By Cam Lucadou-Wells
At first, there appeared to be something wrong with the car key.
Or perhaps, it was the ignition.
Either way, Jim Waterman had trouble getting the car to start.
Then when wife Brenda tried the key, the car started.
She knew something more serious was up for her husband and his failing right hand.
At first it was just his voice going croaky – just like Jim’s late brother who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease 20 years before.
It took a long time to confirm that Jim was consigned to a similar fate.
“It was a complete shock,” Ms Waterman said.
“Everyone, even the GP, said it wasn’t hereditary. We now know 10 per cent of cases are hereditary.”
One year on since Jim’s death, Ms Waterman and daughter Susan Kusek are holding a family afternoon tea fund-raiser for MND Victoria.
It’s a chance to pay back MND Victoria for its invaluable support while Ms Waterman cared for Jim at home.
The group provided countless, expensive equipment such as ramps, a recliner chair, electric wheelchair and a hospital-style adjustable bed.
“If we had to hire or buy it, it would come to a fortune.”
During Jim’s last months, Ms Waterman nursed him after his increasingly frequent falls. After a broken hip, he was moved to a nursing home – where Ms Waterman visited him twice a day.
She didn’t think she’d be up to organising a fund-raiser, but hopes to raise $1000 to help MND Victoria buy and upkeep its equipment and support services.
“They do fund-raisers like walks and things. They’re not my go, but I love to cook.
“There will be plenty of cakes, slices, biscuits and sweet things.”
The fund-raiser is at Narre Warren Girl Guide Hall, 4 Malcolm Court, Narre Warren on Saturday 22 July, 2-4pm. Entry $5, including afternoon tea; $1 extra for raffle and game entries.
