Blog

You are invited to participate in an ongoing research project that is looking for risk factors that might contribute to the development of motor neurone disease (MND). An online anonymous questionnaire asks a series of questions that may provide clues as to what factors trigger MND in some people. Anyone is welcome to complete the questionnaire - people with a sporadic or familial form of MND, their relatives and also people without MND in order to compare lifestyle factors. This questionnaire can be completed regardless of geographical location, so please share with any friends or family who may live overseas who would be happy to contribute.

Academics and students at Otago Polytechnic in New Zealand have been working on their open source Windows Gaze Control project for the past three years and report the GazeToolbar has now reached sufficient maturity to be used by real users. The GazeToolbar allows users to control a computer hands-free using only their gaze, together with a low-cost eyetracker.

The annual East Hills Charity Car Show held it's 5th event at Kelso Oval Panania on Saturday, 28 July. The show included a great field of classic cars with all makes and models present from the 1920s through to the 2000s. MND NSW was chosen as this year's charity by the East Hills Charity Car Show 2019 Committee, with $11,000 donated from the day. Thank you to the Committee and to everyone who so generously supported this event. Our thanks also to MND NSW volunteers Ben, Cynthia, Rhiannon and Bridget who attended and raised a further $503 from MND NSW merchandise sales and donations. The Committee said of the day, "The weather was fantastic and it was a great community day for a truly great cause". Pictured are MND NSW CEO, Graham Opie (at left) with event Committee members.

A big thank you to the Sydney Hawks Supporter Group who supported MND NSW for a second year with a Charity Day raising $1,500. The Camelia Grove Hotel was the location for the event with game day TV viewing, competitions, raffles, an auction, and cupcake and merchandise sales to keep everyone entertained. Special thanks to Ruth Langdon who coordinated the event. Ruth said of the Charity Day, "We are all so grateful for the opportunity to make a contribution to such a wonderful cause." Ruth and David Langdon visited the MND NSW centre in Gladesville to present the donation cheque to CEO, Graham Opie. 

The ALS MND Patient Fellows Program helps people with ALS MND to participate in the largest annual symposium dedicated to ALS MND research.  The 2019 International Symposium on ALS MND will be held 4-6 December 2019 in Perth, Australia. The ALS MND Patient Fellows Program anticipate funding up to five Patient Fellowships for the Symposium and applications for a Fellowship close 19 August 2019. People diagnosed with ALS or MND may apply.