Fiona MacDonald confronts motor neurone disease | Australian Story

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Fiona MacDonald knows that time is running out, but she's not sitting still.
Against all advice, the former TV personality set off earlier this year on a "Thelma and Louise" style road trip around Australia with her sister Kylie Thynne.
Almost two years ago, at the age of 64, this bubbly extrovert was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, an illness which robs its victims of speech, mobility and eventually their lives. It's a disease with no cure.
Determined to make the most of what time she has left, Fiona is raising awareness of the disease and money for MND research as she circumnavigates the country.
Australian Story follows the sisters on this heart-warming, funny and emotional journey of a lifetime.
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Опубликовано:

8 окт 2023

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Комментарии : 156

@Carrie_13 8 месяцев назад

I grew up watching both Fiona & Jackie on TV, spreading joy, positivity & those unforgettable laughs which really became their trademark. What a fuc**d up disease but a hell of a woman! Her message to LIVE no matter what hand you are dealt is so powerful & it has struck me to the core just how much a positive attitude can make all the difference. ❤❤

@michaelowen3061 2 месяца назад

Yeah I crew up with with these two on tv.....SO SAD....

@TechnikMeister2 8 месяцев назад

I lost my best friend to MND in 2021. I will never forget the day she texted me to say that she had suddenly lost the ability to talk and swallow, so she was saying goodbye. It broke my heart because my friend was like Fiona...full of life and optimism. She died two months later. Her partner at the time did not tell me when the funeral was. So I never got to say goodbye. Some people!

@tinasteer2507 8 месяцев назад

It is such a disappointment that someone for what ever reason chose not to notify you so you could attend the funeral.. Be happy that your friend contacted you personally to say goodbye as they loved you enough to say goodbye, maybe more than the partner and the partner read the text. You probably got the best goodbye ever. ❤️

@Kari.F. 8 месяцев назад

My family is losing my SIL a little bit every day as we speak. She's been a part of the family for over 40 years, and always been an energetic, temperamental, on the go firecracker who has loved to talk and laugh. It's devastating to watch her wither away like this for me, and it's even worse for her mother, sisters, my brother and their kids and young grandkids. 💔

@nightberg1971 8 месяцев назад

@Steve1734 : My Mum passed early January 2022 from MND (a bit before her 81st) - also an aggressive version like your friend's (speech, swallowing, ultimately breathing) ... 4 months. Mind was very strong but couldn't get the verbal communication right - so frustrating for her. Thanks to technology we could still communicate. This still hurts like hell. Guess you could call me a mummy's boy ... won't argue with that.

@LorraineIwakashdan 8 месяцев назад

Did you visit her in those two months though? If not, that might be why you were not invited to the funeral.

@geoffreylawes 8 месяцев назад

I lost my Mum to MND 3 months ago. This story and their journey of the symptoms, emotions, fears and everything in between is 100% true. I feel great empathy for what Fiona and her family/friends are heading towards. Leave nothing left on the table in life as this disease has way of robbing suddenly of what you used to take for granted. Devasting disease that takes away great people. I would give my last dollar for a cure so no family has to go through what our family went through the last 9 months of Mums diagnosis.

@tinasteer2507 8 месяцев назад

It is very cruel to watch someone slowly loose their ability to function normally. With alzheimers the brain slowly runs out of fuel with this it seems to be the brain is trapped in a body thats run out of fuel. Your mother has left you with the memories and now you should live by what she has taught you. Live like today is your last day….love like today is your last day….be kind to all even if they piss you off at times as this could be your last day. ❤️❤️❤️ I am sorry your mum could not be saved and I am sorry you had to experience this heartbreaking journey. Bless

@davidpage3131 8 месяцев назад

I'm so sorry for your loss may she be in God's kingdom amongst the stars.

@davidpage3131 8 месяцев назад

There essentially a prisoner in there own body.

@davidpage3131 8 месяцев назад

When they have mnd

@janettesessarago4690 9 дней назад

🫂

@jonathanchant6655 8 месяцев назад

Her smile has never changed. What a beautiful soul. And very special life expérience with her loving sister and son on this trip.. Lovely lady

@bodhi9464 8 месяцев назад

my friend had the disease and passed away in 2020 … she too was a vibrant person and was torn down by this disease .. gratitude for every moment .. god bless and watch over each person that is living with this disease 🙏🏼🇦🇺

@loveytherescuedog5329 7 месяцев назад

This doctor is a spectacular combination of grace and grit. I pray he lives to see MND cured. (Fiona is a beautiful example of not letting a diagnosis stop her from living and helping others). Bravo.

@brent_in_aussie 8 месяцев назад

Such a heart warming story … Fiona’s unmistakable laugh is still there … much love ❤️

@ven0006 8 месяцев назад

What an amazing and inspirational lady Fiona is. I could absolutely say the same for her family too. Much love xoxoxo

@kimsherlock8969 8 месяцев назад

❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Her Neurologist shows humane positive feedback about MND. Good stuff.

@captainkipper86 8 месяцев назад

Right? What an amazing human!

@Vass122 8 месяцев назад

Fiona was an amazing part of my childhood memories with Wombat and IAK. Such an amazing person and wish her the best in this world

@justjamie72 8 месяцев назад

I am a child of the 80’s. I couldn’t wait to get home from school to watch Wombat. I was huge fan of it, and also It’s A Knockout, because it meant I could laugh with Fiona MacDonald. I lost someone special to MND some time ago now. I’ve never understood why it hits people with the biggest hearts, like Fiona. I’m happy to see that even with this wretched disease, she still has that laugh I loved so much as a kid. Fight hard Fiona. And thank you for raising awareness with such pride, for this wretched disease. All my love to you and your family❤️

@jennifermarsh1260 8 месяцев назад

Fiona - what a beautiful, powerful spirit you have...and you also, Rocky...humbling incredible attitudes & I'm in awe of you both 🙌👏💪 Professor Dom too, Oh if he can discover the cause & treat accordingly! Researchers are heroes too 🙌 MND should definitely be made notifiable!! Thinking of you so much, Fiona & Rocky & families💪💪❤️❤️

@carlakenyon6073 8 месяцев назад

When the mom hugged her son at the airport- I lost it!!!

@em945 8 месяцев назад

Thank you Australia Story. Sad but beautiful.

@rodwilliams4170 8 месяцев назад

I see Jackie and what comes to mind?? “Folks are dumb where I come from!!”. 😂😂😂

@sharonjensen3016 8 месяцев назад

I know, but that's not really the case, is it? I think Jackie's lovely. All three sisters are lovely people.

@baileyhallfilms 8 месяцев назад

such a spirit and force of nature love her tenacity, resilience and journey

@maureengreen4008 8 месяцев назад

Had to stop the video when her and Harry took the sunset photo together for a quick cry. I lived in Melbourne when I was 10 for a year. I remember the MacDonald sisters and at the beginning of the video thought Fiona was Jackie. This is so horrible…😢 Professor Dom Rowe is amazing and needs a huge hug.

@loudybelle 8 месяцев назад

Fiona is amazing such a strong lady! Wishing her all the best and stay strong ❤❤

@anastasiabeaverhausen5467 8 месяцев назад

That beautiful smile is undiminished.

@reehoneybee123 8 месяцев назад

My grandad was diagnosed with MND it was because he worked in a lead paint factory which was the root cause. It is a cruel disease stuck in a body that’s slowly shutting down and I hope more research is done so we can find a way to slow it down or cure it.

@chantalhounsom744 Месяц назад

Brave and wonderful woman...with her loving sisters, family and friends...wow! My sister was also diagnosed with MND and lived 2 years thereafter. To see her deteriorate (this vibrant, creative individual)at an unfathomable rate was utterly horrendous. I also believe I haven't yet come to terms with it. But one day. Right now we honour/salute her and all those who are braving this nightmare disease...💜💜💜

@kimmacdonald8489 6 месяцев назад

You made so many people happy when you were on television, Fiona. We are all thinking of you Fiona and sending you lots of love 💗💐💖🌻💜

@natasha.rewindstopplay 8 месяцев назад

What a incredible strong and resilient woman Fiona is. MND is cruel and she is still fighting. That laugh of hers I never forgot in the 80s. Bless Kylie and her family. Much love and hope to Fiona. 😘❤🙏

@acooksla 8 месяцев назад

She is beautiful inside and out

@kingmarshmusic 8 месяцев назад

Inspirational story, such a caring family, fighting this insidious, cruel disease.

@miketran4289 8 месяцев назад

Wait... There's two of them and they are sisters?? No wonder it seemed that one person was all over the place back in the 80's and 90's. I always had a crush on them but have no idea which one.. I think I had a crush on Fiona from "It's a knock out" and "cartoon connection"

@kazbah5672 8 месяцев назад

Love Prof Dom

@peterharris38 8 месяцев назад

This story is awsome, I have just been diagnosed with Huntington's disease a similar death sentence, people strive, continue and live. 3 of 4 of my siblings will die from this and now I can't speak properly or walk straight. Huge props to this individual's journey. Love and respect ❤

@ronachadwick7908 8 месяцев назад

Good luck peter. X

@joannerowe5778 8 месяцев назад

from Dom’s Mum congrats and thanks for such a wonderful documentary 29:27 enlightening us all about MND Love Jo X

@prawncrisp5951 3 месяца назад

Your son’s tenacity and capacity for care - really care - for people as they are in desperate circumstances is a great credit to him. And perhaps also to those who have cared for and supported him. Best wishes to both of you.

@rodwilliams4170 8 месяцев назад

Yes, this is tragic but you can’t help but think how does she do it all? What’s the secret? Don’t let life drag you down. Let others help, let them in like this program and raise awareness. Keep going and going!!

@kayerowe511 8 месяцев назад

My mother, her sister and 3 of her cousins died with MND over 20 years ago and still we have no answers, still it is terminal, still it is devastating

@gisellemagraibhaigh8342 6 месяцев назад

So sorry for all your losses - such a cluster sounds so unusual and deserving of research

@prawncrisp5951 3 месяца назад

@@gisellemagraibhaigh8342Strongly agree.

@alexajessop5590 8 месяцев назад

What a lovely story. MND reminds me of what I have. It plays with your 🧠. Then slowly works its way around the rest of you slowly playing havoc with the remainder of you. Forcing your life to change. I have Untreatable incurable Hydrocephalus. We went around Australia for 5 years. I can still remember it. The trip of a lifetime. Everyone should go. Love to Fiona and her lovely family and friends.

@donna25871 8 месяцев назад

I didn’t know that Fiona had been diagnosed with MND.

@carleenjohnson9063 5 месяцев назад

My beautiful daughter, 43, passed Jan 9 of this yr, almost 2 weeks ago already, after a 7 month battle with this insididious disease. She was a wonderful strong, strong independent, adventerous woman, mother, losing control of herself, was something she was ashamed of, which I tried to let her know, we love you, being able to help you is something mom did for you when you were little, im here to do for you now, makes no difference to me. I know this helped her some. Her partner, who doesnt get along with any of the family, was absolutely wonderful to her, anything he could do to help her quality of life, he did. For that, I will always be greatful. I think I am in shock still, waiting for the grieving pain to start. No one in our large family could believe when they first found out, thinking how could this happen to someone as strong as her. I miss you sweet daughter, love you always.

@pampabhattacharjee3264 4 месяца назад

I have lost my mother on 1 st Jan in this year.. very crucial heart breaking disease .. what she was suffering that times I was feeling helpless... Very very crucial

@louisegough8644 2 месяца назад

I'm so sorry, such a young age 😢

@melbapapas8837 8 месяцев назад

Fiona you darling woman, You are a testimony to how inner strength can surge through the pain, anguish and overwhelming demise of the human body. Words cannot describe or express my admiration for your courage which has driven you to raise your fists to this abhorrent disease. There are so many words l could use to tell you how you have made a difference. So many in fact you'd lose count. So you darling woman l really just have one and that is 'THANKYOU' Fondest regards, Melba🙏.

@classicclassycluedup8505 8 месяцев назад

What an amazing Doctor! tenacious

@user-pv6vi6xq6d 8 месяцев назад

beautiful story sad but uplifting I remember both sisters on TV .peace and love to her in her ongoing journey.

@joannemccarthy9792 8 месяцев назад

I lost my mum in 2008 to MND. Please find a cure ❤

@katedaley8974 8 месяцев назад

I lost my dad in 1989 from MND. I hope they can cure it!!

@elizabethdouglas1504 8 месяцев назад

Go Fiona. Wishing you all the very best in your days! I’ll donate towards a cure. You’ve inspired me

@michaeldeegan8388 8 месяцев назад

Thank you Fiona for all the wonderful memories and entertainment you gave me when I was a child. I'll never forget you....Take care & God Bless You 🙏

@sia9907 8 месяцев назад

Here to tell your 'Hamas senior leader says no plans to target civilians' interview was excellent and I love the journalist. She's fantastic. Insisting on shared meaning was a touch of brilliance. Also I've never seen anyone hold Hamas to the same standards as Israel and other countries. I love that she asked him about international law.

@johnwilliams2711 8 месяцев назад

What a champion! Fiona brought so much happiness to us with her natural bubbly style of performance/presentation. I hope it's possible for her to beat this. ❤

@Michelle-xk2vt 8 месяцев назад

God bless you Fiona I have lost a friend to MND 😢😢 you had me in raptures of tears.

@karencorban607 8 месяцев назад

What a simply amazing woman who is surrounded by the best support network of friends and family

@carriefairweather8760 8 месяцев назад

Bravo Fiona

@daniellamcgee4251 8 месяцев назад

'There is a strange beauty in the middle of the gloom. An appreciation of what there is, a quiet mourning of what is lost, a 'hyperawareness' as my function retreats inwards. Hard to explain.' - Nagui Rizk, 11th January 2022, describing his experience of Progressive Bulbar Palsy MND/ ALS with associated Frontal Lobe Dementia. Progressive Bulbar MND starts with the 3 main nerves in the head, effecting speech, swallowing and breathing, then progressing to the limbs, etc. This form of MND has the shortest prognosis. 'It is possible to mentally plan and emotionally prepare for what may eventuate, but it is impossible to know how you will actually feel and act in the middle of the storm. As the boxer Mike Tyson famously said: 'Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the mouth.'' - Nagui Rizk, 15th January 2022. Nagui died on the 8th December 2022 due to lung failure from MND, aged 59 years. 18 months after diagnosis. He lived about 10 months longer than the typical prognosis for PBP MND. Nagui said the hardest part for him was missing out on his (our) teenage child's adulthood. He also left behind his partner, other family and friends. I asked if I could take a screenshot and share the first quote above. Nagui was happy for me to do this. Nagui would've wanted his words here to be shared publicly, and hopefully help people understand, a little.

@johannabrens34 2 месяца назад

Thank you for sharing an amazing & awe inspiring documentary Fiona & yr family and all people involved. Our family have faced & are facing parallel journey with progressive neuro degenerative conditions especially loss of speech with intact cognition & intellect.. With much appreciation

@MrStulou01 8 месяцев назад

What a heartbreaking but inspirational story!! Loved watching the girls on TV growing up. Keep fighting Fiona

@janelewis2702 8 месяцев назад

Wow! What an amazing woman! I'm sorry she has to deal with such a devastating disease.

@peterxd3610 8 месяцев назад

enjoy the company while you still can, once it goes there is no coming back (especially when a loved one has an incurable disease)

@jasonmckenzie4602 8 месяцев назад

Well done Fiona. I lost my mother at the young age of 68 to MND. She had the type that affected from the neck up

@louisegough8644 8 месяцев назад

My mum had the same one. How long did you mum have it for?

@jasonmckenzie4602 8 месяцев назад

@@louisegough8644 About 18 months

@louisegough8644 8 месяцев назад

@jasonmckenzie4602 Thank you, my mum had it for 7 years. I'm so sorry for your loss, it's so painful to watch the decline.

@jasonmckenzie4602 8 месяцев назад

@@louisegough8644 Her speech was exactly the same as Fionas. It was very hard to understand what she was saying

@louisegough8644 8 месяцев назад

@jasonmckenzie4602 Mum's speech was the first thing to go, her personality was like Fiona's.

@claire-christmas-august73 8 месяцев назад

my telly / tv mum when i was young. she’s a treat to watch.! nation treasure 😉☺️😊😃 ✌🏻🌏🇦🇺🤘🏻

@justilou1 8 месяцев назад

I grew up with the McDonald sisters and met Fiona when she was a Wombat presenter when I was in hospital for the Telethon. Looking back, she was so fun with all the kids. My Dad succumbed to MND just before his 70th bday, which is outside of the usual demographic. I think that more research needs to be done into the use of Statin Meds. The side-effects of those are exactly the same as the first symptoms of MND.

@alteredegoz 8 месяцев назад

Fiona and family and friends. You’re all awesome ❤❤❤

@kpang2295 Месяц назад

Yes for sure you can do everything if you have that kind of cash . its not cheap to people without lovely family like your to be so supportive and kind .

@jojozep7820 8 месяцев назад

So cruel. We lost a local farmer here in my town on the Murray a few years ago to MND, it was fast and it was cruel. Three little girls left fatherless.

@michelleselway8866 8 месяцев назад

Mega Thankyou for shining your gorgeous light on this hideous hideous disease. I lost my mum to this and all the doctors just shrug their shoulders…

@yvonnerabowsky4880 8 месяцев назад

These sisters were definitely the brightest, and funniest stars at Sommerville,very much loved by all. Stay strong girls 😌🙏🤍

@shell-westaustralia8522 8 месяцев назад

My goodness, remember fiona and jackie. Prayers to you

@indigodiva5403 5 месяцев назад

It’s a very cruel disease. Thank you for telling your story Fiona ❤️❤️❤️❤️

@katherineeuler8649 8 месяцев назад

Sad to see this happening to Fiona, loved watching her growing up. My uncle died from this horrible disease. ❤

@cocofoster5505 4 месяца назад

Fiona is very blessed to have such wonderful support from family and friends and the finances to afford the best of care. Many others are not so fortunate.

@billyboblove8784 8 месяцев назад

Loved watching Wombat and It’s a Knockout….Thankyou for your joy

@jonborovsky4483 8 месяцев назад

Bless you Fiona and the family.............as a nurse/support worker words fail me...............but her spirit is shoutable

@bernbee1679 8 месяцев назад

Fiona was my favourite McDonald. Her smile is as beautiful as ever. ❤

@fairweee8058 8 месяцев назад

That beautiful smile that is and always has been Fiona!❤

@savinya5367 8 месяцев назад

Wouldn’t it be pesticides instead of algae blooms? The Riverina is one huge market garden with decades of pesticide use.

@sharonjensen3016 8 месяцев назад

How do you explain the 10 percent of MND cases that are genetic? They're the ones getting the raw end of the deal.

@brucemjson 7 месяцев назад

You're an inspiration ✨️

@CovidConQuitTheCensorship 8 месяцев назад

Diagnosed in late 2021? Hmm let's see now 🤔

@daviddeck8509 8 месяцев назад

Feb 2024 ‘D Day’

@PaulMathias1 8 месяцев назад

What a dreadful, awful disease. What a brave woman.

@L0U1SE 6 месяцев назад

Oh gosh I didn’t know she was suffering MND. She has always been so much fun and entertaining on tv. I wish her well and send strength ❤

@joannejohnston4807 8 месяцев назад

Finally you are still gorgeous and stylish. The professor is amazing and I love his brutal honesty ❤❤❤

@rubychurch3466 8 месяцев назад

Even though she’s dying, they’re lucky, lucky to have such love. My family are awful. I’d take this diagnosis on myself if it meant loving family like that.

@joycenyangweso9377 7 месяцев назад

So sorry about your family bt plllzzz dnt wish ths kind of horrible pain on yourself.. You can choose to mk a family(out of friends n people you meet in life) n uou can experience love n commitment frm them trust me

@paulinelee9483 6 месяцев назад

This doctor professor is one of lifes very special people.

@niasuez9983 8 месяцев назад

I feel Kylie courage in losing fiona.

@codzy3532 8 месяцев назад

lovely story grew up watching fiona what a horrible disease shes a trooper strong willed stil beautiful in an out keepin u in prayers sweetie u have a lovely close family an your sons are awesome to God bless u all 😌❤🙏💐🌹🥀🌷

@rochford59 8 месяцев назад

Terrible shame...still a lovely girl,and one of the bravest!!

@davidklaehn2938 8 месяцев назад

That poor lady,fiona my heart goes out to you,. I remember you and JACKIE MACDONALD YOUR SISTER,ON SIMIN TOWNSENDS WONDER WORLD. IM SORRY TO HERE THUS ENJOY THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.

@pampabhattacharjee3264 4 месяца назад

I have also lost my mom on Mnd.. really this is so devastating condition..

@terrilee68 8 месяцев назад

❤ So courageous I love Fiona’s F*** You attitude

@sharonjensen3016 8 месяцев назад

Sometimes that's the only way to be.

@alanaharris9488 8 месяцев назад

My sisters brother in law got it at age 62,lived 10 years,but last five were pretty awful.Stared with loss of use of his hands,then arms.That was all for 5 years.Then slowly his legs went .

@christinedavison7604 8 месяцев назад

Sam is a great actor, and even though he's 76 of age he looks blinking marvellous. ❤

@craigjones5957 8 месяцев назад

She's so brave, id be so frightened

@joannejohnston4807 8 месяцев назад

What a strong woman ❤

@ronachadwick7908 8 месяцев назад

Good on you fiona! An earth angel.

@bratgrl01 3 месяца назад

They definitely need to come up with a cure for this awful disease my dad died 1991 of ALS 14 months after diagnosis there was no family history

@frogmouth 8 месяцев назад

Great lady

@johnciantar6239 8 месяцев назад

Amazing

@pinballKing012 8 месяцев назад

God bless you Fiona,😢

@hw7029 8 месяцев назад

Shocking that it’s not known how many Australians have this disease, and where they’re located.

@joannejohnston4807 8 месяцев назад

Shocking disease , nobody deserves to suffer with this 😢😢

@user-dz5ju3jj1z 2 месяца назад

I had my Cousin Die of Motor Neurone disease in 02/12/2017..Then my Aunty also passed away from Motor Neurone disease on 02/12/2018 exactly a Year Apart..

@jacksprat-qd3qv 8 месяцев назад

I’ve learned a lot about MND lately as it’s a story line on Coronation Street right now…one of the characters has it on the show…very sad disease

@davidbowman4259 3 месяца назад

Such beautiful individuals. Bless you all.

@debbiemoffat7723 8 месяцев назад

Could PFAS be a part of the reason.

@davidpage3131 8 месяцев назад

There essentially a prisoner in there own body

@danielwilson1105 23 дня назад

Truly such a p.o.s diease 😢 my heart goes out to all those and their families facing this thing ❤

@surfagal7584 2 месяца назад

Dr Dom Rowe is clearly a genuine, caring an passionate man bout his specialty....I hope they find a cure. What a devastating disease on many levels. 😢