Winter 2013 In Touch - Muscular Dystrophy Association of New ...

Andrea McMillian
I grew up near Greymouth on the West Coast, and have lived in
Gore for the past 20 years. I have worked as a Practice Nurse for 21
years and have three children, Ben (14), Olivia (13) and Zac (11). My
eldest was diagnosed with Friedreich ataxia when he was age 11.
My interests and goals are ensuring that people with health
challenges are put in touch with the services required to help/
support their condition, ie removing and/or addressing the barriers
at grass roots level.
Having a child with a disability and also working in the health
sector gives you a view on both sides
of the fence. I have experienced the
frustration of how simple things can
be made harder, unnecessarily.
I think it’s important for health
providers to be aware of what the
barriers are, as often they don’t.
The above challenges are highlighted
more so in rural areas.
Andrea McMillan
Derek Woodward
I am 66 yrs old and am married to Claire for 45yrs this October.
I have two sons, both living in Brisbane. Craig (39) is a geologist
who is doing research in the field of limno paleology, he also
enjoys his lecturing, and Mark (41) who is an assistant manager in
a large electronics store. He is also a computer whiz and regularly
saves me or my computer from a meltdown whilst he is sitting in
his study in Brisbane.
I, like all of my siblings, have PROMM, which is a form of myotonic
muscular dystrophy
My work history has largely involved sales in the photographic
industry. I have been a part owner of three photographic shops in
Dunedin and a bookshop, Postshop and Lotto shop in Christchurch.
I also spent 25 Years as a volunteer ambulance officer and head of
the Mosgiel division of St John, until my disability brought that to an
end.
I have, all of my life had a desire to help others in the community,
as in my ambulance service. I also spent five years training those who
had not achieved well in schools, or those who had lost their job, with
Trevor Jenkin
Northern Branch representative
My name is Trevor Jenkin, I am the father of a 14 year old boy with
Duchenne muscular dystrophy, I am married to Joy and we own our
own successful business.
We as a family have been associated with the Muscular Dystrophy
Association for the past 12 years and with Muscular Dystrophy
Northern since its formation.
I was elected to the position of Vice Chairperson of MDN in 2011
and again in 2012, and at the recent MDN AGM on the 28th April
2013 was elected Chairperson and Northern Branch rep on the
National Coucil. I am also the President of the Auckland Powerchair
Football Club which promotes and runs powerchair football games
in the Auckland area. I have been very active within MDN helping
organise and attending family camps, Christmas parties and many
other events, as well as the normal committee stuff. This gives me the
opportunity to get out there and meet other members, talk to them
and understand their views and expectations of MDN. I also like to be
actively involved in supporting MDN’s many sponsors and funders in
their events to show we as a membership do appreciate all they do for
the necessary skill to succeed in a sales
career. I also taught older school children
who had some learning difficulties
I am motivated to serve on the
National Council, and on my area
committee to put something back
into the organisation that has not only
assisted me, but many others in the Derek Woodward
community. I have served on the National Council now for just over
a year.
I feel that the skills that were derived from many years of owning
and operating several Businesses, also translate to making me an
excellent Council member. I am a good people person and I feel I am a
creative thinker and a good family man with a lively sense of humour.
I have actively contributed to the team of people that comprises
the National Council and I will continue to do so, to ensure MDA
is financially strong, and continues to grow, so it is still able to
offer support to as many in the community as possible that have a
neuromuscular condition.
us. I also get around to as many expos
and other disability sector events as I can
to show a presence as I think awareness
is another important part.
I wish to continue to do all of
the above now as Chairperson and
encourage any members to contact me
if they want to get a message to the
Trevor Jenkin
committee or even to our National Council. I am only too happy
to help and please if there is something we are not doing right tell
me, I need to know so we can at least try and put it right. In saying
that I also like to hear things we are doing or have done right from
our members.
Within the next year I will be trying to get around and meet as
many members as possible so if you know of an event that a few
members will be at please let me know or let our Office Manager
Denise Ganley know so I can attempt to be there.
All the very best to you all lets make 2013/14 a great year for MDN.
Below are my contacts, please use them.
Trevor.jenkin@gmail.com
PH/TEXT: 021 267 4380
in touch // Winter 2013 // PAGE 16