By Esther Lauaki
Makaira is one of those kids who takes a book everywhere she goes.
The Point Cook 11-year-old is Australia’s top MS Readathon fundraiser for the fifth year running, having read more than 2000 books and raised nearly $40,000 to date.
Makaira, who is in grade 6, has already raised $3300 this month.
Her mum Rebecca Muscat, who was diagnosed with MS after Makaira was born, said she “couldn’t be prouder” of her daughter.
“She’s been doing it every year since she was in prep,” Ms Muscat said.
“It’s the cause and raising the money that she enjoys most. She says she just wants to help me.
“I’m always tired, tripping. I get light disturbance, pins and needles.
“It’s amazing that she wants her mum to be better.”
The Muscats are avid Richmond football club supporters and Makaira’s favourite book is
Rabbit’s Hop by premiership player Alex Rance.
Makaira’s readathon efforts have helped make her school, Lumen Christi Catholic Primary School, one of the nation’s top MS Readthon fundraisers.
MS Limited head of individual giving Natasha Duncan said the readathon was an important fundraiser that provided families quality time together without being overshadowed by the pressures of having MS.
“Every school has a connection to someone with MS, like Makaira’s mum, and every year the readathon helps raise funds for those families,” Ms Duncan said.
