The Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre went ‘Under the Sea’ for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association of WA’s fifth annual ball, Unite Against MND, on Saturday 27 July, with more than 600 people in attendance.
The spectacular night brought together families, health professionals, government and corporate guests and was sponsored by AV Partners, Helping Hand Group, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, Phenomenon Creative Events, Carers WA and NTJ Contracting. Westgold Resources also showed their support for the association with the donation of a gold nugget to the raffle prize, while managing director Wayne Bramwell was in attendance.
With Michael Tetlow from ABC Radio as the Master of Ceremonies, the Hon. Hannah Beazley MLA, MNDAWA Patron and representing the Minister for Health, the Hon. Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA, delivered a speech on the importance of supporting the cause and her commitment as Patron.
Keith Potger AO, an MNDAWA Ambassador and Life Member and founding member of the 1960s pop group The Seekers, travelled from NSW specifically for the event and performed two heartfelt songs, one dedicated to carers called ‘Guiding Light’ and the iconic ‘I’ll Never Find Another You’.
Maeve Egan, the charitable organisation’s CEO, said, “The annual ball is an important event on the calendar because of the support it provides the organisation and people affected by MND.
“It’s always a wonderful night, seeing people come together in support and in hope. It’s also a key event on our calendar for the philanthropic support it creates,” Ms Egan said.
“The funds raised at the 2024 event contribute to the Association’s ability to provide vital care services in Western Australia. As a small charity we rely heavily on the businesses, individuals and organisations who identify the need to support the MND community.”
Maeve Egan, Guy Marchesani and Samar Aoun at this year's Uniting against MND ball at PCEC.
The charity ball is an opportunity for people affected by MND to get together and support the vital work and research while celebrating the lives of those people impacted by the disease.
“While it is for a very important cause, the night is very uplifting. It’s often a chance to recognise the strength of the families who are facing this, and to celebrate the lives of those lost to MND,” Ms Egan said.
Each day in Australia two people are diagnosed with MND and each day in Australia two people die from MND.
Sadly, 74 Western Australians have died from MND this past year.
Currently there is no cure or effective treatment for MND, and life expectancy from diagnosis is short, on average only 2.5 years.
MND is a progressive neurological condition that attacks the body’s motor neurones, diagnosed in adult men and women of all ages. People with MND progressively lose the use of their limbs and ability to speak, swallow and breathe.
Hannah Beazley MLA, MNDAWA Patron, delivered a speech on the importance of supporting the cause.
The MND Association of WA currently supports 200 Western Australians who are living with the disease. While there is no cure, symptoms can be managed to help the affected person achieve the best possible quality of life.
The holistic support extends to the carers and families of these individuals. For every person diagnosed with MND it is estimated that a further 14 members of their family and their friends will live with the effect of MND forever.
From their initial contact with the Association, the family has access to emotional support, equipment loan, care coordination and allied health services. As the disease progresses differently in every individual, the care services are person-focused and are tailored to each client.
Guests at the event heard from Professor Anthony Akkari, who leads the MND Research Group at the Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science. Prof. Akkari shared the five-year research strategy and clinical plans, highlighting the research happening here in Western Australia. This was balanced by a touching, personal poem by Steve Robinson, sharing with humour some of the challenges of living with MND.
Keith Potger AO, an MNDAWA Ambassador and Life Member and founding member of the 1960s pop group The Seekers, travelled from NSW specifically for the event.
Held in July each year, the next MNDAWA ball will be an Enchanted Garden theme, with an aim to increase philanthropic engagement. Ms Egan invites the business community to reach out and support the cause to help make a difference to those affected by MND, noting that anyone who witnesses the impact of the services will quickly understand the importance.
“The event is an opportunity to look forward with hope to a world free from MND. However, until there is a cure, there is care, and we remain steadfast in our approach and commitment to providing the highest quality care for people living with MND, made possible with community support,” she said.
“We unite because we are stronger together.”
Show your support for MNDAWA with a donation, corporate partnership, bequest, volunteering, or getting involved in an event.
