The Cornflower - Autumn 2023 edition - MND Queensland's newsletter

the cornflower

RESEARCH SURVEY PROJECT RECRUITING NOW

Participants are sought for the survey: ‘Finding Clear and Useful Health Information about MND/ALS’. The project is supported by our research arm, MND Research Australia.

The purpose of the study is to gather feedback to help design better ways of communicating important health information.

Both people with Motor Neurone Disease and their carers can complete the survey and responses are anonymous. Another benefit is that you can participate wherever you’re located, you just need to have an internet connection to complete the survey online.

To find out more about this project and the research team, please visit https:// hsu.imb.uq.edu.au/mnd-heatlh-literacy For queries or further assistance contact maryanne.mcphee@calvarycare.org.au

CONTACT DETAILS & SOCIAL MEDIA

MND QUEENSLAND

ABN: 75 990 922 939

Street Address: Unit 1, 89 Factory Rd, OXLEY QLD 4075

Postal Address: PO Box 470, INALA QLD 4077

Web: www.mndaq.org.au

Email: info@mndaq.org.au

Phone: 07 3372 9004

Freecall: 1800 777 175

SOCIAL MEDIA - Please follow us and ‘like’ and share our posts

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MNDAQ

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Twitter: twitter.com/MNDQueensland

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YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCf5MA4DA7qGU7BThP9Pg Cg

FEEDBACK AND CONTRIBUTIONS

Please send your feedback or story ideas to fundraising@mndaq.org.au

DONATIONS

You can make a donation by credit card by calling 07 3372 9004 or at www.mndaq.org.au/donations. You can also post a cheque or money order (made out to MND Queensland) to the postal address above.

FROM THE CEO’S DESK WITH STACEY THORPE

Here we are in 2023, the year in which we mark the 40th anniversary of MND Queensland providing care and support. I feel truly humbled to have the honour of being the CEO of this amazing organisation at such an important time in our history and I want to pay tribute to everyone that has played a part in us getting to where we are now.

The reality is that every single person that has ever donated has helped us provide vital supports and services to people impacted by MND and whilst I can’t name everyone, that support is what makes it possible for us to do what we do best. There are some people though whose contribution was so significant that they need to be honoured personally.

I’ll start at the beginning, with Charles Graham, our founder. We know that when Charles received his MND diagnosis, he was frustrated by the lack of information available to him in Queensland, but he could have simply sourced that information interstate and then used it for his own purpose. Instead, he invested significant energy in establishing an organisation to ensure that no Queenslander faced MND alone. I never had the privilege of meeting Charles and neither have I had the opportunity to talk to anyone who knew him personally, but I know that he must have been a truly remarkable person. Because of him, many thousands of Queenslanders have been supported through their MND journey over the last 40 years. And he created a culture of MND care being a collective community effort.

I also want to acknowledge the importance of the contribution made by John Wearne. As a founding member and our longest serving President, it was John that turned Charles’ vision into reality. John’s dedication and unswerving commitment to the MND community has been mirrored by the people that have led and worked for the organisation over the years. Much has changed since Charles first set out to improve the lives of fellow MND sufferers and their families, but I genuinely believe that our founding members deserve to be truly proud of the legacy they created and that every individual who has served on our Management Committee has shaped the organisation into what it is today. An organisation so connected to its purpose that it is visible in everyone associated with it.

Our Life Members also deserve to be recognised and acknowledged as these are individuals that have each made a considerable contribution to the organisation over the years. Your constancy and passion over the years helps drive us!

As the year progresses and we mark key dates in our history, I hope that members, clients, friends and family, staff, volunteers and Management Committee members, past and present, come together to share stories of where we have come from and the impact we have made. We need to protect and celebrate our history and use this to inspire us for the future.

We live in hope for a cure, just as we did 40 years ago when MND Queensland came into being. We are grateful for the fact that some of the very best minds around the world are working tirelessly to achieve that and rejoice in the knowledge that many of them are right here in Queensland. And in the meantime, we will continue to focus our efforts and energies on delivering the very best care and support.

I know my team are deserving custodians of the legacy they strive to protect and enhance, and we embrace our responsibility to uphold the mantra ‘until there is a cure, there is care’.

I hope that our community will come together for the various activities we have planned this year to recognise our long and proud history and share in our vision to ensure that every Queenslander impacted by MND has access to expert MND services and no one faces this disease alone!

MND RESEARCH UPDATE BY PROFESSOR PAMELA MCCOMBE

At Royal Brisbane Hospital we have a large Motor Neurone Disease Clinic that is very active in research. This Clinic is connected with Scientists at the University of Queensland. Under the supervision of Dr Rob Henderson the Clinic conducts many clinical trials.

In this article I would like to mention three projects conducted at the Motor Neurone Disease Clinic. The first project concerns trying to identify factors that influence the age of onset of disease and the duration of survival for MND patients. To do this we collect data from our patients. We collect the age of onset, the sex of the patient, whether there is a family history, the type of disease and the site of onset whether in the upper limbs, lower limbs or bulbar region. From this we can perform analysis. So far with Dr Robert Nona (who is a PhD student) we have conducted an analysis that shows that, as expected, MND in our Clinic is more common in males than in females. We have shown that the age of onset is less in males than in females, that bulbar onset is more common in females than in males and that there is a difference in survival between males and females. This work has been accepted for publication in the journal Neurodegenerative Diseases and should appear soon. This study provides a basis for our more detailed future analysis.

Going forward we will try to identify other simple measurements that can be used to predict the rate of progression of the disease. This includes measurements of breathing function and also simple blood tests that are obtained routinely including measurements of uric acid, creatine and creatine kinase. In addition we have genetic testing on a substantial portion of our patients and will be able to incorporate that. We also have information about cognitive function in a substantial proportion of our patients and have shown that patients with cognitive involvement have shorter survival. This appears to be because in patients with cognitive involvement the disease affects other parts of the brain than the motor system. We anticipate performing a detailed analysis towards the end of this year.

Another part of our work concerns investigating toxic molecules in the blood of patients with Motor Neurone Disease. Dr Avan Lee who is a Research Scientist has developed a technique to measure small toxic molecules using mass spectrometry. With this type of measurement we have been able to detect some small molecules

in the blood. These molecules are known to be toxic to nerve fibres. So far we have identified formaldehyde, D-serine and other similar molecules. The source of these molecules is yet to be determined but one possibility is that these molecules enter the blood from bacteria in the gut. This is a very exciting project because it provides information about another possible factor that could lead to the development of Motor Neurone Disease. It is known that for Motor Neurone Disease, like other diseases, there are genetic factors and also non-genetic factors that can lead to disease and these toxic molecules are another possible explanation.

Finally we are preparing to look at abnormal molecules in the breath of patients with MND and healthy controls. The air that is expired contains chemicals that are produced from the blood and enter the lungs. Preliminary tests overseas have identified some abnormal molecules in the breath of patients with MND. We will test this in our patients using a device called an electronic nose. Patterns of abnormal molecules in the breath could relate to metabolic changes in patients with MND and provide another clue to the pathology. This project will be carried out by Dr Nona.

We are very grateful to all our patients who participate in research studies and hope to bring these proposed studies to conclusion in the next couple of years.

Pictured: MND Queensland Vice-Patron, Professor Pamela McCombe

LIZ - HOME IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

You might remember the Spring 2021 edition of The Cornflower had an article about Liz from North Queensland who lives with MND. We’ve got an update on Liz and how she only battled MND, but kidney cancer too. She had complications with her kidney surgery and had an emergency tracheotomy which then saw her staying in an ICU bed for 9 months as she couldn the complexity of living with a trachea. Liz NDIS Support Coordinator here at MND Queensland was on the case and found Liz a new home (with an ocean view) in time for Christmas 2022.

As if living with MND wasn being diagnosed with kidney cancer came as quite a shock to Liz. She said diagnosed with MND in August 2020 and surviving this long with this dreaded disease, the last thing I expected was another devastating diagnosis like kidney cancer in January 2022! I thought next?! And then came the complications from my surgery!”

Prior to going into hospital for cancer surgery, Liz had been living at home with her husband, Colin just outside Ingham in North Queensland. Having the emergency tracheotomy during surgery meant any chance of returning to her country home were dashed and that she needed to live in a supported environment due to the high care needs she was going to have.

The hospital were great, but they were always hoping that that Liz could find suitable accommodation of her own, but this was difficult in a regional city like Townsville. Nowhere was willing to accommodate Liz due to her complex needs, not even residential aged care facilities in Ingham or Townsville.

Eventually we were able to get NDIS Specialty Disability Accommodation provider, Mi Abilities to help Liz get out of hospital and into her own home again, just in time for Christmas!

MND Queensland’s Advisor/Support

Coordinator Jason Russell has supported Liz since she first got in touch with us. He told us “Liz personifies the ‘Never Give Up!’ spirit. To battle MND, then kidney cancer, then the trauma of living with the complications of her kidney surgery and having to live in an ICU bed for nine months she’s so tough and still always has a smile on her face, loves a joke and still has a positive attitude It’s amazing!

about the support that Jason has been able to provide to help Liz get out of the ICU she said “I thought Jason was wonderful before all of this, but his dedication and determination to get me out of that ICU and into a place of my own really paid off and I’m so grateful for his support.”

Pictured: Liz on her patio, with a sea view just across the road

MND QUEENSLAND LAUNCHES AN EQUIPMENT REPAIR SERVICE

MND Queensland has started our 40th anniversary year by launching an Equipment Repair Service! This new service means that we to keep our own equipment in top shape to make available to Queensland through our Equipment Hire Service, but we opening the service to people with MND who need their equipment serviced or repaired.

Our Equipment Hire Service is one of the largest programs we offer at MND Queensland. We have a warehouse packed to the rafters with equipment like manual and powered wheelchairs, hoists, lift recliners, electric beds, cough assist units and hi communication devices. It this equipment maintained to a high level so Queenslanders with MND can access the equipment they need at the time they need it. But we thought that we could do more and that service to our community who need assistance with maintaining or repairing their own equipment.

We have a fully kitted benches and equipment required to carry out repairs and maintenance as well as a 3 manufacture spare parts ourselves and also create customised pieces like wheelchair joysticks.

Leo Grey, MND Queensland’s Equipment Officer has an engineering background and keen interest in equipment maintenance and product development. His skills are very useful for our Equipment Repair Service. Leo said “I’ve seen so much of our equipment in need of repair and external repair services are just hard to find or aren’t able to respond in a timely manner meaning equipment was offline for too long. Having all the necessary tools in our workshop, along with a 3D printer to manufacture spare parts is a huge step forward for MND Queensland’s Equipment Hire Service, but more than this, opening the service up to the MND community means we’ll also be able to help when peoples’ personal equipment is in need of repair or maintenance, which will help our community stay as

mobile and independent as possible. I look forward to helping out where I can.”

This new service wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our community, so thank you for the positive difference you’re making in the lives of Queenslanders impacted by MND by donating, fundraising and volunteering.

If you’d like to access our Equipment Repair Service contact us by calling 1800 777 175 or email equipment@mndaq.org.au.

Pictured: Leo Grey working in our new Equipment Repair Service

FREE MND EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE FOR THOSE IN NEED

We have another big equipment announcement to kick-off our 40th year that will benefit our community We are now in a position to be able to offer free equipment to people with Motor Neurone Disease who have no funding, or insufficient funding!

This means that if someone is waiting on NDIS or My Aged Care funding, or they are fully utilising their My Aged Care package for other vital services, they can contact us to access our equipment at no cost!

We believe that everyone with MND deserves to have the right equipment they need to be comfortable and live better, for longer. We are thrilled to be able to provide this service to those most in need!

Our Equipment Officer, Leo Grey said ‘Making this equipment available at no cost to people in need is an amazing development for MND Queensland and the State’s MND community. It’s really going to help meet the need out there and make sure that everyone has the equipment they need to live more comfortably, help them remain mobile, assist in maintaining independence and help people stay at home instead of going into aged care facilities.”

There is a cost to the Association to purchase, warehouse, maintain and deliver our equipment, and we wouldn’t be able to offer this service for free without the support of our community. Thank you to everyone who has donated, volunteered,

or raised funds for making this possible! The impact you’re making in the lives of people with MND is very real and much appreciated.

If you have Motor Neurone Disease and can’t afford the equipment you need to live comfortably, contact us today to learn how we can support you. Call us on 1800 777 175 (07 3372 9004) email info@mndaq.org.au or visit www.mndaq.org.au/page/99/equipment.

Pictured: Equipment Officer, Leo Grey in our equipment warehouse

PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR PEOPLE WITH MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE

Most people know what a physiotherapist does but may not know how physiotherapy can specifically support someone diagnosed with MND. Queensland our focus is on working with you to understand what in life is meaningful and important to you and finding ways for you to maintain these things. In this article our Physiotherapist, Bronwyn Makris shares with us the impact that she makes in the lives of people living with MND.

“A client said they were experiencing fatigue of their neck muscles whilst walking resulting in their head dropping.” Bronwyn told us. “Their normal love of walking in parks with their partner was becoming limited in distance and enjoyment. I organised several neck collars for them to trial and once we found the one most suited to the client, they have been able to return to enjoying these walks.”

Bronwyn told us about another client who loved golf, “They were finding their mobility was limited due to a foot drop that worsened as they fatigued, making it difficult for them to continue enjoying their hobby. We trialled an ankle foot orthosis that would enable him to keep playing by assisting with lifting the toes and forefoot to clear the ground as the muscles fatigue.”

For one client, transfers were the area they wanted help with. Bronwyn said “A client’s transfers have become more difficult and less safe due to head drop in standing. They wished to avoid a hoist and maintain transfers as long as possible. A neck collar has allowed better positioning of the head during the transfer, so at this point they are able to safely continue transfers with their partner.”

For another client it was muscle stiffness related to their MND progression that Bronwyn was able to assist with. She said “Stiffness was impacting on a client’s ability to move in bed and get out of bed in the morning. Through developing specific exercises to do prior to getting up we can reduce stiffness and maintain flexibility and therefore independence.”

As shown on the cover of this issue, hydrotherapy is one of the professional physiotherapy areas of interest for Bronwyn, along with beach access. She said

Hydrotherapy is not limited to sessions weekly in a public pool.” She went on to add “I will work with you to understand your love of water and what you want to do.”

Bronwyn described how formal exercise programs in local public pools can work for people with MND “Water is a wonderful environment to feel safer with balance, and therefore maintain mobility. The psychological benefits can’t be underestimated. The properties of the water also provide for a great way to do stretches to maintain flexibility and the resistance of water is fantastic for exercises to maintain strength. Normally, we would identify a local pool with the right access and establish a program in that pool. The programs will be generally set to continue independently, with family or a carer or, if you’d prefer, with our Allied Health Assistant. We will set up reviews to ensure the program meets your changing needs and remains safe.”

Maintaining lifestyle and continuing to do the things you enjoy is important, especially in Queensland where many of us enjoy the beach, sea and water activities. This includes boating and accessing sandy beaches which can involve complex transfers.

Bronwyn told us about a client she assisted in a previous role, “In Greece, I assisted a client to access the water at their local beach so they could swim daily. We trialled and purchased floats that allowed safe swimming in the water and the partner and support workers were trained in safe transfers from the sand.” She added “Walking on the beach can be challenging as sand is a difficult surface to walk on. There are different mobility aids we can explore. There are ankle foot orthoses that you can use that don’t require you to wear shoes, so you can still enjoy the feeling of sand between your toes.”

Bronwyn is a part of MND Queensland’s multidisciplinary team. She told us “Being part of a multidisciplinary team means that where your needs crossover into another allied health discipline, I can work collaboratively with my colleagues to ensure we

find the right solution. For example, if you just want to cool off in your own pool with family and friends, but access is now difficult or unsafe, Hannah, one of our Occupational Therapists, and I will work together to look at safe entry and exit, and support in the pool.”

MND Queensland hosts in person and online education sessions and Bronwyn will soon be hosting one about physiotherapy at 10AM on 9 March 2023 at our Oxley office and online for those that can’t attend. We invite you to join in person or virtually as this will be a great way to meet Bronwyn and further discuss how physiotherapy can benefit you.

If you are keen to use MND Queensland’s Physiotherapy Service, we can offer immediate appointments. You can self-refer through our website www.mndaq.org.au/page/114/physiotherapy or give us a call on 1800 777 175

COMMBANK GRANT TO SUPPORT OUR VOICE BANKING CLINIC

As we mentioned in our Summer Edition, MND Queensland has again been the beneficiary of a $10,000 grant from the CommBank Staff Foundation to help cover the costs of our Voice Banking Clinic meaning we can continue to offer this valuable service for free to people with MND.

Inala Branch Manager Mel, her teammate YY along with Paul (who nominated us for the grant) popped into our office in December for a grant presentation and to learn more about the work of MND Queensland and the impact we make. They’re pictured with our CEO, Stacey Thorpe.

Our sincere thanks to all the staff who donate to the CommBank Staff Foundation for your wonderful support.

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY FUNDRAISERS

We couldn’t do what we do without the amazing community support that we receive and we’re so grateful to all of our fundraisers.

Farqo completed a 24-hour gaming live stream in December and raised $1,640! We are super grateful for all your fantastic marathon gaming effort.

Our thanks go to Jenny and Dominee who recently did birthday fundraisers on Facebook with Jenny raising $1,640 and Dominee raising $545.

If you’d like to get involved host your own event or raise funds, get in touch with us by calling 07 3372 9004 or email events@mndaq.org.au

SAM’S BIG TRIP TO HERVEY BAY

While our head office is located in Oxley, Brisbane, MND Queensland provides services and support to people impacted by Motor Neurone Disease right across the State. Usually our Allied Health services are delivered to people outside of South-East Queensland by telehealth but recently one of our Occupational Therapists, Sam Fisher went on a massive trip to Hervey Bay to help our client Michael.

Sam hit the road to Hervey Bay in mid-December with a van load of equipment for Michael to trial. Sam stayed in town overnight and helped Michael the following day with a telehealth consultation .

The van was loaded with equipment for Michael to test out including powered wheelchairs, an electric bed, air mattress, eye-gaze device, hoist and a shower commode. Sam provided her expert Occupational Therapy advice to Michael in person to make sure that all of the equipment provided was suitable and safe for him to use.

Before making the long trip back to Brisbane, Sam assisted Michael with a telehealth consultation with our Speech Pathologist, Georgia Cuskelly. This approach was designed so that the back-to-back consultations weren’t too taxing on Michael so that he didn’t have to do everything in the space of one day. This is a great example of MND Queensland’s expert multidisciplinary services at work!

If you’d like to access equipment or any of our specialist services such as Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy, NDIS Support

STAFF PROFILE: GEORGIA CUSKELLY, SPEECH PATHOLOGIST

Can you please tell us a little about your professional background as a Speech Pathologist?

I graduated from the Australian Catholic University. Initially I worked mostly within Paediatrics, however, always knew I wanted to work with adults. I had a particular interest in Dysphagia (swallowing disorders) and took any opportunity to better my skills. I eventually moved into some more generalist-type roles where I worked mostly with adults with a range of communication and swallowing needs. I honed my skillset to work mostly with progressive neurological conditions.

Can you tell our readers a little about the work you do at MND Queensland?

I support clients with changes to their communication, whether that be by providing strategies for maximising speech clarity and voice, understanding and better using their communication environments, training communication partners, implementing alternative communication systems (i.e. high-tech devices, applications) and monitoring and managing changes in swallowing and saliva production. I also feel a huge part of my role is educating the person with MND, their families and friends to better understand the condition and ways they can be supported. I always feel most fulfilled when a client receives education and then make the most informed decision for themselves about their care.

What do you enjoy about working at MND Queensland?

As an organisation, it’s nice to see everyone constantly working to improve the lives of people with MND. We have volunteers who give up their free time, we organise and participate in multiple fundraisers, we provide education and training to the community and internally strive to upskill each other. Each person within MND Queensland is dedicating their time to somehow make a difference in the lives of those and their families with MND, from our admin team to our allied health department. It’s quite remarkable to see.

Have you learnt anything more about Motor Neurone Disease since working at MND Queensland and working exclusively with MND clients?

I feel the nature of working within a specialised field, you get to be able to immerse yourself in the research and the process of providing care. You feel like you can commit your time to enhancing your skillset. Although I am still working within the traditional domains of Speech Pathology, my application of that knowledge is applied only to people with MND. In saying that, I have brought and applied a lot of my knowledge and clinical approach from my previous experience working with other progressive conditions.

What are the common issues that you see the majority of our MND clients dealing with? And what are the benefits that people with MND can get from working with a Speech Pathologist?

I feel that most clients have some difficulty wading through the sheer volume of information they’ve been given and knowing when the most appropriate time is to make decisions/address changes. I think knowledge is power and it’s our job as health professionals to provide information in an easy accessible format and to never stop educating clients. Specifically with regards to Speech Pathology, most people observe some sort of change in communication and swallowing, whether it be subtle or significant. Understandably, that takes time for clients to comprehend how that may impact them. I personally value communication and eating/drinking with loved ones the most in my life and nearly everyone I have met shares that belief system. Being informed and knowing what is available to you and being open to trying new things, can ensure you can maintain communication and mealtimes with the people you care most about in a really functional meaningful way.

You’re a part of a multidisciplinary team here at MND Queensland. What do you see as the main benefits for our clients of having a multidisciplinary team supporting them?

I really cannot stress the benefit of working within a multidisciplinary team, especially one where everyone is pulling their knowledge and applying it to one field of practice. Being able to problem solve, plan and collaborate with your co-workers, many of whom know your clients personally makes the continuum of care feel really seamless. From a client’s perspective, I imagine it would be some piece of mind too, to know that information sharing and planning can be easy and effective.

What do you get up to in your spare time? Do you have any pastimes, hobbies or things you like to get up to outside the office?

My answer will probably be quite generic but I get a lot of joy from all the simple things. Eating delicious food and spending time with my nearest and dearest, travelling, gloating about my gorgeous nieces and nephews and telling everyone about my three beautiful Border Collies.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I want to say a big thank-you to all the clients who allow me/MND Queensland into their homes and all the donations and generosity we receive as an organisation. The warmth I have felt from the people I have met is special. In a condition which takes a lot from people, it’s incredible how accommodating and warm so many people have been.

WHAT’S ON - GET INVOLVED

26 Mar - Walk to D-Feet MND Gold Coast, from 9AM at Hollindale Park, Main Beach. Register and get sponsored now at www.mndaq.org.au/events/18/walk2dfeetmndgc23

21 May - Walk to D-Feet MND Brisbane, from 9AM at New Farm Park. Register and start fundraising at www.mndaq.org.au/events/22/walk2dfeetmndbris23

18 Jun - MND Awareness Week 2023 starts… why not hold a Drink Tea for MND party & raise awareness & funds?

23 Jun - Story Bridge Climb, challenge yourself to climb for MND and take in the city lights at dusk while the bridge is lit in blue for MND Awareness Week. Climb in tribute or in memory of a loved one. Register and fundraise now at www.mndaq.org.au/events/24/climb-4-mnd

6 Aug - Walk to D-Feet MND Sunshine Coast, from 9AM at Mooloolaba, Register on our website soon.

23-25 Aug - Scenic Rim Walk for Care, register at www.inspiredadventures.com.au/event/mnd-scenicrim-2023

10 Sep - Walk to D-Feet MND Toowoomba, from 9AM at Queens Park. Register now and get sponsored at www.mndaq.org.au/events/26/walk-to-d-feet-mnd-toowoomba-2023

23 Sep - 40th Anniversary Gala at Crystalbrook Vincent, Brisbane. Look out for tickets online soon.

22 Oct - Walk to D-Feet MND Redcliffe, from 9AM at Suttons Beach. Register at online and start fundraising at www.mndaq.org.au/events/27/walk-dfeet-mnd-redcliffe

MND SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS: IN PERSON & ONLINE

We welcome people with MND, their family and informal carers to join our free MND Support Group Meetings. You’ll get to meet other people who are experiencing a similar MND journey so that you can share and learn from one another. We’re hosting both online and in person meetings. To RSVP, get more information or a Microsoft Teams invite (or support to join online) then email supportgroups@mndaq.org.au or call 07 3372 9004

MND Support Groups – 10AM, every 3rd Thursday of the month, hosted in person & online via Microsoft Teams

Gold Coast Support Group (in person morning tea) – 10AM, the 1st Thurs of every 2nd month, starting 6 Apr, Venue: Broadbeach Library, 61 Sunshine Blvd, Broadbeach Waters QLD 4218

Gold Coast Support Group (in person afternoon tea) – 1PM, the 1st Sat of every second month, next 6 May, Venue: 2 Kay House 35-39 Scarborough Street, Southport (venue kindly provided by Maylake Pty Ltd)

South Brisbane Support Group (in person morning tea) – Starting 23 Mar, then 27 Apr, Time: 10AM, Venue: MND QLD, Oxley

North Brisbane Support Group (in person morning tea) – Quarterly starting 25 May, Time: 10AM, Venue: TBC

MND QUEENSLAND EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS

We host regular educational sessions with guest speakers or MND Queensland staff presenting useful educational information on a variety of topics relating to MND. People with an MND diagnosis, their family members or informal carers are welcome to join these free sessions in person at our Oxley office or online via Microsoft Teams with a computer, tablet or phone. To RSVP. get more information, or a Teams invite (or support to join online) call us on 07 3372 9004 or email supportgroups@mndaq.org.au

Educational Sessions (guest presenters) - 10AM every 3rd Thursday of each month

Be In The Know (presented by MND QLD’s Allied Health Team) - 10AM every 2nd Thursday of each month

MND QUEENSLAND DONATION FORM - AUTUMN 2023 NEWSLETTER

I would like to donate: $ (write amount) I’d like to give this amount monthly via my credit card

I am paying by: Visa MasterCard Cash Cheque/Money Order (made out to MND Queensland)

For direct deposit donation details, please call 07 3372 9004 or email info@mndaq.org.au

My Details:

Card Number:

Card Expiry:

Cardholder’s Name:

Cardholder’s Signature:

CSC: (3-digit CSC on back of card)

credit card you can call us on 07 3372 9004 or donate online at www.mndaq.org.au/donations

Motor Neurone