SUNDAY, March 2, is an important day in the search for a cure for motor neurone disease (MND), with organisers of the annual Walk to d'Feet MND delighted with the response to date.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Motor neurones are nerve cells that control the movement of voluntary muscles, that is, muscles that are under conscious control and include all the muscles of the arms, legs, back and neck and of speech, swallowing and breathing.
With no nerves to activate them, muscles gradually weaken and waste and paralysis ensues. Weakness is often seen first in the hands or feet, or the first sign may be difficulty swallowing or slurred speech. Muscle twitching and/or cramps may also occur.
MND affects each person differently in terms of their initial symptoms, rate and pattern of progression and survival time. There is no cure and people with MND die anywhere between two and five years after being diagnosed.
Shellharbour resident Adam Regal's family has been more affected than most, losing an uncle and father to the disease,
To date he has raised more than $14,000 towards Sunday's walk, with more than 100 people already registering for the event online.
It will be held at Bulli Reserve behind Bulli Surf Club from 10am and involves an easy five-kilometre walk, followed by a barbecue. For more information call 1800 777 175.
If you can't make the walk visit walkillawarra2014.everydayhero.com/au/adam to make a donation.
