North Geelong woman’s MND mission after mum diagnosed with debilitating rare disease

Rosie Mahoney’s mum was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year, she is now on a mission to raise awareness of the debilitating disease.

Rosie Mahoney and her mum Kathy Mahoney, 73, who was diagnosed with MND in November last year. Rosie is organising a fundraiser in September to raise money and awareness for the disease. Picture: Mike Dugdale

A North Geelong woman is hoping to raise awareness for a rare neurodegenerative condition after her mother was diagnosed with the debilitating disease.

Rosie Mahoney’s mum, Kathy Mahoney, 73, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in November last year.

Rosie said her mother has been experiencing pain in her foot and leg for almost 12 months before she was diagnosed.

“She had drop foot, which meant her ankle couldn’t hold itself up properly,” Rosie said.

“That was the main symptom but we noticed her nerves were starting to deteriorate in the same leg.”

Kathy, who has three children, underwent a series of tests to rule out other diseases before she was diagnosed with MND.

Rosie described receiving the news as “shocking” but not a complete shock.

She said her family had been searching for answers for so long and had come to terms with their mother’s condition before she was officially diagnosed.

Rosie said her mum’s life was “vastly different” compared to 10 months ago.

Kathy used to live outside of Colac on a farm with a huge garden, which was her pride and joy, but moved to Hamlyn Heights earlier this year to receive the care she needs.

“It has been quite a quick deterioration,” Rosie said.

“She uses a wheelchair when she is out in public and a walker at home.

“Her voice is really affected and she can’t speak a lot.”

MND has also restricted Kathy’s diet as the condition as affected her throat and mouth muscles.

“She will move onto a liquid only diet eventually,” Rosie said.

“Her lungs are also deteriorating now so she gets puffed really easily.”

Rosie said it was extremely tough watching her mum’s condition deteriorate.

“It’s a brutal disease,” she said.

Rosie Mahoney and her mum Kathy Mahoney, 73, who was diagnosed with MND in November last year. Rosie is organising a fundraiser in September to raise money and awareness for the disease. Picture: Mike Dugdale

Rosie said Kathy’s passion for music, especially her love of the Beatles, has helped her during her battle.

“Music has always been a big part of our family and mum and I have been listening to the Beatles together since I was a child,” she said.

“She can’t do a lot now but listening to music has become an enjoyable past time for her.”

Rosie is hosting a fundraiser next month to raise awareness for the condition and funds for those living with MND.

She will remain silent for six hours for Shut Up for MND, which symbolises patient’s losing their voice due to the devastating disease.

“It will be a challenge for me because I do like to talk,” Rosie said.

She has also organised an event which will feature music from the Beatles played by local musicians.

Come Together: A Beatles Tribute for MND will be held at Rebecchi’s at 11 Rutland St in Newtown on September 21 from 4pm.

For tickets, visit events.humanitix.com/come-together-a-beatles-tribute-for-mnd.

Originally published as North Geelong woman’s MND mission after mum diagnosed with debilitating rare disease