Twenty-three year old Madi McKay knew her birthday this year would be different.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Instead of presents she asked for donations to a Facebook birthday fundraiser in support of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) sufferers and their families.
She has been overwhelmed with the response but isn't surprised the community rallied for the cause.
"Because is was for Merilyn," Madi said.
Merilyn Kendall was Madi's drama teacher at Wingham High School from years 9-12. She also taught Madi's mum and auntie before that.
Merilyn lost her battle with MND earlier this year.
"It was really hard to see her suffering," said Madi.
But Madi has many happy memories of the woman she considers more like a grandma than her teacher.
"She plucked me out of primary school in 2004 when I was six years old," recalls Madi.
"I was the smallest and Merilyn needed someone small for a part in The King and I. She took me under her wing."
Madi went on to become an avid drama student working closely with Merilyn for most of her high school years.
Her parents were also friends with Merilyn and her husband Noel and would catch up regularly for coffee.
"A lot of my high school was spent in Merilyn's staff room," said Madi.
"She loved teaching.
"She was the kind of teacher who didn't teach you from a text book she'd teach you from her mind."
Madi also points out that Merilyn worked hard to make everyone feel included and welcome.
"She would create roles in school plays to ensure everyone - not just the drama students - could be involved."
MND is a neurodegenerative disease with no known cure.
Madi's birthday fundraiser has raised more than $500 for Motor Neurone Disease Association of NSW.
MND NSW provides information, support, education and equipment for people living with MND, their families, friends and carers in NSW, ACT, the Gold Coast and NT.
It also provides information and education about MND for health, community and residential care professionals.
