Jai Arrow’s NRL career was brutally cut short by a horror MND diagnosis and now the 30-year-old has issued an emotional plea.
Jai Arrow has issued an emotional plea for support as he launched a fundraiser to support his family following his shock Motor Neurone Disease (MND) diagnosis last month.
The 30-year-old said his “life changed forever” after receiving the devastating news, as he was forced into immediate NRL retirement.
However, in the days and weeks that followed, the former Rabbitohs star said his concern shifted to the impact his diagnosis had on his partner Berina and their one-year-old daughter, Ayla.
And to ensure they are looked after, Arrow has launched a GoFundMe campaign on behalf of his family.
It comes as the former Maroons star vowed to “never stop fighting” the debilitating disease.
“Like many families facing MND, we have been thrown into a world filled with uncertainty, difficult decisions and challenges that we never imagined we would face,” Arrow said in an emotional video.
“But if there is one thing I have learned throughout my life, it is that you never stop fighting.
“I am determined to give myself every opportunity possible to live the best life I can, to explore treatments and therapies that may help, and to continue creating memories with the people I love most.
Jai Arrow has delivered an emotional plea for his family. Image: Rabbitohs/Instagram
“My biggest reason for fighting is my family, especially my beautiful daughter, Ayla. She is still so young, with her whole life ahead of her.
“Every day I wake up wanting to be the best dad I can be and to create as many special memories with her as possible. She is my motivation, my purpose and my reason to keep pushing forward.”
Arrow’s fundraising plea comes as he is set to do the coin toss before the AFL’s King’s Birthday clash at the MCG on Monday, as part of the 12th edition of the Big Freeze.
The annual MND fundraiser was co-founded by the late Neale Daniher, who tragically passed away recently after a 13-year battle with the disease.
The NRL is also set to throw a huge fundraiser to celebrate Jai’s 31st birthday.
Instead of gifts, fans are being urged to donate to MND charities, with the event inspired by Paul Vautin’s 1993 ‘World’s Biggest Barbeque’.
The event will take place on the 12th of July, Arrow’s birthday, when the South Sydney Rabbitohs take on the Newcastle Knights.
Rival NRL clubs have already pledged significant contributions, including the Cowboys’ $50,000 donation to Souths Cares and Manly’s auction of special warm-up tops.
South Sydney will also celebrate Arrow’s career at their next home game against Brisbane before the July 12 fundraiser.
