The Challenge
I am raising funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Australia (MDA) - a charity which funds research into life threatening muscular disorders which affect more than one in every one thousand Australians 
and millions of people worldwide.
My name is David and I am the author of this website. I have an eleven year old son, Connor, who has a muscle disorder known as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy or DMD. Connor is a brave young man who battles the challenges thrown at him by his condition on a daily basis. His courage inspires me and others around us to try and do something to help him and the many others in our midst who live their lives with these devastating diseases.
I have named this website 'Blueshift'. In physics, a blueshift in the spectrum of a body emitting light signifies that we are approaching each other. In the fight against neuromusclar diseases, it signifies progress towards achieving better quality of life and, hopefully, cures for the sufferers of those diseases.
ChallengeMD! 2010
In recent years, MDA has promoted some of its fund raising through novel charity events. Last year, fund raisers for the ChallengeMD! 2009 event obtained sponsorship to trek through Langtang National Park in Nepal to raise funds. This year, the event moves to India in South Asia where fund raisers will be challenged to walk for ten days at high altitudes through the Ladak region of the Himalayan Mountains. The event is planned for October 2010.
Having participated in ChallengeMD! 2009, it is my intention to sign-up for the 2010 program with the aim of exceeding the amount raised this year.
This ChallengeMD! programs throw three kinds of challenges at participants.
- Raising awareness of neuromuscular diseases and the need to fund research to find cures.
- Raising funds to support research and improve the quality of life for those who suffer from neuromuscular diseases.
- Completing the challenge events.
My focus remains directed, primarily, at the first two items.
I am looking to you to provide sponsorship either in the form of monetary donations and/or material support whether that be your time to assist with fund raising activities or donations of food and equipment when required.
Can you help me achieve them!! 
Fundraising events
Here are the outcomes of some fundraising activities and details of more planned for 2010!
Activities | Date of activity |
| Christmas gift-wrapping service at a major retail outlet. Done! $1200 raised! | December 2009 |
| Mothers' Day gift-wrapping service at a major retail outlet. | 8th May 2010 |
| Barbecue at a major hardware store. | 16th May 2010 |
Barbecue at a major retail outlet. | June 2010 |
Fathers' Day gift-wrapping service at a major retail outlet | 4th September 2010 |
| MDA Challenge Series wine offer. Still going gangbusters!! | January onwards |
I am also seeking the generosity of the major sports and social clubs to offer support through their respective community assistance programs. I am hoping to recognise their support through these pages in due course!!