alison, those evenings became a rare moment to exhale. A space where she didn’t have to be strong, or explain, or rush.

That safe space for mums had a deep impact. “Being able to talk freely with others who related to what you were feeling and dealing with,” she says, describing the relief of speaking openly with people who understood exactly what she meant without explanation.  

And she’s gained so much from the experience.

“The companionship, support and learning that occurs from communicating with others in a similar situation to ourselves is really good,” she says. “To provide you with a feeling of ‘not being alone’ in what you are dealing with.”

Every bit of support given to Alison didn’t just help her – it flowed straight into her family, strengthening the people she loves most. 

Over the years, Alison has also learned the value of giving back. Today, she mentors other mothers navigating similar journeys, helping them find the same connection and reassurance she once received. 

“I think that's why I'm really happy to do it because I sort of started thinking, ‘oh my God, Jack's 24 and I'm talking to these mums whose kids are two and 5 and 10.’ But we didn't ever have anybody be able to do that with.”  

Now, with Jack beginning his career and settling into adulthood, Alison is looking forward to the next chapter: “Enjoying seeing what my children achieve now they are young adults. Having a little more spare time to pursue some of my interests.”  

For families like Alison’s, the most powerful gift isn’t something wrapped. It’s hope, rest and connection when it’s needed most. 

Their journey shows exactly what your support makes possible. A mum who feels understood, a family that feels connected, and a young man who now encourages others taking the same path.  

A single moment of kindness can echo for years, giving mothers like Alison the strength to carry on and the hope to look forward. 

Make this Christmas a little brighter for a family living with Muscular Dystrophy.

When a mum has the chance to rest and reconnect, her whole family feels the difference. Your gift helps her return home rested, stronger and better supported. Your Christmas gift doesn’t just help one mother, it lifts an entire family.