Muscular Dystrophy Walk for a Cure to be held in Warrnambool
Warrnambool will walk in honour of a 24-year-old who died from a rare muscular disease as his brother urges southwest Victoria to get behind the cause.
Warrnambool
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Warrnambool’s Aaron Gillin was a passionate, loyal and funny man.
He loved music, professional wrestling and the Geelong football club.
But he also suffered from muscular dystrophy, a progressive muscle-wasting disease that confined him to a wheelchair, and on October 26, 2017 he died at the age of 24.
On Sunday Warrnambool will walk in his honour to raise awareness for the disease and remember the man who impacted so many.
Aaron and his brother, Chris, who also has muscular dystrophy, started the Gillin Boys Foundation in 2016; which has since become a committee of volunteers with 50 sponsors and has raised thousands.
“Aaron was a very passionate, loyal and funny person,” Chris said.
Chris and Aaron Gillin were born with the rare muscular disease.
He said he and Aaron wanted to make a difference and raise awareness for a disease with no cure.
“Our sole aim was to raise awareness, and as bonus funds in the hope of finding a cure for future generations — we were aware that it most likely wouldn't happen in time to help us,” he said.
Chris said his brother suffered more than him but would rarely show his pain.
He said Aaron was the toughest person he knew.
“The last two and a half years he was alive he spent in bed as it was too painful and physically draining to get in his wheelchair yet he never complained,” Chris said.
“He was the best brother I could ever ask for.”
“Living with MD is quite hard, especially as the years go by, and you lose more muscle strength, and therefore further independence.
“But I try staying positive to enjoy what I have.
“The amount of support we receive from the community is amazing; they are so generous towards our fight for a cure. There are not enough words to say how much we appreciate them all.”
Chris said he hoped for more drug trials and research in Australia.
Life expectancy with MD is changing, with survival to the early 30s ages becoming more common.
The Walk 4 A Cure event is being held in Warrnambool on Sunday, March 27 from 9 am to noon.
People are asked to gather at the Pavillion Cafe to register at 8.15am.
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