A mother’s love and legacy
It is always a great time to remember the many mothers who help their families and communities. Gillian Dalton, a gentle and kind woman from Aspendale, Victoria, was no exception.
“She was a loving wife and mother. She raised us to be true to ourselves,” said Helen Dalton, one of Gillian’s seven children.
Gillian gave her children good values, time and resources. A dedicated primary school teacher, she passionately promoted literacy. A talented creative, Gillian showed people how to make beautiful cards. A devout Catholic, she supported her local church.
“Mum was frugal but had streaks of generosity. She wanted us to attend good Catholic schools. She returned to work after I was born to help our dad, who was also generous, to raise our school fees," recalled Helen.
Even her Will set Gillian apart with its legacy of hope. When she died, Gillian generously provided for her family. But she also included a gift to MS Plus.
Gillian's support wasn’t surprising. The cause became personal when her fourth child, Resa, developed multiple sclerosis. Resa, an aged care worker with her whole life ahead of her, was only 23.
“Resa was intelligent, beautiful, sweet-natured and popular,” said Helen, about her younger sister.
Along with MS, Resa suffered a brain aneurysm. She later had a stroke and caught bacterial meningitis in hospital. Miraculously, she survived. Gillian sought to help her daughter recover from these terrible events. She prayed daily and researched.
In her search for resources, Gillian discovered an innovative brain injury recovery program. The program head warned Resa would need many helpers to get better. Gillian's reply? ‘I know my Aspendale community.’ She got on the phone.
Gillian enlisted relatives, friends, church groups, nuns, neighbours and students to help. That community of 130 people became Resa’s extended family, enabling her to get fit and live with dignity.
Unfortunately, Resa’s health declined again when her MS symptoms worsened. A few years later, she had to go into a nursing home. Gillian rallied her community once more to support Resa with visits and care.
Resa passed away, aged 40, leaving behind a devastated family and community.
Helen is a keen recreational cyclist. Over the years, she's participated in fundraising bike rides around Australia and France.
Helen thinks a social bike ride would be a great way to honour her sister's memory and raise funds for MS research.
“It’s a thought on my horizon. Mum prayed for a cure for MS. But MS isn’t high-profile like some causes, so we need to find new ways to keep the money coming in. A casual bike fundraiser might be one way.”
Want to help fast-track a cure for MS? You can be like Gillian and help us care until we’re there with a gift in your Will. To learn more, contact Laura or Rebecca on 1800 443 867 or email [email protected]