Two Doting Dads with Matty J & Ash - #266 Jai Arrow & The Fight For His Family

Episode Date: October 4, 2026

Jai Arrow has fought plenty of battles on the footy field but now he's facing the biggest fight of his life - against MND. The NRL superstar joins us this week for an incredibly honest and moving conversation about his diagnosis and the decision to retire from the game to focus on fighting the disease. With his wife Berina and daughter Ayla by his side in the studio, Jai opens up about the realities of living with MND - the things that have surprised him most, how it’s changed life as a dad and a husband and why his family are his reason to keep fighting every day. It’s raw, heartbreaking, inspiring and at times, surprisingly funny. If you’d like to learn more about MND, access support or help fund the fight, head to www.fightmnd.org.au or www.mndaustralia.org.au All proceeds from our Two Doting Dads hats during the week of this episode from October 4-11 will go towards MND - you can purchase them here. ______________________________________________________________________________ If you need a shoulder to cry on:  Two Doting Dads Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/639833491568735/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheTwoDotingDads  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodotingdads/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@twodotingdads  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is someone who needs very little introduction to the rugby league world. But if you're not familiar with the game, Jay Arrow has had a decade-long NRL career, playing 180 games across the Broncos. Shout out to the Broncos, Titans and Rabbitos representing Queensland 12 times in state of origin and becoming one of South Sydney's most respected players. But earlier this year, Jai's life changed dramatically

when he was diagnosed with motor neuron disease or MND. A progressive neurological disease, that damages the nerve cells responsible for controlling movement, eventually affecting things like walking, talking, swallowing and breathing. Since being diagnosed, Jai has stepped away from the NRL, but if you followed his story, you'll know that he's approached his next chapter with the same fight and determination he brought to the footy field.

But today we wanted to get to know the bloke behind the player, particularly Jai, the dad and the husband. So today we're joined by Jai and Berina or Berry, his wife, and they open up about life since Jai's diagnosed. how it's affected their relationship and what the future looks like for them and their little girl, Ila. It's a really open and honest conversation. We all got a little bit emotional throughout this episode.

But it's such an important conversation to have, not only to hear what Jai and Barry are going through, but hopefully to help other families who are facing an MND diagnosis as well. Shall we get into it? Here's Jai and Barina. Welcome back to three doting dads and one doting mum. I'm Maddie J. I'm Ash. Oh, no.

I'm very. And Ayla, your beautiful daughter has just walked around the corner. She's got, where's that banana bread? She's got a nugget of banana bread. Bringing the goats. She's so well-behaved, I'll be honest. No, she is. Credit to you both because if it was my kid, it would be a nightmare.

She's well-behaved when she's asleep. Yeah. Yeah. But aside from that, no. And with food in hand. Yeah. With food in hand, okay. She's got your eyes, I think.

Brena, I was in my ear. Well, she came out looking like Jai Jr. And I was like, oh no. JJ. Yeah. I was like, oh no, poor thing. Even I went, I saw him come out. I went, yeah, no mom.

DNA test needed. You knew immediately. She's mine. So if you do hear a baby screaming in the background, you're not going crazy because Ailer is here. It's not your baby either. Yeah, yeah. All the parents, this thing will be like,

is my child a break? What's going on? The triggering noise you're like, is it mine? It's crazy how your own child noise triggers you, but other kids, you're like, oh, that's so fine. I'm triggered by all. So cute. Yeah, true. Yeah.

Sometimes I'm like, oh, God. I'm going to test your memories here. Yeah. Okay. You're going to have to cast your minds back. Jai, do you remember what would be the biggest thing that made you fall in love with Barry? I love this. Me too.

Good wedding prep. I like this. I think. for me it's an accumulation. Over time, when you're with someone for a fairly long time, even though we haven't really been together that long. I think there's so many things over time where my love was for her, especially in the time I've gone through at the moment,

seen her as a mum and growth and as a wife where essentially she's really hard to snap up. I think there's not one moment but my love for her is growing and in a difficult period in her life seeing her really snap up and show she cares. about me what probably mean, you know, the main thing. Telling the story where you turned over in bed when we were first starting seeing each other

and you're like, I need to tell you something. Hold your breath. I love you. I don't know. I remember. Great. I love that. I don't remember.

What happened? We were just in bed and we woke up and he was like, oh, you know, I want to tell you. Too many hand on. Worth him. Worth him. He's like, hold your breath. He told me to specifically hold my breath. He's like, I love you.

Oh, something. I love that. He's like, you're going to like what I have to say. Hang on. Why did you say hold your breath? What was, it just felt right? No, I need. He was like, be prepared.

I've got something big to say. Yeah. You did. I promise. I promise. I remember it. Barry, do you remember when you first met Jai? What was it about him that made you fall in love?

I do remember when I first met Jai. I had a mullet, which I was like, yeah. And I say this story because I was genuinely like, I've never seen one in real life. And I was like, I don't know what to expect. But he was super, super kind, super sweet, made my coffee right, which was important. That's a big one. And we just had like very similar interests outside of like rugby. Because I had no idea what rugby.

know there were two different kinds of rugby, by the way. I don't know the union versus league at the time. There's a good one and a boring one. Yeah. Well, yes, now I know. But at the time I had no idea. I just found we had the same interests. Like we love animals, love dogs. We both had dogs at the time. You know, love coffee. Just love chilling. Like both of us had the same nature. So I think that's what really got us connected to begin with. And even now, like going through life like ups and downs, Like, we balance each other out very well. Yeah. Yeah.

Yeah, so. Yum. You're crazy. I like to use the term chaotic, but that's okay. Yeah. Yin and Yang. I didn't mean that. No, I know.

He and yang. He also thinks he's funny. He's funny. Which is, which was sort of sweet as well. I thought he was a bit funny too, so. Thank you. You are. Not as funny as me, though.

And I think all. Often it's partners who notice something might not be quite right. And I think it's normally the other half who are kind of like, oh, you should probably get that checked out. Like, I know Laura's always like, that mole in your arm. Yeah. Then she books me an appointment instead of me book. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

She always notices first. Did you notice anything yourself with Joe? I noticed he was withdrawing at times. Like, he was doing things that I was like, that's not you. What? Like sitting in the kitchen listening to Luke Combs when me and my sister in the living room watching TV, we're like, oh, come watch TV with us. But like he's in his mind would have been thinking there's something going on and like I don't

know how to express it. And he tried to express it several times, mind you, he was pissed drunk. He's like, I can't. He's like, I can't talk. And I'm like, yeah, because you're drunk, you know. But also as a partner, you don't want to think the worst of the worst. Yeah. So I think in those sorts of circumstances, it was really hard for me because I didn't really

understand what he was trying to communicate. And I also didn't really know what M&D was. Yeah. I remember saying to what there is something really wrong with me. So when he made him on another about something really wrong in one news, on a few weeks. So when he's like there's something really wrong with me, I'm like, yeah, there is. And as she said, she was like, are you right?

Like, you're drunk. Don't worry about it. And I know there is something really, really wrong. I reckon I knew where it was leaning in about January. My speech was starting to be noticeable. and people were picking it up on it. But in a way, I had to hide from everyone, you know, media fans. The club knew what was going on, but I kind of knew where it was heading,

but I also had hope that hopefully if it was something bad, I'll figure it out. But from January until May, I do a lot of specific testing. And finally on May 14th of the diagnosis. And that was the biggest relief ever. I mean pretty open about that. But yeah, I caught a new someone up in November. And if you like, then January, when we went funny enough to a MD fundraiser. And then MD fundraising, yeah.

Yeah, in November. And when Dominic Road, he's a new road. Talking about it. Yeah. I remember looking at listening. I went, oh, fun. I think I have. So you recognize some of the symptoms.

Yes. Yeah, but also had hurt and they tell anyone up until about January or physio, he noticed. And also talking about my shoulder, which is. Constantly twitching. Oh, yeah, yeah. And it's moved to that side as well now. Yeah. my life.

And that's a standard. Yeah. Starting there and then move this to my mental trauma and then now me, fuck. Yeah. For someone who doesn't have any idea about what it's like having M&D day to day, what are the hardest parts? People might see what I'm putting on a brave face when I say this, but it hasn't been that hard with the amount of support and it's been crazy.

But if I have to pinpoint everything, it's more my speech. Why, you're going to let go with a lot of things. And me being the man that I was until now, being able to not be proud enough. to not ask for help. I've learned to let that part of me go and be happy for Marina to help me wash my body to help me with my clothing,

pretty much everything. But the hardest part for me, more is that my speech. I was from a guy who was one child to mind you. I couldn't speak English anyway. That's why we got along really well. And he said, hold your breath. He wasn't sure how he was going to say it.

But to go from that to barely being able to speak has been the most challenging. But I've learned to let it go and I mean this genuinely. I've never had better mindset anymore. I think also one of the hardest things for him, which he didn't say, but I know it would be up there is like Ayla. It's like our daughter, like being a dad, like not being able to, you know, hold her as long as he could have before and stuff like that. Yeah, that part. That part is hard. But learning to let me know of essentially not being normal.

And I'm finding ways to try and help work. I can't do much. But I'm very funny away, yeah. Do you get to have a chance to not think about MND? Or is it something that's with you every hour throughout the day? Well, me, so probably. It's been, yeah. But we wanted to do that.

Yeah. I think for me, specifically, the harder part is just hearing other. people's stories as well. So obviously we're trying to navigate our story and our family's journey with it. But hearing other people's experiences with it, you know, we've got floods of messages of, you know, I know this person who passed away from it and this person and that person and going to fundraisers for it and functions to try to raise awareness and funding for research and advocacy and care within the M&D space and just like seeing people in wheelchairs and. seeing that as a reality of what it is, that's very hard. It's very hard to digest as well,

knowing people are struggling, but also this is what life is going to look like potentially. So that part's quite confronting. And it's hard to, it's hard to really, at the end of the day, separate, you know, the good that we're trying to do with raise awareness with it, but then also having to grieve at the same time. Yeah. In my head, I'm trying to understand how I would navigate a situation where you're trying to be a parent and at the same time you're dealing with the biggest fight of your life and how do you jump between trying to make the most of every moment but also like grieve yourself how are you guys juggling all of that emotion i think i'm probably struggling a bit more than he is i think his personality has always been very he's always been a

very positive person and he's always been like he said before not the one to sort of ask for anything ask for help always does things on his own, like get stuff sorted on his own. Whereas now he's sort of had to change that bit. But he's also been extremely positive throughout this whole experience and he's ready to sort of face it head on. Whereas for me, I'm more of a realist. So I think of everything as shit. Like this is this is real. This is happening. What do we do? And sort of go into that panic mode. But the biggest piece of advice that we, were given, which to be honest is how we're dealing with it, is be as normal as possible. So at home, like, we're still normal.

We still talk to each other normally. Like, we don't talk to each other about it. We don't talk to each other about it. We still make jokes. We still live life every day, you know, the way that we would before it. At least we try it as much as we can. So obviously some things have changed, like every day. But it is what it is.

you either deal with it positively or you let it completely eat you up and that's that'll kill you faster. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Obviously, we get a version of how you guys are dealing with this because we're Ash and I are on the sidelines. But I do want to say like it's like I loved you as a footballer, Jai.

And then now seeing how you guys are dealing with it, it's incredible from our perspective. Yeah, absolutely. And I second that. Like the brave phase you guys put on in front of everyone and talk about it so openly and And you've kind of given this persona that you're like, okay, we understand the situation, but we're moving forward in a positive way. It's honestly for like, yeah, Matt's saying for us on the sidelines watching it, it's like so noble.

And we talked about a lot of earlier just some of the symptoms that's called them. Is there anything that surprised you about some of the symptoms? I kind of knew what everything involved and where potentially is going to have to. but all I'm not scared. I'm not saying what I'm in. If there's anything that surprise me, not really. I think what was surprising to us from learning about more about M&D was that it's so different for everyone. And so we were getting a lot of messages on, you know,

you should try this and you should try that. and so many different things to kind of look into. It is very, I mean, for anyone going through, like, any diagnosis and stuff like that, it is so overwhelming because there's medication, there's alternative therapies, there's all these sorts of things. And so that part, I think, was the most surprising because it's so different for everyone. I think if there is one thing that surprises me, where Emily, it's more common than you think.

Normally from the neuro, he diagnoses four people awake. Oh, wow. A wake. And that's just one neurologist. And that's one neurologist. So the average stat is three to four people a day in Australia. I get diagnosed with M&D. Yeah.

Oh, my. So it isn't as common as you think. And I think another thing for me that surprised me was the unknown. Every day is so different. Some days, you know, I can be horrible with my speech. And then some days I'm completely fine. Not fine. But I'm not fine.

A much clearer and understand me more. It comes and goes. And depending on how I am or what I'm doing or so that was probably the two biggest things. And for someone who's so active before, like a professional athlete going and training every day, putting your body on the line, and that's the opposite of what you're supposed to be doing when you've got this disease. You're supposed to be conserving energy, no stress, like making sure your diet intake is like you're gaining weight

because it's important that your protein inflammation, all these sorts of things. It's, yeah, it's like the opposite, training your body now in your mind to do the exact opposite of what you've been doing for 10 years of your life. Those days you mentioned that you sort of go in and out, like the days that you are, feeling maybe a bit depleted.

Yeah. Is there anything that you guys do together maybe that might pull you out of that a little bit to make you feel like you're back on? To be honest, I just go home and chill out. I haven't been upset about the diagnosis for months and months now. But when I get tired, I go home, chill with her, all over and just going out. complaining from outside.

The other than the other than things like that. I think for us as well, it's been a bit different because it has been so public. And we weren't expecting the amount of awareness and support. We genuinely weren't. We had no idea that it would be

at the scale that it is now where, you know, Jai's been given the opportunity to continue doing good stuff in that area. But I will say it has been a very different experience for us with that. because it's been so public.

Yeah, I thought when I came out, I knew there'd be a fair bit of a fuss about it. But not to the extent that it is now. But I'm completely and we are utterly grateful from what has transpired and come from this. And I thought I've been diagnosed, my schedule for me, I'll have nothing on. My schedule at the moment is fast.

I can imagine. But in a nice way, yeah. And doing all that we have has kept my mind, can my body move in and it's been for one, but good for me as well. mentally, somewhat physically and yeah. It's easy to sort of just sink into your comfort zone and at home and, you know, not do anything and salt can do all of that and, you know, but.

Maybe, man, I could never do that. Yeah. And I suppose it makes so open and humbly the way when. I'm like, well, one, I'm never back down from. a challenge and two, I ain't giving in to anything or anyone. So, me having the power at the moment to spread the awareness to give people with empathy home. I'm like, why would I want to run from that when I can, you know, potentially leave

the legacy where allah can live. back and go, well, my dad needs a lot, I'm good in this world. You talk about Aila being your biggest strength. What is it about her that makes you so strong? I hate talking about her. Take your time. She's the only one that makes me emotional. And me.

I don't know. It's hard, like, seeing her and grow up and understand there's going to come. Anyway, I won't be able to walk, talk, and talk to her about what I've done in my career and lost. So for me, it's about setting the right. example for her and all all I want to do is I want to be proud of what I've done in my life and I know good many of my life and she is my great strength and she always always

with me and that's not taking away from a wife my family but as you know your children are your wife every day and you never really know what parent you're going to be until you're in the trenches when iowa came into the world what kind of dad was jai like yeah i think every family or parents especially when it's your first kid you're preparing for like what do i want my birth to be like what pram do i get But you never actually prepare, okay, what kind of parent am I going to be? And Jai was incredible, like, so hands-on, just absolutely adored her. I mean, the biggest example is, like, I was high as a kite for three hours after I gave birth to her and he was bawling his eyes out for three hours.

So he was, yeah, and honestly, like, she's daddy's girl. She loves Jai. I'm a bit of a cry. So I'm going to ask this question and try not to get upset. And if I do, I apologize. Wow. I try not too. Barry, what do you want to remember about her dad?

Sorry. His humor? His strength and his positivity. This is M&D now. This is the perfect timing for it. It's called the M&D laugh. Really? Yeah.

It's a thing. It's a thing. No, that's surprise me. It's a thing where, in the most awkward situations. He'll just start laughing. Really? It's the best side effect of the whole that's like,

I'll be sobbing and he'll be just starts laughing and you just stop crying. Because it's. Two stories with the diagnosis, the club and myself thought it'd be a good idea that I'd get counseling. Then she was able to come to a few of them. Yeah. So obviously with the diagnosis being so fresh at the time, this was in May, the club has been super supportive and got us like counseling as a family to navigate grief and navigate what we've just been dealt with. I'm bawling my eyes out in there. This is an in-person session. And he just starts laughing. And the psychologist, whatever clinical psychologist, I guess he was, just starts looking at him. And I start looking at him. And I start looking at him. And I'm like, how dare you? Was this the first time you experienced me?

Yeah. Oh, okay. Yeah. Not the best place to experience it, I suppose. And Professor Kiernan, who was our neurologist for his diagnosis and like we've been on this journey with him since January. I didn't believe him. I was like, you're just being a dickhead.

Yeah. I was like, you're just laughing because I'm being serious in therapy. Like you can't take shit seriously ever. And he's like, no, no, no. It's called an M&D laugh. So I guess that's a good. It's crazy how the brain triggers those sort of things, isn't it? Yeah.

And one other time, what has happened many times, or in like serious meetings at South, for one in particular, my hundred's gay, and it was half time, and Cam Murray was addressing everyone for me and went out. But anyway, Kim started talking and then at nowhere I lost it. My started laughing in the... In the huddle and cable grain was next to me.

And he started losing it. And while, Camelm kept talking, and at the end of it, we hear, kept saying, fuck me, right. I was. Sorry. Oh, right. But then they went out there and played well, so. They worked.

Well, it up. It worked. One of the unique things about your situation is that you have. the opportunity to focus on the legacy, right? And then with Aila, are there any things at the moment that you've been doing or you are going to plan to do to try and give her those nuggets? Yeah. We were having this chat yesterday. I think for her and for other kids navigating grief within their family unit, you know, like she's not going to know her dad any different. And so one, we want to leave as much about Jai before M&D because that's all.

obviously very important. And we want to leave as much of what Jai has done as well. Post. Post. But I think the biggest, yeah. And I think the biggest thing as well is making sure we're doing what we can in that space to help families with children navigating this experience as well. Because she's going to grow up.

It's going to impact her in some way. And so how do you explain? And kids are ruthless. Kids will say, why are you wearing that? Why do you smell? Like, go brush your teeth. I've had one nice thing. Talk like that.

Yeah. My own, I'm like, all right. Kids, right? Yeah. You've got to grow into your filter. Yeah, exactly. In Moni, I'm Maryam. I'm humor.

I'm full of it. And I want to give her and other kids the tools to actually grow into things and understand how to explain why someone is different, right? And actually embrace that someone is different and kind of use it as like a superpower. So there are definitely great programs out there

for older kids, but I want to start working with her at a very young age to grow her into that skill set. And unfortunately, they can't. We may know my fuck. And this one is, can't do anything matters. we might as well, you know, with it and enjoy life and as much as we can. I'm sure there's going to come a day where she's like, I wish Daddy could go for a swim with me, you know,

or I wish Daddy could do this and this and that. And, you know, it's going to be at those times where you're not working on it post-grief, right? You're working on it at an early stage to get kids to understand, you know, yes, you've been dealt with these cars. but how do you make it into a positive thing? I think I'd be, like I've put myself, I've tried to put myself in your shoes, right? And I think I'd be so fucking angry.

I'd be so fucking angry. I'm like, but when you say, hey, you just get on with it, it's the cause you've been dealt. I'm like, I don't know if I could be there. I'm the same. I listen to you guys talk about it and all the good things that you want to do,

especially you're like, oh, what I've been dealt, we're going to get on with it, we're going to enjoy ourselves a bit. Same. I sort of put myself in that situation. Yeah, it'd be filthy, but I love the way that you're like, look, it is what it is. And you said that a few times and that you're focusing on you guys and then also been able to provide support for other families.

And that itself is a legacy. Like the biggest thing is like with anything that's hard in life, especially something like this, you have two choices. You can life as. I always learn to say that's perfect. Thank you. See? Great minds. You both can take credit.

Life and as we've learned. life is very short and things can change in a second. So you either be positive and live every day in a positive way and don't sweat the small stuff or you hold on to, you know, why, like why me? Don't get me wrong. There are definitely days, maybe more me than him where I'm like, why us? Like why? Never.

Not once. And once all that. And it's so easy to get frustrated. But it's harder to put your. yourself in a position and once you do start out she's out cold. She's a pro. For those you at home, Ailer is in Vig's arms. Fast asleep.

Well done. Well done, Vic. I get like a flat tire and I'm like, why me? And I think, and I think it's incredible. And I'm like, surely like behind the scenes you're like, fucking. Oh, there are days where I'm like so, just so beyond like little things and it's, It's so easy for it to accumulate and for it to just burst out into an emotion. The house shows in me, man.

Tour play. Oh, my own. No, but it is for him. He's navigating, like, the fact that he has this disease and trying to, like, fight it and stay alive. For me, I'm navigating not only that, but having to pretty much be a full-time parent. Like, not that you're always a full-time parent, but. To two. To two now.

Yeah. And then also, you know. She's a most of my eyes. Oh, God. Don't tell everyone. Don't tell everyone. No, yeah. You should get up a day.

You should get up a day. We are going to get the toto, the Japanese one. Yeah, if they're listening. I mean one. They're amazing. I know. I want. Ash, you're going to wake the fucking baby.

Come on. Oh, fuck. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. She's pretty good. Nothing gets them rolled up like a little.

of a day chat so do we Japan was 10 out of 10 for that like everywhere like even like the public restrooms and they have the little things where you could put your kids in while you're they're just the Japanese they're they're miles ahead yeah yeah talking about family I don't want this to come off the wrong way but I would you consider extending your family we've had this conversation a lot okay we've spoke to a fertility specialist to well about some of our options. Like the reality of it is, yes, we would love to, but also that responsibility would be 110% on me.

And I said that, I said, if you want to, I'm happy, but you have to understand that you're most, what we're going to have to do majority, You are now, so. And I think it would be hard. I don't want me a burden on her. I want to be easy, smooth sailing, but unfortunately, we're listening. It won me.

And we don't have our parents next door where I could just drop off the kids, you know? I think I'll turn us off another way. Hell, look at her over there. You should have seen over the first eight months. stage, but she's an unreal little girl now. What are the moments that you love the most when you spend time with her, Jai? When I walked down the stairs and she just smiles. Oh, yeah.

Seeing a smile, my love to me. She's a daddy's girl. The man thinks like, of the morning, all she wants is to go in it. Oh, God. And she'll walk over to the... fridge and turn that me and when I go, eh, yeah, and she's figured out, you mean you're my yogurt now. She's figured out that the yogurts migrated into our bar fridge because our fridge

because our fridge broke over the weekend. And now she's going up to the bar fridge and going, uh, uh, she's worked you guys out. Oh, she's incredibly intelligent. Kids are so smart. They are. Yeah. It's funny how they like pick up those little things.

But anyone who's listening and, they're thinking, I'd love to support you guys and those who are battling MND, what can they do do to help out? Yeah, so there's multiple things that people can do and get involved in. Obviously, there's M&D Australia. Within M&D Australia, there's different state-specific organizations like M&D, New South Wales, M&D Queensland, etc. I think one of the biggest things is get out there and help volunteer for some of those organizations for people that are struggling to potentially get the help that they need or get the equipment that they need and things like that. Especially for older patients.

So I think if you're over the age of 65, you know, you get access to NDIS. You go to aged care. So finding for elderly people living with. MD is something that we want to help and try and figure out ways where they can get more help. I think everyone's fixated on, and we had this conversation yesterday, everyone's fixated on finding a cure. There's not one magical cure for M&D. M&D is such a, that's what I said earlier, but it being, yeah, surprising is that there's genetic. And that's only a 10% of the population gets that.

genetic component to it, 90% of the population, it's sporadic, explain how you got it then, right? There's tons of research going into environmental factors into what causes it, but also research going into finding a cure mainly for that genetic pool. And there's not as much research out there or is not as much conversation about how do we just make people's lives easier whilst they have the disease? Because once you have it, you can't get rid of it. So how can we help them maintain their symptoms like plateau, live life as long as they can, right? I think a big part of Eminem is making your life as easy as possible stress management, getting the right equipment for people to live their life easier.

I know it's hard to do, but we need to figure out a way where, everyone living with M&A. And essentially, alone's never going to happen, but as stress-free as you can. We've learned that there's not as much care facilities in rural areas. We've learned that the NDIS doesn't help support those with M&D over 65, if they're diagnosed after 65, if that's the correct stat.

And then there's also, like, advocacy for it. in terms of like government funding and stuff like that. So if you are listening, the best way to help support is just to go on those pages like M&D, Australia. They've been doing it for years and years and years. And so there are volunteer programs. I'm assuming there are tons of different things where people can get involved in it. To me, it's also not about just donating because the research is one aspect to it. Donating your time is a big one, helping those that can't really don't have that support network around them.

as well. I think I was impressed before, but looking at how you guys have tackled this, it's incredible. I think the strength you guys have, I know, I know I joke about any adversity that I've had and I lose my shit. For me, that reference point of what strength looks like is the two of you. And I think Ayla is so lucky to have a mum and dad and fuck, I'm sorry to get upset. A mum and dad who was so strong. And you mentioned, Jai, it's so nice to do these podcasts because it gives her a chance to listen back. If Aal is older and she's listening back, I'll stop it.

Is there any, fuck, sorry. You're doing really, really well to get back. Yeah. Thank you. Is there anything you would like to say to Aila? There is so many things that I can say, but for me, all that I am one, I only know is that,

like, give me a moment. Take a time. I always love her. It's hard. Dad loves you. We're strong, but we're not that strong guys. Sorry about that. It's only all I'm in.

It's everything, but yeah. It's incredible, and I know how hard it is to leave this message with us and for I'll have to be back at, but you're doing an amazing job and look at her over there, like, she's talking about me? Yeah, it's, I've had long. opportunity to do things that I never thought I'd be able to do. But most important thing for me at the moment obviously is my family, but second is helping other people and I'm here to inspire.

Yeah. Thank you so much. Thank you. That was amazing. Thank you. I will say that was definitely one of the most emotional episodes that we have had. It was amazing to hear all the great things that Jai and his wife are doing within the MND community and also just the love that they have for their little girl.

It hit home, I think, a lot harder having Aila in the studio here because you're talking about why you're fighting, who you're doing it for and to have Aela in the room as he's saying those words. I just, I can't even begin to fathom how hard that must be for their family. It's pretty obvious that Giant Barina are really passionate about educating people about M&D and how others can help by donating either their time or money. We'll leave heaps of resources and links in the show notes. And Vic, I also want to say, well done to you because you were juggling,

not only trying to do all the tech support in the background, but also putting Ailer to sleep. Well done. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Maybe you could subscribe or you can suggest any other guests that we should have. And don't forget. And Ash, please don't forget. I would never. The most important part of our lives other than our wives and our children.

Oh, good, good save. I love you guys. Social media accounts. Oh, yeah. For two doting dads. Our other children, there is TikTok, two doting dads. Instagram, two dotting dads. YouTube, I think it's two dotting dads.

Pretty sure it's two dotting dads. What else is that? Facebook group. Two Doting Dads. If there's ever any doubt, just search Two Doting Dads. There's a website too. There is a website. With new hats.

Yes, the hats. We're wearing them right now. You can't see, but you can hear it. Russell, we're on some microphone. There it is. Sounds good to me. A little teaser for you. And we'll see you guys on Wednesday.

See ya. Bye. Two Doting Dads podcast acknowledges the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia and the connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their elders, past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. This episode was recorded on Gatigal Land.