A run to buy Di a bed

By Bridget Cook
FAMILY and friends of Cranbourne mother Diane Machfud are calling on the community to help give her a chance at a more comfortable life.
Ms Machfud suffers from Huntington’s disease (HD) – a devastating neurodegenerative genetic illness that affects six to seven people in every 100,000 Australians.
The death of cells in certain areas of the brain results in a progressive loss of cognitive, physical and emotional function.
Ms Machfud, 59, is forced to live in a nursing home in Cranbourne.
Her daughter Aisyah said while her mother has a positive outlook on life and a high-spirited personality, she spent almost all her time lying in bed, as she is unable to mobilise her body.
Ms Machfud needs a special bed, specific for someone with HD. The bed costs $10,000 – an amount Aisyah and her two brothers simply can’t afford.
Her bed is currently a single hospital one which has been lowered onto the floor of the nursing home she lives in.
“This special bed will enable us to better manage her overall wellbeing, sleeping, prevention of falling out of bed and to assist with her overall co-ordination and movement,” Aisyah said.
One of her friends, Ben Mologousis, 29, has put his hand up to take part in his first marathon with the intention of raising the $10,000 needed for the special bed.
Mr Mologousis is set to take part in the Melbourne Marathon on Sunday 14 October under the team name ‘Run for Di’.
Mr Mologousis said while he had taken part in countless fun runs and half marathons, he was inspired to do his first marathon and help Ms Machfud.
“Running is something I have always been passionate about … and I have always wanted to run a marathon before I’m 30,” he said.
“In recent times, I have been even more inspired to complete my first marathon because of my close friend Aisyah’s mother.
“Hopefully, we can raise enough money for Di to purchase the special Huntington’s bed in order for her to live in a more comfortable environment.
“Together with the support of Huntington’s Victoria and Huntington’s Association, Diane’s family and myself, we appreciate any donation made towards creating a more comfortable life for Diane.
“Every donation, big or small, counts and will go a very long way towards improving her quality of life.”
Aisyah said since launching the Run for Di last week, they had already raised $2642.
“Ben and I are overwhelmed by the generosity and care everyone has been showing since we launched Team Run for Di,” she said.
“We have a long way to go, but this is a great start and we are so grateful for what people are doing for Mum and us.”
The team is calling on members of, and businesses in, the local community to help them achieve their goal.
Donations or support towards their cause will be publicly acknowledged leading up to the marathon through fliers and their fundraising page and on a T-shirt Mr Mologousis will wear in the marathon.
To donate, visit the fundraising page at www.everydayhero.com.au/Run_for_Di.