Motor Neurone Disease Awareness Week 3rd - 9th May 2009

National Motor Neurone Disease Awareness Week aims to raise awareness of MND, promoting care for today and hope for a future without MND.

Each year in Australia more than one person will be diagnosed with MND every day, while another will die. Yet most Australians know little about MND and its devastating effects.

Motor Neurone Disease (known as ALS in many other parts of the world, and as Lou Gehrig's disease in the USA), is the name given to a group of diseases in which the motor neurones die. These nerve cells control the movement of voluntary muscles, including the muscles of the trunk, limbs, speech, swallowing and breathing.

With no nerves to activate them, muscles gradually weaken and waste, and paralysis occurs. Weakness is often seen first in the hands or feet, or the first sign may be difficulty with swallowing or slurred speech. In the majority of cases the senses, intellect and memory are not affected. MND has often been described as "deadly, creeping paralysis." 90% of people with MND die within five years of diagnosis. While some live longer, others die within a few months.

In Australia approximately 1,300 people are living with MND. "MND can strike anyone at any time," says National President of the Motor Neurone Disease Association of Australia, (MNDAA) Helen Sjardin-Howard. "It insidiously robs people of their independence, communication and their ability to influence their surroundings, in fact of most of the life choices we take for granted. There is no cure, but MND Associations offer hope through care and support services for people living with MND and their families and by promoting research to find causes, treatments and a cure for this wretched disease."

During MND Awareness Week, and especially on Blue Cornflower Day (Friday 11 May) blue cornflowers - a symbol of hope - can be purchased from Burnside Village or from a variety of outlets across the country regions, with all proceeds going to help MNDA SA continue its essential work with the community.      

People living with MND and their carers are available for interviews to tell their story of the impact of Motor Neurone Disease on their lives.

For further information please contact the MNDA SA Office on 8357 0245
Peter Whitehouse - Executive Director or Ricki Higham - Administration Assistant