DOCUMENT

WINTER 2026 InTouch | 11 "I don't know how I would have got through those three months without my family," he says. "Their visits were the highlight of every day." Allan at a local coffee group gathering. "When my daughter was younger, I could still get down on the floor and play with her," Allan says. "By the time the twins came along, things had become much harder." For most of his life, Allan was careful to avoid serious injury, knowing the potential consequences that a broken bone could have for someone living with muscular dystrophy. Three years ago, his fears became reality. While at home, Allan's leg suddenly gave way beneath him. He fell heavily, breaking his femur. The injury resulted in three months in hospital and marked a significant turning point in his life. When he eventually returned home, Allan was no longer able to walk. The physical challenges were immense, but the emotional impact was equally difficult. "I don't know how I would have got through those three months without my family," he says. "Their visits were the highlight of every day." His mother, who understood firsthand what it was like to live with muscular dystrophy, was an especially important source of support. Before the accident, Allan admits he had spent much of his life trying to hide his condition. "I didn't really accept it. I just wanted to be like everyone else." Returning home after hospital was one of the toughest periods he has faced. Alone during the day, his initial instinct was to withdraw from the world and isolate himself. But gradually, his perspective began to shift. He started questioning whether shutting himself away was helping anyone, including himself. Instead, he began making small changes. Taking his scooter up to the local shops. Stopping to chat with people. Finding reasons to get out of the house and reconnect with his community. Those small steps made a big difference. Today, Allan believes strongly in finding things to look forward to and keeping busy. A member of MDANZ since 2004, Allan values the support FINDING FREEDOM the organisation has provided to both him and his family over the years. One of the aspects he enjoys most is the opportunity to connect with others who understand the realities of living with a neuromuscular condition. From coffee groups and community events to member activities, those connections have been invaluable. A Bradley Jenkin Memorial Fund grant also enabled Allan and his family to travel south to Invercargill to spend Christmas with his parents and extended family; a special opportunity to create lasting memories together. One of Allan's favourite activities has been participating in Sailability. He describes the experience of being out on the water as a feeling of freedom. For a time, the entire family enjoyed taking part together, creating treasuredmemories while sharing an activity that everyone could enjoy. When asked if he has any advice for others navigating the health system, Allan laughs before offering a simple response: "You need to have the patience of a saint!" It's advice earned through experience. But perhaps Allan's greatest lesson is not about patience. It's about resilience. Through every challenge, setback and adjustment, Allan has continued to find reasons to keep moving forward. Supported by family, connected through community, and focused on making the most of every day.