THE COOLUM community turned out in spectacular form for this year’s Moonwalk Festival for Our Moon’s Mission, filling Tickle Park with sunshine, song, and endless smiles as hundreds gathered to walk under the spring moon — and to stand behind Tallulah Moon and her family in their ongoing mission to cure SPG56.

This year’s Moonwalk Festival raised almost $15,000 to support Our Moon’s Mission, the family-founded initiative under Genetic Cures for Kids Inc., which is now moving into its most exciting chapter yet — the upcoming clinical trial of the first gene therapy for SPG56, a rare neurodegenerative disease that Coolum girl Tallulah lives with today.

Tallulah’s mum, Golden Whitrod, said the day meant more to their family than words could express.

“We were so thrilled that Tallulah could really feel the love and energy that we get from this community.

“She could sense how everyone had her back, walking with her and with us, not just physically under that spring moon, but every day, with their compassion and their spirit. It’s what keeps us going.”

The festival, now in its second year, was a joyful blend of live music, drumming, dance, and community spirit.

Highlights included a soulful set by Australian Idol Winner Marshall Hamburger, a moonlight set by Tom Busby, a magical moonrise drumming circle and the walk along the Coolum boardwalk.

Tallulah’s dad, Chris Whitrod, said it was heart-warming to see the Coolum community rally again behind their mission.

“It’s just incredible to see so many familiar faces- friends, families, and supporters- coming together once again to celebrate how far we’ve come.

“This community has been with us every step of the way, and now, as we move into the clinical trial phase, it feels like the whole Sunny Coast is walking beside us.”

To learn more or support the ongoing mission to cure SPG56, visit www.ourmoonsmission.org.