Community
29 August, 2025
Leading the fight for a cure
CHRISTOPHER Gillin is the epitome of determination, strength and resilience.
The co-founder of the Gillin Boys Foundation (along with younger brother Aaron who passed away from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in October 2017 aged 24), Chris has dedicated his life to raising vital funds and awareness into DMD in the hope of finding a cure for future generations.
When the brothers first established their foundation, they were well aware it was too late to help them.
But that didn’t deter them from establishing their foundation and setting themselves some huge goals.
In February 2020 Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Warrnambool became a registered foundation with a full committee – and has since became known as The Gillin Boys Foundation.
“This foundation has allowed us to raise funds for research and clinical trials on a much larger scale,” Christopher proudly said.
In September last year the foundation joined forces with Curi Bio and The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute to bring cutting-edge 3D equipment to Australia that is regarded a ‘game changer’ in the fight to end DMD.
The ‘Mantarray’ was installed at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute thanks to the foundation’s $100,000 donation presented in March last year.
“Our foundation couldn’t continue to do the work that it does without the wonderful support of the community and the generosity of donors,” Christopher said.
“It is so important that we find a cure for future generations. Muscular Dystrophy is such a debilitating disease that can really wear you down but I’ll continue to get up each day and fight for a cure because at the end of the day that’s what is important.”
Living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy has its daily challenges, pains, battles and frustrations.
Days out like last Saturday’s trip to Reid Oval for the battle of the Cassign Cup between Warrnambool and Koroit football netball clubs can be physically, mentally and emotionally draining.
While the general public sees a smiling, confident and strong Christopher Gillin, behind closed doors this gentle crusader has his private battles.
“Living with DMD can be very tough, not just physically but emotionally and mentally,” Christopher said.
“Saturday was a massive day for me and it left me totally drained. These days I struggle having a conversation when I’m out and it can take a lot of strength just to talk loud enough to be heard.
“For the first time in the club’s history, Warrnambool footballers ran out wearing green on Saturday and that really touched me. That hit me hard, wishing Azza (brother Aaron) was there beside me to witness that special moment.
“I’m certainly enjoying life but a full afternoon is still draining, especially when you throw in cold weather.
“The hard thing with DMD is if you tire your muscles too much they break down quicker, but if you don’t use them enough they also break down fast – it’s a fine line and a tough balancing act whenever I leave home.”
Things that were once much easier to do, are now becoming increasingly more difficult.
“I’ve become very good at keeping certain parts of my life to myself but as a role model to younger generations I feel I have an obligation to show that this life isn’t always easy, times will be tough but you just have to adapt and find ways to still enjoy what you love.”
And Christopher has certainly found things to love and enjoy.
This includes getting out and about for regular walks, spending time trackside at Premier Speedway and attending Gillin Boys Foundation events.
“It may be hard, it may be tiring but that will never stop me from doing the things I love,” he said.
“I may be running on empty today but tomorrow I’ll be recharged and ready to tackle whatever comes my way.
“Duchenne may control me but it does not define me. In the words of Bon Jovi, it’s my life… I ain’t gunna live forever, I just want to live while I’m alive.”
