Amanda Grady knows hard tough life can be living with muscular dystrophy, so going without sugar for a month should be a breeze for the Milton mum.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Sugar free September is a new fundraising initiative for Muscular Dystrophy New South Wales, a disease very close to Amanda’s heart.
Her nine-year-old son Cody was diagnosed with a very rare form of MD and she said going without sugar, particularly chocolate, for a month was worth it if it helped him and others living with the genetic neuromuscular disorder.
“We are members of MDNSW, and when I received our latest newsletter, the pamphlet for Sugar Free for MD was attached, and instantly I thought that this was something I could do,” Amanda said.
“This cause is very close to our hearts as our son Cody was diagnosed with Ulrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy, a rare form of muscular dystrophy,”
Amanda said Cody has undergone many operations and symptoms include shortening of the tendons and ligaments and weak muscles.
Despite this, her son is a bright, cheerful boy who attends Milton Public School.
“He is an amazing, inspiring, patient and tolerant person who deals with his type of 'normal' with positivity and confidence,” Amanda said.
In order for Amanda and her friend Dionne Lochrin to fulfill the Sugar free September requirements, they cannot consume soft drinks, fruit juices, sugar in tea, coffee or cereal, jams and spreads, biscuits, cakes, muffins, lollies, chocolates, ice cream and desserts, flavoured milks or low fibre, high sugar cereals for the month.
She said she will miss eating chocolate.
“But I'm not stressed about giving it up for a month if it means raising awareness and funds for people suffering from muscular dystrophy, no matter what their diagnosis is,” Amanda said.
People can sponsor Amanda and Dionne via the Sugar Free September website, with all money raised used to benefit the lives of people living with muscular dystrophy.
The funds will help run MD camps, purchase equipment like wheelchairs and assist with research into treatments and cures.
“We are extremely grateful for the family and friends who have kindly donated money or signed up, their generosity is appreciated,” Amanda said.
People can help out by registering or go to: http://sugarfreeseptember.gofundraise.com.au/cms/home
