Motor Neurone Disease Association Of South Australia (Mndsa)

MND SA’s mission is to provide the best possible care for people living with MND. We are the go to organisation in SA for those affected by MND. We are focused on expanding information, support and advocacy services for the South Australian MND community. The Organisation's profile is rising within South Australia because of growing public awareness and our commitment to helping people live better for longer in the setting of their choice. Currently, Motor Neurone Disease (MND) has no effective treatment and no cure. Explaining to a person that they have MND has been described as the worst diagnosis a doctor has to give. With no nerves to activate them, the muscles of movement, speech, swallowing and breathing weaken and waste, and paralysis ensues. MND affects each person differently with respect to initial symptoms, rate and pattern of progression, and survival time. We staff MND Support Coordinators who are qualified health and community professionals with specific knowledge and experience related to MND. We provide information and support for people with MND, their families and carers as well as educating health professionals. Support Staff maintain contact with home visits, telephone and email. MND SA also staffs an Occupational Therapist for clients and a wide range of loan equipment including, but not limited to, wheelchairs and Communication devices. MND SA provides opportunities for the community to come together at information sessions and events so that people know they are not alone. At any given time, we support over 150 clients because although sadly 4 – 6 people each month lose their battle with this awful disease, we are also contacted by 4 – 6 people recently diagnosed. Life expectancy varies from diagnosis however the average is twenty-seven months so time is of the essence for the people we serve. MND SA relies on fundraising, donations and bequests as our main way of maintaining services for the majority of our community.