I am not sure how many people watched the Sunday Night program on Channel 7. It is always a good show and they bring our attention to people, life and some of the bad hands that people are dealt.
This program was on Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and Scott Sullivan’s story. In case you didn’t see it, Scott is a brave 39-year-old man, has a lovely wife and two young children and has a great job. He was diagnosed with MND twelve months ago. The program also featured a beautiful young woman, married two years ago and only 29 – her progression was further along than Scott’s. What supportive family these people must and need to have.
Motor neurones are a series of pathways which tell muscles to move. When the disease strikes, those pathways fade away. The mind functions perfectly but the body fails. MND is a disease with no known cause, no known cure and no effective treatment and, after diagnosis, life expectancy can be three to five years.
Scott Sullivan was awarded the 2011 Queensland “Pride of Australia Medal” as, after he was diagnosed, he first thought to take care of his wonderful family and he helped start the MND and Me Foundation which was officially launched in Queensland in March 2011. The registered charity now raises much needed funds and awareness for MND.
Scott’s courage and drive, and people like him (despite their illness) are helping others and getting the word out about this debilitating disease. They are an inspiration to us all and I hope some of the younger people might read this and think about fundraising for this or a charity of their choosing. I am aware a lot of young people do fundraise for charity; this is a reminder to the ones who could maybe start.
The Foundation is a not for profit organisation that was formed to raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and its impact in the community. Please go to www.mndandme.com.au for information on the disease and how you can donate to the foundation.
Pam Kenyon
