For the NCCG’s current appeal, clients Susan and her children have generously shared their story.

 

A family man who loved spending time holidaying with his wife and kids, Andrew was a farmer and truck driver who didn’t like fuss and drama. A genuine Aussie larrikin with a heart of gold.

When he told his family he was going to the doctor, they almost fell off their chairs. They realised there was something serious going on. This was not like their dad…

The Diagnosis
Andrew cried – the first time his children had seen him in tears – when he shared the details of his illness with his family. ‘I’ve got MND and I’m dying…’

Andrew and his wife, Susan, thought it was important to include the kids, to let them ask questions, and help prepare them for the journey ahead.

When he contracted MND, Andrew and Susan were connected with the NCCG for specialist care. The opportunity for support was available to the family from diagnosis, with grief counselling offered for both the children and parents.

Family Grief Counselling at the NCCG
Caring for families from the point of a terminal diagnosis is so important. Their loved one is still alive, but they know they have a terminal condition – there is no hope for recovery.

The family are about to experience the deterioration of their loved one’s health that will dramatically impact their lives and relationships with the person who is dying.

NCCG counselling helps them to focus on the time that they’ve got left with the person. To live in the moment, to understand and process what is happening to their family.

The NCCG team work with two key principles, truth and inclusion. Children need to hear the truth in an age appropriate way and be given the choice to be involved in what is happening. This helps maintain trust, understanding and a feeling of safety for the child.

 

Dear Dad…Letters from Joy

Andrew’s eldest daughter Joy found an outlet in writing letters to her dad – letters she never sent, but were read at his funeral as part of her powerful eulogy to her dad.

Writing was a real support for Joy and her grief, helping her to work through her feelings and what was happening to her and her family…

 

This Christmas season, only one year since Andrew’s death at 58 years old, Susan, her children and their NCCG counsellors would like to share their story and experiences with you.

“If by sharing the story of Andrew’s death we can help raise awareness and funding for the NCCG, it feels that at least something good may come from our heartbreaking loss”
Susan, Andrew’s wife.

 

The NCCG would like to acknowledge the collaborative support provided by Fight MND and MND NSW, working with us to provide care for Andrew, his family and other families impacted by MND.

Andrew and his children, on holiday

 

Andrew and Susan, on holiday

Andrew