Can you tell us about the print you’re wearing?
My print belongs to my dad, Tony. He is my best friend and my favourite person. Heartbreakingly, in early 2020 he was diagnosed with Bulbar onset, Motor Neuron Disease. Bulbar onset, Motor Neuron Disease attacks the lower motor neurons connected to the brain stem. The brain stem controls the muscles needed for swallowing, speaking, chewing and other really important bodily functions. It is a cruel disease with no adequate treatment and no cure on the horizon. So much of who I am and what I aspire to be is because of my Dad. Watching him become so unwell has been incredibly hard for my family and I, but we feel so proud to love and be loved by a man that has had such an impact on not just our lives but all of those that know him.
Why is it special to you?
I received my fingerprint kit for my necklace last year for my birthday which was spent in stage four lockdown in Melbourne. It was one of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever received from one of one of my very close friends, Charlotte. I was blown away at how special the concept of wearing Dad’s fingerprint was. I was having a really difficult time dealing with the year we were all facing but also managing the grief my family and I were going through with Dad’s diagnosis. I wasn’t able to spend any time with my family during those months due to the lockdown but also out of fear of Dad catching any sickness on top of his disease. Every time I catch a glimpse of it I am not only reminded of my beautiful Dad, but also of the kindness and thought that was put into such a stunning gift.
How did you find the impression process?
The impression process was really straight forward - make sure the wax is warm enough! The team at Linden Cook have kindly kept a couple of the fingerprint waxes I made incase my siblings or my Mum would like their own piece of jewellery from Linden Cook one day with Dad’s fingerprint on it.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us to help spread awareness?
I decided to channel my emotion surrounding Dad’s diagnosis into something productive by creating a fundraising campaign through FightMND. FightMND is Australia’s leading MND charity and was established here in Melbourne in support for those suffering and impacted by this beast of a disease. This fundraiser has given me an outlet and allowed me to find some form of purpose with what my family and I are going through. Incredibly we have already raised over $25,000!!
Along with the fundraising page I had also organised a Breakfast to take place before the annual FightMND Big Freeze football match at the MCG. Unfortunately my event has been postponed due to lockdown restrictions. I am still very excited to host this event in the coming months and have been blown away with the generosity of those attending, as well as businesses that have been eager to get on board by donating goods and services. The response so far has been genuinely incredible. I am hoping to reach a target of $30,000 by the time my event can take place. All of these donations go directly to FightMND to hopefully, one day find a cure for Motor Neuron Disease and give hope to those diagnosed and the loved ones who care for them. Please follow the link below to learn more about my campaign.