30 August, 2021
Linda and David August Newsletter 21

If there’s one thing we learn in life, it’s that you never know what’s around the corner. Two years ago Xiao Hua (Linda) Huang stood at Auckland airport bidding a tearful farewell to her son David, who was going on a working holiday in Europe.

Now David is back, and the road looks different. Linda, 58, has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and David has become her main carer. “My mother’s always looked out for me, now it’s my turn to look after her,” David says. With the generous support of Harbour Hospice donors, he’s been able to do just that.

Linda used to be an early childhood teacher and loved her job as well as going for walks, singing and dancing, and catching up with friends. “Now every tiny action is a big job for me.”

She is now dependent on David for even basic care, like combing her hair and helping her dress. She moves painstakingly slowly with the aid of a walker and her speech has degenerated to the point where it’s difficult to understand her.

Harbour Hospice became involved in Linda’s care in December, with the Family Support Team providing emotional and practical support to both her and David so they could remain living at home together.

It’s the little things that make a huge difference, David says, like having hospice’s Asian Liaison Social Worker recognise that his mother wanted her hospital bed in her own bedroom so that she felt more comfortable – and arranging to have it moved for her.

Hospice brought in our massage therapist for Linda, with David explaining, “It really helps her relax.” Our medical team regularly check Linda’s pain levels and advise her on medications. They also help the pair navigate the health system, enabling them to access additional support services to give them practical help at home.

Before Linda’s diagnosis she’d never heard of MND and hopes that by sharing her story others will understand her illness better.

Quote linda Huang Newsletter Aug21

MND causes the death of the nerve cells (neurones) that control the muscles which enable us to move, speak, swallow and breathe. The muscles weaken and waste away, causing progressive loss of mobility and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing.

The progression of MND is unpredictable and varies significantly from person to person. You may be surprised to learn that Harbour Hospice is caring for an increasing number of patients with illnesses like Linda’s. In fact, 30 per cent of our patients have conditions other than cancer, and that’s expected to rise.

Those with MND often feel they’ve lost their voice because they’re still the same characters, they’re just no longer able to articulate themselves.

Harbour Hospices’ holistic approach to palliative care and wraparound support services can be particularly comforting for patients like Linda and their families, and it’s thanks to your support that we can provide this life-changing level of care in our community.

Despite the challenges this diagnosis brings, Linda insists that she still feels positive. “When I got this I decided to look on the bright side,” she explains.

“I can’t do the things I used to do, and this is frustrating. But when I look at all the people who are helping me - my friends and family, my boyfriend, my son, hospice – I feel lucky. My spirit still feels happy,” she smiles.

For David, seeing his mother’s decline has been painful, but he still sees her smile every day and talks with great love about how she has always been a “fun mum” and hardworking.

This brings yet another huge smile to his mother’s face. “He is a good boy,” Linda laughs. “He is patient, the apple of my eye.”