05/06/2026
💙 Supporting FightMND x Palm Springs Beach Pool Signs 💙
MND is deeply personal to our family.
In 2018, I lost my beloved uncle, Wayne Patterson to Motor Neurone Disease. Before his diagnosis, I knew very little about MND. It wasn't until we lived through his journey that I truly understood the devastating impact this disease has on individuals and their families.
My uncle had built an incredible life — he was a successful businessman, a devoted husband and father, a loyal friend, and an avid traveller. Then came his MND diagnosis.
While it took time for Uncle Wayne to come to terms with what lay ahead, he never stopped fighting. One of the most inspiring moments of Uncle Wayne's journey was his speech at the Queensland Brain Institute MND Symposium. Rather than focusing on what the disease had taken from him, he chose to focus on how he would live with the time he had left. His message was one of courage, resilience and purpose — a reminder that while MND may limit the future, it does not define the person. He was determined to leave a legacy that would continue to make a difference long after he was gone. A legacy that would live beyond him for his future grandchildren and help others facing the same battle.
That legacy became Fat Rabbit.
What began as a character he created at just 15 years old evolved into a series of children's books designed to inspire positive values in future generations. Today, Fat Rabbit books have reached thousands of families around the world, while also raising valuable funds for MND research.
Watching Uncle Wayne's health deteriorate and seeing firsthand the toll this disease takes is something I will never forget. It is why supporting MND research remains so important to me.
During his journey, Uncle Wayne had the privilege of meeting the FightMND cofounders, Neale Daniher, Pat Cunningham, Dr Ian Davis, with the previous MND and Me CEO Paul Olds. Their support, encouragement and determination gave him the strength to share his story through the Fat Rabbit platform and continue advocating for greater awareness and research.
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