Media Release Jul 15 2008

Record amount raised for Motor Neurone Disease

Almost four times the previous record was raised at the 3rd annual Motor Neurone Disease (MND) cocktail party, hosted by Professor Dominic Rowe, RNSH neurologist, and held in the ‘old world’ atmosphere of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, overlooking Sydney Harbour at Kirribilli.

A grand total of $74,000 from this year’s successful cocktail party will go directly to the MND multi-disciplinary clinic at Royal North Shore Hospital.

The MND multi-disciplinary clinic at RNSH was founded by Professor Rowe. It’s a unique ‘one-stop-shop’ where people with MND are able to make one appointment to meet with a number of experts who oversee treatment.

People with MND often require assistance from a variety of healthcare professionals including a general practitioner, neurologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, speech pathologist, psychologist, dietitian, home care nurse and social worker. It is of enormous benefit to patients and their families and carers to be able to see all of these experts via one appointment on one day.

MND is a progressive disease affecting the nervous system. It causes increased disability due to deterioration in the nervous system and muscular weakness. This devastating disorder usually leads to death within three or so years of diagnosis.

Although there are new drugs available, there is still no cure.

The MND Cocktail Party was established three years ago to increase awareness of the disease, encourage the international effort to find a cure and to help raise funds to support the RNSH MND Clinic.

More than 150 generous guests were entertained by MC Barrie Lord and The Guy Strazz Band.

Media Contact: Emily Saker 0404 054 160 / 9926 8313

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