Government joins with Big Freeze 8 to tackle MND

The Australian Government will provide $4 million to ensure the continuing battle against motor neurone disease (MND) is well armed.

The Hon Mark Butler MP
Minister for Health and Aged Care

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The Albanese Government will provide $4 million to ensure the continuing battle against motor neurone disease (MND) is well armed.

The funds will be provided over the next two years to FightMND in its quest to better understand the causes of this devastating disease and pursue potential treatments and a cure.

Announcing the funding during the eighth Big Freeze AFL match between Collingwood and Melbourne at the MCG, Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, said FightMND’s vision of a world without MND was one shared by the Albanese Government.

“MND is rightly considered a beast,” Minister Butler said. “It is an insidious disease that gradually affects the use of your arms and legs, your ability to eat and swallow, your speech and finally, your ability to breathe.

“MND affects more than 2,000 Australians, who tragically have an average survival rate of just over two years.

“With no effective treatments or a cure, for these patients the focus is on easing symptoms, maintaining quality of life and staying mobile for as long as possible.”

FightMND was co-founded in 2014 by renowned Essendon player and Melbourne Football Club coach Neale Daniher, who continues his personal battle against the disease.

“Since his diagnosis in 2013, Neale has doggedly taken the fight to MND at every step,” Minister Butler said.

“His fight is for every Australian stricken by the disease and I applaud his strength and determination.”

To date, FightMND has committed more than $55 million to MND research, new drug development and clinical trials.

“I am delighted to be partnering with FightMND and I look forward to the day when the MND beast is tamed,” Minister Butler said.

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