McWaters Family Raising Funds and Awareness for Batten Disease
11 September 2023
From Bounce4Batten at Inflatable World, boxing tournaments and raffles, to local and national media, the McWaters family (pictured above) in South Australia have been doing a remarkable job fundraising and sharing their story in support of Batten disease and BDSRA Australia!
With their beautiful daughters, Maiah (20) and Kenzlie (10) who are both affected by CLN3 disease, Mandy (far left) and Dave McWaters (right) are on a mission to raise research funds, support and awareness for Batten disease in local community and beyond.
Ahead of International Batten Disease Awareness Day in June, ABC News and SA Today (Fleurieu Sun) shared the McWaters family story, their brave battle with Batten disease, and their call to raise awareness and better respite services for children with life-limiting conditions in South Australia.
ABC News:Family dealing with childhood dementia caused by Batten Disease wants better respite services
In June, a Bounce4Batten fundraiser was held at Inflatable World, organised by Kenzlie's wonderful scout leader, Sharon. "It was actually Kenzlie's idea," said Mandy. "She talked to her scout leader, and before we knew, the whole group at 1st Goolwa Sea Scouts banded together to hold a Bounce4Batten fundraiser." The event was held at Inflatable World, Morphett Vale (SA) on June 16th, and with a fantastic turnout from the local community, the group raised more than $3000. "We're so thrilled with this outcome, and plans for next year's Bounce4Batten events is already underway, which we hope will expand to include additional venues," Mandy said.
Bounce4Batten badge: Kenzlie thoughtfully designed this badge herself, especially for the day
Kenzlie was also invited as Guest of Honour at a local boxing tournament in June, where she was invited to present winners with their belts. A raffle was held on the night, with patrons raising $150 for Batten disease research.
Kenzlie's school, Victor Harbor Primary, generously raised a further $500 with a 'PJ Day' at the end of last term. "It’s so fantastic to have the support of the school community as well," Mandy said. "Together, we just need to keep raising awareness and funds as much as we can to help our kids. We need more vital research towards treatments and cures for this devastating disease.”
For more information on fundraising for BDSRA Australia and to find out how we can support you to host your own fundraising initiatives throughout the year, please contact Nikki at info@bdsraaustralia.org or enquire via our website.
You can show your support right away!
Consider making a tax-deductible donation to BDSRA Australia online at https://bdsraaustralia.org/index-donate.php
Here are a few photos of the 2 nights that Kenzlie McWaters was involved in.
Kenzlie with Kiaana and mum Alicia, another family affected by Batten disease in SA
Kenzlie getting her bounce on at Inflatable World
Kenzlie at the boxing tournament
From Bounce4Batten at Inflatable World, boxing tournaments and raffles, to local and national media, the McWaters family (pictured above) in South Australia have been doing a remarkable job fundraising and sharing their story in support of Batten disease and BDSRA Australia!
With their beautiful daughters, Maiah (20) and Kenzlie (10) who are both affected by CLN3 disease, Mandy (far left) and Dave McWaters (right) are on a mission to raise research funds, support and awareness for Batten disease in local community and beyond.
Ahead of International Batten Disease Awareness Day in June, ABC News and SA Today (Fleurieu Sun) shared the McWaters family story, their brave battle with Batten disease, and their call to raise awareness and better respite services for children with life-limiting conditions in South Australia.
ABC News: Family dealing with childhood dementia caused by Batten Disease wants better respite services
In June, a Bounce4Batten fundraiser was held at Inflatable World, organised by Kenzlie's wonderful scout leader, Sharon. "It was actually Kenzlie's idea," said Mandy. "She talked to her scout leader, and before we knew, the whole group at 1st Goolwa Sea Scouts banded together to hold a Bounce4Batten fundraiser." The event was held at Inflatable World, Morphett Vale (SA) on June 16th, and with a fantastic turnout from the local community, the group raised more than $3000. "We're so thrilled with this outcome, and plans for next year's Bounce4Batten events is already underway, which we hope will expand to include additional venues," Mandy said.
Bounce4Batten badge: Kenzlie thoughtfully designed this badge herself, especially for the day
Kenzlie was also invited as Guest of Honour at a local boxing tournament in June, where she was invited to present winners with their belts. A raffle was held on the night, with patrons raising $150 for Batten disease research.
Kenzlie's school, Victor Harbor Primary, generously raised a further $500 with a 'PJ Day' at the end of last term. "It’s so fantastic to have the support of the school community as well," Mandy said. "Together, we just need to keep raising awareness and funds as much as we can to help our kids. We need more vital research towards treatments and cures for this devastating disease.”
For more information on fundraising for BDSRA Australia and to find out how we can support you to host your own fundraising initiatives throughout the year, please contact Nikki at info@bdsraaustralia.org or enquire via our website.
You can show your support right away!
Consider making a tax-deductible donation to BDSRA Australia online at https://bdsraaustralia.org/index-donate.php
Here are a few photos of the 2 nights that Kenzlie McWaters was involved in.
Kenzlie with Kiaana and mum Alicia, another family affected by Batten disease in SA
Kenzlie getting her bounce on at Inflatable World
Kenzlie at the boxing tournament