Meet Elissa | Caring for a loved one with MND
October 01, 2025
Elissa recently attended her first Carer Program event, a Carer’s Lunch, after overcoming her reservations about joining. Since meeting other people who care for a loved one with MND, she has a renewed understanding of the importance of taking care of yourself on this journey too.
Now, Elissa wants to share some words of encouragement for anyone else who might be hesitant to attend their first Carer Program event.
Elissa’s partner, Campbell, was officially diagnosed with MND in September 2024 after three months of suspicion and ruling out other potential causes. As a successful business partner, wonderful father to three teenage sons and a very fit and active person, his diagnosis came as a shock. His symptoms began in his legs; weakness and numbness that had been put down to an old bulging disc issue, and his hands with a loss of fine motor skills. But within three months of the diagnosis, he was using a wheelchair and had retired as he was unable to work effectively or enter his office, which was up a flight of stairs.
Elissa and Campbell met as backpackers living in London – travel had always been their passion. Since the birth of their children, travel had taken a backseat. But once Campbell was diagnosed, his priority, other than time with his kids, was to travel and tick off as many of his bucket list destinations as possible.
Because of their extensive travel, as well as Elissa working full time up until recently to better support Campbell and their teenage sons, it took Elissa over a year to attend her first Carer’s Lunch – and she’s so pleased she did, despite initially being nervous to join in. She’s happy to have had the time to invest in her own wellbeing, which is so important when caring for a loved one with MND, and she also had the opportunity to meet people who were going through what she is.
If you’re someone who cares for a loved one with MND and you’ve felt nervous to attend one of MND Victoria’s Carer Programs, know you’re not alone. It can be a big step for some people – not only pushing yourself out of your comfort zone to get to know new people, but also accepting that this diagnosis is real.
I worried that it would be confronting, that I wasn't ready, or that I wouldn't be able to relate to these strangers despite having a common connection. I guess part of me thought it would make it all feel even more real too, and sometimes it's nice to be in a bit of a bubble of denial."
Before attending her first Carer Lunch, Elissa sat in her car contemplating walking through the café door, and ended up calling one of her friends, Kellie. Kellie has an amazing 8 year-old daughter who has been battling brain cancer for most of her life, and she knew that if anyone would understand her hesitations, it would be Kellie. Kel put little Bonnie on the phone to Elissa and Bonnie said, "Come on Liss, you can do it!” Channelling Bonnie’s bravery, Elissa went inside.
For Elissa, attending a Carer’s Lunch was incredible. She felt an immediate connection to people who understood exactly what she was feeling, which was extremely comforting. Even though everyone in attendance was at different stages of caring for their partners in their MND journeys, they could all share their experiences and emotions.
The support was just beautiful. Everyone had different stories, but they were also relatable. I received some great advice, and I got to offer some too. It was rewarding and insightful.
To be surrounded by people who actually KNOW what it's like, on a day to day, moment to moment basis, was so comforting. I think until you're living and caring for someone with MND, it's hard to fathom the physical changes that occur every single day and how hard it is to watch your loved one go through it. I looked at these people and just remember thinking, they really get it."
One moment that stood out to Elissa in particular is when one of the other carers told her how important it is to take some time to care for herself too – after all, she can’t look after Campbell if she isn’t looking after herself too.
As a wife, a mum and a nurse, Elissa has often wanted to do it all, but that particular conversation got her thinking about taking some more time for herself and allowing people to help out when they can. She wants to be the strongest she can be for Campbell and her sons, and she has learned that means looking after herself too.
Some things that Elissa does to take care of herself includes catching up with friends for dinner or coffee, or indulging in some retail therapy or getting her nails manicured. She also enjoys going to work, which she finds rewarding, and has great support from her colleagues.
“I know as things progress with Campbell's illness that these things will become more challenging, but he is amazing and encourages me to take time out for me always. I'll always aim to do that for both our sakes.”
Nervous about attending your first Carer's Program event? Elissa says:
Please be brave and do it! You'll get so much more out of it than you expect."
Elissa is looking forward to attending the next Carer’s Lunch hosted at a café near her.
You can find out more about our Carer’s Programs here.
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