In early September, Michael and Raylene Godbier were advised that their five year old son Jai was suffering from an incurable genetic disorder that will rob him of his independence, mobility and ultimately his life.

Jai has been diagnosed with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD). MLD is incurable and in Jai’s case, untreatable. MLD causes the progressive destruction of the white matter in the brain and the spinal cord. This will diminish the capacity for Jai’s brain to pass messages to vital organs, muscles and sensory cells. This will also deny Jai the ability to complete normal daily activities. Jai will experience periods of rapid decline and some periods of relative stability as MLD progresses.

Despite the devastating news, Mick and Ray have shown exceptional strength and courage and continue to function as a normal family unit. This is particularly important for their other three children Kya, 16, Shae, 14, and Koby, 8.

“Jai’s condition and prognosis is devastating for the entire family but we are committed and determined to make the most of every minute Jai has left with us to make sure his memories and our memories are fun and everlasting,” Mick said.

As Jai’s condition deteriorates his health needs will increase and essential changes will be made to his living environment. These needs and changes will come at significant expense and will be difficult for the family to manage on their own.

Friends of the Godbier family in Cootamundra including Ian Armstrong have assembled a committee to demonstrate their care in a practical way. The committee has established a fundraising initiative, ‘Goals for Jai’, to ease the financial burden on the family.

“The support shown by the Cootamundra community for Jai and his family is a fantastic recognition of the contribution that Mick, Ray and their family make to this community,” committee spokesperson Ian Armstrong said.

There are a number of fundraising events already confirmed, the first being a mufti day at Cootamundra High on Friday October 31.

As of yesterday committee members have been selling a total of 200 tickets at $50 each. From the 200 club draw there will be five cash prizes drawn on November 10. The winner will take home $500, second prize is $250, third is $100 and fourth and fifth will win their donation back.

Goals for Jai volunteers will operate a Lions van cake stall outside Westpac between 9pm and 12pm on Friday November 14. Anyone who wishes to donate to the stall can drop off goods from 8am. All donations of baked goods, produce, eggs, flowers, relishes, jams are gratefully received. All cooked foods should have ingredients listed on the packaging.

Volunteers will also be raising funds at the dance party at Ex Services Club on Saturday November 15, with the support of the club and they will host a variety of activities at the Lions Christmas Fair at Fisher Park on Saturday November 29.

In addition, a number of activities are in the pipeline for early 2015.

A Facebook page will be setup to keep people informed and support all these functions. Anyone who wishes to help out or has an idea that will assist Jai and his family are invited to contact Jason Sloan on 0438 067 320 or Ian Armstrong on 0400 038 558.

Donations can be made at any Commonwealth Bank to the following account:

Account Name: Jai David Godbier

BSB: 062 526

Account Number:1013 8278

Contributed