Finding Hope in Hopelessness | Peta Murchinson | TEDxSydney

We like to think that we are one in a million, but what happens when that’s exactly the news that you don’t want to hear? Peta’s extraordinary story and that of her family is one that is desperately sad, but it has forced her to connect with others in ways she could never have expected.

Peta Murchison is a mother dedicated to raising awareness for Batten Disease - a rare degenerative genetic disease that affects otherwise healthy children who can sing, dance and bounce. From a young age affected kids start to lose their ability to walk, talk, see and smile. There is no cure for children affected and it will eventually take their lives. Awareness and research into this rare disease is imperative to find a cure.

[invernomuto]

I can't deal with this now. I'm healthy, I can do whatever I want, yet I feel hopeless and depressed. And then I look at this and I don't even know...

[waltporter]

I'm a guy on a forklift working the overnight shift crying like a baby trying to pretend I have a cold. Bless you ma'am. You are courageous

[ElevatingHope]

"Living in the moment forces us to focus on what matters right now." Thanks for the inspiration.

[MaximumMindPower]

*“When you're at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on.”*

[Pikasde]

From across the globe, people like you are enough of a reason to wake up every morning and do the best I can to make this world a better place. May every god bless you and your family and I will share the courage you've given me.

[Ocean_Strategy]

"You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending"

[BlancaC]

This Ted Talk hit home for me. My little brother passed away from Batten Disease at the age of 7 and there were soo many similarities between her story and my family's story. With Batten Disease being so rare, it was refreshing to watch this and be able to completely relate to someone when it comes to this terrible disease <3

[cindyhalpern]

Thank you.
I grew up with two dying brothers. They had Muscular Dystrophy.
But having them as my brothers changed me forever.
I miss them, yet I remember them with a smile. Their memories remain a blessing to me, so many years later.

[kevinnorton]

Beautiful courageous story, I’m a 43 year old guy sitting at his cubicle gently and ever so quietly crying and I have a meeting to go to in 5 minutes. I admire your strength and love.

[ritvajmadotra]

you are the strongest lady i have ever seen.you have inspired me.love from india.god bless u and mia n ur family

[brunovincent]

This gives me hope for humanity. You are a wonderful woman and your daughter is very lucky to have a loving family like yours around.

[casey]

Lay in bed, tears streaming down my face. I have a 5 year old little girl and this is any parents biggest fear. You and Hamish are so brave and courageous and that little girl is a beautiful hero....

[heatherr]

So tragically beautiful, & I give that Mom SO much credit for not only sharing her story but keeping it together while doing so!❤

[michellecave]

So much love and blessings to you all xxx
So moving and humbling.
Thank you.
I was looking for hope as I have been diagnosed with terminal cancer and have been trying to stay alive.
I have become worn down and feel so alone.
I am doing my best to live in the moment and be grateful for everything.
Thank you for your encouragement.
God bless you x

[cherry.]

This had me in tears throughout the whole video...May God give strength to your family to cope with the loss and may she rest in peace.

[amberknisley]

As a fellow batten mom, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your words and insight. You articulated every feeling ive had for thebpast year and a half since my son's diagnosis.

[marka]

Cried through half of the talk. Thank you for shareing. This was very powerfull.

[aztradescrypto]

gosh, 30 seconds in and im crying my eyes out. this is every parents worse nightmare. I pray for her and her husband to find peace in their heart and solace

[acool]

Peta is such a strong person, living with her fear everyday and still doing everything she can to bring hope. All the best, Peta! You are such an inspiration. May god bless you and your family. Lots of love.. :)

[oskarneal]

I went to school with this girl. It was always nice to see her around playground rip mia