Community & Business
24 May, 2024
Charity Campdraft raises funds for Prader-Willi
On Saturday, the Pittsworth and District Campdraft Association Inc. hosted a Charity Draft in aid of the Prader-Willi Research Foundation of Australia, an organisation that has significant meaning to one local family and their relatives.
Although the total amount raised has not yet been confirmed, the Pittsworth Campdraft has announced the day was an absolute success, and a cheque will be presented to the founder of the Prader-Willi Research Foundation of Australia, in the near future.
Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare, non-inherited genetic condition that occurs because of the deletion or lack of several genes on the 15th chromosome.
PWS occurs at random, with research estimating an incidence of 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 30,000 people are diagnosed with the rare disease.
Equally unaware of the existence of PWS, the Munk family was surprised when their son Jack was diagnosed with the condition, one week after his birth.
Symptoms can include, but are not limited to: low muscle mass and muscle tone, a high propensity to obesity, impaired cognition, mental illness, speech difficulties, gastric complications, high pain thresholds, and behavioural issues.
Now four years old, Jack undergoes weekly allied health therapies, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, in order to enhance his quality of life.
Jack’s mother, Kathleen Munk, said his speech in particular, is quite delayed, and he does a lot of therapy to help improve his communication.
They travel to Brisbane every Monday, to undertake his therapy at the NAPA Centre, which provides individualised paediatric therapy programs in an environment that helps maximise a child’s full developmental potential.
The centre opened in Brisbane late last year, and prior to that, Jack was undergoing therapy in Toowoomba.
Mrs Munk was over-whelmed by the generosity of the Pittsworth community at Saturday’s campdraft.
“We’ve only been in Pittsworth four years, and I have to say, the community here has been so generous,” she said.
Mark and Kate Droney, great uncle and aunt to Jack, said the vibe around the grounds on Saturday was amazing.
“It was well organised, yet a relaxed atmosphere, because it was for a charity,” Mr Droney said.
“Of all the bad things that are happening around the world, we saw so much generosity from everyone on Saturday,” Mr Droney said.
“People travelled from all over to take part - Beaudesert, Boonah, Warwick and further out.
“We’re so proud of the Pittsworth community and its groups,” he said.
“It’s a great place to be.”
Mr and Mrs Droney, along with the Keats family from Mt. Tyson, Harrow Feedlot, and McLean Farms, together donated over 350 livestock for the event.
A total of 229 Maiden Runs, and 103 Maiden 4 Maiden (M4M) Runs were completed as part of the event.
The Maiden Final saw 44 competitors contend for the blue ribbon, and 21 competitors ride in the M4M Final.
Official results for the Maiden Final, from 1st to 8th place: were Shane Corbould on Remix, Jade Edmonstone on Toodee Heart Spinner, Burnett Fahey on Conzeal, Jade Edmonstone on Adams Sapphire, Joe Maher on Billabillacoolah Pros and Cons - HSH, Joel Blake on Budgeroo Jackpot, Heath Shrimp on Bunda Immy, and Max Turley on Bighouse Cheerio.
Results for the M4M Final, from 1st to 6th place, were: Tamara Peters on Bill, Ibby Hudson on Bounty, Heath Shrimp on Bunda Immy, Caleb Denning on Ted, Patrick Lunney on Archie, and Grace Brennan on Lawson.
Avondale Wagyu provided the truck and trailer, to deliver the livestock for the day, driven by Campdraft President Barry Standing.
A number of non-competitors also came along to watch and enjoy the day.
All of the money raised at the campdraft is to be donated to the Prader-Willi Research Foundation of Australia, which aims to fund research that improves symptom management and outcomes, that in the long run, allows the development of genetic treatment that target the underlying causes of PWS.
Being such a rare disease, Mrs Munk said the ability to obtain funding for research, even from the Government, is one of their most prevalent challenges.
The families who are directly impacted, are currently the driving force behind the funding for PWS.
In support of the foundation, Mr and Mrs Droney are hosting Tenori again this year, on September 28, at their property outside of Pittsworth.
The evening will be filled with entertainment by the up-and-coming tenor vocalist trio.
Tickets will go on sale soon, and the money raised will be put toward research for PWS.
All of this funding is in the hope that treatment may become more refined, and that one day in the near future, PWS will no longer be an incurable disease.
