The Federal Government will help find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) by matching dollar-for-dollar funds raised through this weekend’s Big Freeze 4 at the MCG.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the government would match funds raised, up to $2 million, to be invested directly into new clinical trials.
The Big Freeze 4 is part of Neale Daniher’s quest to find a cure for MND.
“It was a privilege to meet Neale Daniher when he travelled through Gippsland in 2016 as part of a fundraising drive to raise awareness and find a cure for MND,” Mr Chester said.
“Neale’s decision to use his personal challenges to improve the lives of others is truly inspirational.
“MND is a condition where the nerve cells controlling the muscles that allow people to move, speak, swallow and breathe fail to work normally. The nerve cells eventually die and leave the muscles to gradually weaken and waste.
“Clinical trials for patients provide a better understanding of MND so that researchers can develop ways to slow or prevent the progression of the disease and, ultimately, find a cure.”
The incidence of MND has doubled over the past two decades and now affects more than 2,000 people in Australia, with the average survival rate of just over two years.
Mr Chester said the funds raised through pubic donations matched by the Federal Government would support FightMND to continue critical research and expand clinical trial efforts to test the effectiveness and safety of drugs, like Tecfidera, as an option for those suffering with MND.
For more information or to donate, please visit the Fight MND website.
