Until about seven years ago, most people in Australia likely had little awareness of Motor Neurone Disease. This isn't just in the football community either, most people in all walks of life were unaware of what this horrific disease can do to a person. Then along came 'The Reverend'.
When Neale Daniher was diagnosed with MND in 2013, he was told the average life expectancy was 27 months, it's now been seven years and counting, an incredible testament to his strength of character.
Related: David Neitz cold cans to help fight MND
In 2016, his hands grew so weak that he was no longer able to tie his own shoelaces, cut a steak or even put on a Freeze MND beanie, yet this didn't slow him in his tracks.
Instead of ticking things off his bucket list or "enjoying what time you've got left" as people have said to him, he's chosen a different path, one that can't help but inspire.
Sadly, there's no doubt where this ends, he's slowly passing before our eyes. But to see him continually front up and fight, with a smile on his face, has shown what he's made of.
It's never been about him, he's gladly taken on the role of figurehead and decided to fight so that this might not happen to others in the future. That level of selflessness is incredibly rare in the modern world.
The Big Freeze Day, coupled with the massive Queen's Birthday clash between Melbourne and Collingwood, has served as the perfect vehicle for the message. What better time to send people down a slide into a pool of ice than in winter?
Year by year it has grown into a flagship event on the Australian sporting calendar, adding to a massive fixture on the Queen's Birthday between two of the competition's most unique clubs.
Related: MCG walkway renamed in honour of Neale Daniher
Unique in that their fan bases are seen as so different, yet both so willingly to come together in force to support such an amazing cause, to give the day it's due esteem.
Each year the Big Freeze continues to grow, from humble beginnings and a hope to raise some money to help fund research towards a cure, the spirit with which it's been led by Daniher has turned it into so much more.
This day is now a juggernaut, providing genuine entertainment and a lighthearted approach to a serious cause, it perfectly encapsulates the spirit of 'The Reverend.'
It's difficult to say how much has been raised exactly so far, but according to figures from fightmnd.org.au, $48.45 million has been committed to MND research initiatives. While $14.32 million has been raised and committed to 11 different Clinical Trials.
A further $16.68 million has been committed to 17 drug development projects and the list goes on. All of this in just seven years shows the scale of impact this has had on uniting Australians behind the cause.
Not all of it comes from sales of the famous blue Freeze MND beanies either (although you can still buy those here). With crowd attendance frequently at capacity for the Queen's Birthday clash and extended TV coverage of the day allowing those who can't attend to still watch people go down the slide and more importantly, donate.
Throw in support from some of the heaviest of hitters, including the Australian Government and participation from big names around the country, and it's easy to see just how much of an impact one man is having.
All of this has already begun to yield results in the search for a cure, with small but significant breakthroughs already, most notably in 2016 when a compound that freezes MND in mice was found.
More recently, scientists in Scotland discovered that damage to nerves caused by MND can be reversed. Expert opinion is that a cure can be found.
This year, the words "Play On" have been added to the famous blue beanies. This is to symbolise that "when faced with adversity, we all have the choice to surrender or keep up the fight".
See Also: Travis Cloke reveals Richmond attempts to land his signature
As a player and a coach, few were more popular than 'The Reverend'. People with the strength to repeatedly tackle adversity often are, however post his football life, despite it seeming impossible, his reputation been even further enhanced. As the great Spud Frawley would put it, "his brand is flying."
"With a terminal illness, you've got a choice: you can cry or laugh. And I know which one is more fun," Daniher said back in 2016. His grace through all of this continues to motivate others to take up the fight once he's gone and ensure that he'll leave behind a brilliant legacy.
Most recently, the Beast has gotten on top in their long struggle, Daniher's voice is all but gone, but through his actions, the words he once spoke continue to ring more loudly than anything, "it's not about me.... It's about others".
