The Melton community is rallying around a man who was recently diagnosed with motor neuron disease to help him achieve his dreams.
Robbie Caliste was diagnosed with MND following two bad falls earlier this year – the first when he was out with friends and, in a heartbreaking turn, another while he was walking to work, right before hospital tests revealed his condition.
There is still a lot to be learnt about MND and with no cure, the 34-year-old Brookfield man’s future could be short-lived.
MND is a neurodegenerative disease that causes rapidly progressive muscle weakness. More specifically, the disease affects nerve cells that control the muscles that enable a person to move, speak, breathe and swallow.
Mr Caliste’s best friends launched a crowdfunding campaign to help him tick some items off his greatest wish list.
Samantha Morris is leading the campaign which has so far raised nearly $3000. The campaign has a $5000 goal to help with Mr Caliste’s medical expenses as well as his wish list.
“This is for my funny, clumsy, brave best friend Rob,” she wrote on the GoFundme campaign web page.
“When I named this page ‘Help Robbie Live’ I didn’t mean help keep him alive, because heartbreakingly that’s not possible, but we can help him live life to the full!”
Robbie’s bucket list includes riding in a helicopter, visits to Graceland and Disneyland, eating frogs legs and snails and baking a cake for someone special.
“After his diagnosis, we expected Robbie to spiral into depression and really struggle,” Ms Morris said.
“He’s been so positive, so brave and unbelievably strong. I am so proud in how well he’s taken his diagnosis.
“While some things on that list are inexpensive, crossing everything off will cost a decent amount … he still has to pay his bills.”
To donate visit: bit.ly/2sMAJkd
