Skydiving for MDA - Northern

me: the rogue embryo

sky diving picture (sample)

Conference participants

Speakers at the conference

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

My name's Waimon and this year, I've decided to do something memorable for my birthday: I'm going to skydive to raise money to fund youth leadership programmes and scholarships for young members of Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) of New Zealand – Northern - also known as MDN. In a minute, I'll tell you how you can be a part of this wonderful initiative.

First, let me introduce you to MDA and the work that they do. MDA covers a wide variety of neuromuscular conditions, including Muscular Dystrophy (MD) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). The organisation provides advocacy, support, information, equipment, and organise functions for people living with neuromuscular conditions in New Zealand. MDA also supports and funds many research activities towards finding cures for these conditions.

Good thing all this is supported by the government, right? Unfortunately, no. MDA does not receive any funding from the Ministry of Health or any other central funding body. Fundraisers (like this web page) are literally its lifeblood.

Next year, MDA is hoping to send its young members to the National Young Leaders Day held throughout the country and is organised by the Halogen Foundation. These are days set up like a conference where the kids get to hear from leaders in our community and those who are making a difference. The idea is to inspire the kids to be leaders within their own community and go on to become great leaders in our society. They don’t go for the ‘famous’ speakers but those who are grounded and more in touch with community and community spirit.

Being born with a neuromuscular condition (SMA) and growing up in a violent stricken country (Burma), I know how important it is to have positive role models to look up to and fortunately, I've come across many who have inspired me to follow my dreams and make a positive contribution to society. And now, I want to give the opportunity for kids with neuromuscular conditions to meet and listen to positive role models in our community so that they too can be inspired to realise their goals and become confident individuals.

So, in the spirit of Jean Batten ("Daughter of the Skies"), one of my role models, I’m going to take a huge risk by jumping out of a perfectly good aeroplane to raise enough funds to send as many kids as possible to this awesome event. Funds permitting, there will be scholarships awarded to these youths to assist with their educational pursuits. Please help me raise these funds by clicking on the ‘Make a Donation’ button. Any amount is appreciated. The process is totally secure, and if you live in New Zealand your donation is tax deductible - you'll receive a receipt you can use for your tax return.

To all my friends & family - please donate to this cause instead of getting me birthday presents this year.

On behalf of MDA and the kids, many thanks for your support and generosity.

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No credit card? No problem. Just let me know how much you want to donate by sending me an email (click on the 'Send me an email' link on your right) and I will make alternative arrangements with you.

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Links

Halogen Foundation: http://www.halogenfoundation.org/about.asp

MDA
http://mda.org.nz/