Silvia Hodel turns jewellery hobby into fundraiser to honour sister

In September 2016, Shauntelle Schreuder (L), a 40-year-old mother-of-two, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). Shauntelle’s sister, Silvia Hodel (R), says she felt “utterly helpless” when she heard about her sibling’s diagnosis.

“I decided to find a way to support Motor Neurone Disease New Zealand (MND NZ) by fundraising for both support and research. I reached out to a company in Australia that was selling MND tights and imported them into New Zealand for sale. Thirty per cent of the sales were donated to MND NZ, around $2,000, before production was discontinued,” says Silvia.

The Blenheim-based entrepreneur also organised two comedy night fundraisers during this time with $6,000 generously donated to MND NZ.

Sadly, Shauntelle died with motor neurone disease on 27 October 2019, aged 43.

“After my sister passed away, I found it difficult to engage with anything related to MND, so I took a long break. I now feel ready to start fundraising again. As someone who enjoys crafting earrings during my downtime, I’m now turning this hobby into a fundraiser,” says Silvia.

Silvia’s latest fundraising effort sees her selling her beautiful, handcrafted earrings (pictured) to retailers or businesses who can display and on sell the earrings in their outlets. This may be a fashion store, café, or even the reception area of a business.

Silvia says her fundraising initiative requires minimal effort from the seller. You purchase the stainless-steel earrings in lots of 50. Earrings can easily be restocked and any unsold earrings in new condition can be returned for a refund. If you can help Silvia with her latest fundraising efforts by stocking and selling her earrings, please email Silvia.

Shauntelle's blog excerpt

14 May 2019

The last six months have been the most challenging of the last two and a half years of my diagnosis/life as my independence keeps slipping away. The constant adjustment of losing the control of an action, accepting this, asking and accepting help really does take its toll.

This time last year I could still walk 2km, now I doubt I could walk 100m. I now also have a wheelchair, which I use if I leave the house. My voice is only just still here so communication is not easy but the biggest thing is fatigue, which is pretty constant.

I have been grieving for the future I want with my husband and kids, and that I still desperately hope for. Grief is not rational, you just have to keep taking each day as it comes.

I have learnt that I can't grieve for things that have never happened and that if I stick to this, I can face each day. I love getting up in the morning and watching the kids get ready for school, their banter and energy is like a coffee shot for me.

I am grateful I have had the opportunity to write a memory book, letters and cards for the kids’ future birthdays and milestones. Having this done makes me feel more at peace with my situation.