Our Story
Hi, my name is Aaron!
I started END MND in mid 2024 with the goal of raising funds and more importantly awareness so we can finally END Motor Neurone Disease.
I'll back up to 2020 which was the year my mum, Katrina, was diagnosed with M.N.D. At the time I had no idea what her treatments would be, how long it would last, what it would do to her or what her journey was going to look like - I had never heard the words Motor Neurone Disease before.
Around the same time as this, I was planning my new business "Different Co" with the aim of spreading the message "Embrace What Makes You Different" through the sale of premium quality Hoodies and Trackies (my favorite attire). Why?
Growing up all my life I had always felt and been called "a little different" but it was my mum who would always remind me that "It doesn't matter what others think, as long as you're happy that's all that matters"
Unfortunately in April 2023, just a few days before my birthday mum passed away. Although it was a hard time, reflecting back now there are so many important, life changing life lessons that my mum taught me throughout her journey with MND.
I learnt not to take things for granted, to appreciate my body, have gratitude for the little things in life and to not worry about the small things in life we can get caught up on.
Different Co to END MND
Those 2 years of being a full time carer for my mum lead to a complete realignment of my life along with a new found purpose of wanting to help spread awareness for M.N.D.
This shift is what inspired me to start END MND, where I could continue to share the core messages from Different Co, while also adding to it what I learnt from my mum through her battle with M.N.D.
Remember to smile :)
Something I found inspirational about my mum throughout her battle with M.N.D was that rarely was she ever mad with the cards she had been delt. Yes, there were plenty of outbursts, tears and moments of fuck this BUT comparing that to all of the times others would feel sorry for her she would just shrug and say "Is what it is" I'd say she handled it pretty well.
It was strange because others were more upset for her than she was for herself. When she was going through the most challenging thing life could throw at anyone she was still smiling, having a joke and keeping a positive attitude.
So remember, next time you have crazy hair or chips stuck in your teeth to smile :)
