The Connection

Im often asked the same question in my role here at the MND and Me Foundation: So, how are things
going? For a long time, I had a stock standard reply: Were trying hard and making some headway, but
progress is not as quick as I would like. Its generally two steps forward one step back.
Just recently, though, it hit me that my response had changed without me even realising it. I was now saying,
Actually, Im pretty satisfied with our recent progress. Weve been able to do some really good things and
were helping more people than ever.
This year, weve been able to expand our geographical reach, increase our support services and still fund
critical research. We are developing stronger networks and actively advocating for better outcomes for
those impacted by MND. Due to your amazing support, the MND and Me Foundation is making a positive
difference to more people.
Mindfulness Training for Carers
After 12 months of careful planning, we recently launched a pilot program providing "Mindfulness Training"
to Carers of people living with MND. The objective of the program is to provide Carers with tools to help
them cope better with the stresses and many demands of their vital role.
This program will continue to run over the next few months and involves Carers from Brisbane, Sunshine
Coast and Cairns. The initial feedback has been extremely positive. Comments coming back from the Carers
who have undertaken the training include:
I'm already more invigorated and more positive."
"I am already using the tools and feel calmer in my role as a Carer, which I know is benefitting him"
Ive learnt so much about how to deal with overwhelming situations, and Ive met so many wonderful,
caring people who are in the same boat as me.
We will be working together with the experts to assess the effectiveness of this pilot program. Well keep
you updated on the results as the training progresses, but the early indicators are very encouraging.
The program has been funded by an IOOF Foundation grant.
Without their vision, generosity and strong community spirit, we
would not be in a position to offer such support. We thank them
sincerely for making this training program possible.
Supporting Research
The MND and Me Foundation was established to Care and to Cure. Unless research finds a cure or an
effective treatment, Motor Neurone Disease will continue to have a devastating affect on the people and
families it touches. We are honoured to continue our strong relationship with Macquarie University and our
Foundation recently donated $30,000 to the Australian School of Advanced Medicine. The team at
Macquarie comprises highly dedicated and motivated Scientists who are at the forefront of MND research.
MND and Me Foundation integration with the MND Association of Queensland
The MND and Me Board and the MNDAQ Board have been actively working together chartering a plan for
the organisations to be formally integrated as one. Once complete, this integration will be a substantial step
forward for the MND cause in Queensland. It will provide a far stronger and more cost effective platform
from which we can provide support and services. As part of this process, the MND and Me Foundation is
already providing funding to assist MNDAQ to provide their Regional Adviser Service.
We have also continued to strengthen our relationship with other Progressive Neurological Disease
organisations, creating a highly collegial alliance that has the potential to vastly improve the services we
offer to those impacted by MND. The continued development of these relationships is particularly important
as we start to plan for the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The Gold Coast Marathon Festival
As you know, the MND and Me Foundation receives no Government assistance and we can only achieve
what we do with your support. In the first weekend of July, over 310 MND and Me runners took part in the
Gold Coast Marathon Festival. Our runners were aged from four to 70 and participated in six different race
events. As a team, we raised over $60,000 a brilliant achievement!
It would not be possible for the Foundation to enter a team of this size in
this event without generous corporate support and a team of dedicated
volunteers.
We would especially like to thank the following supporters:
BLK for the sensational running singlets
Dan and Andys Hawthorne Garage for their fantastic fruit
Body Science for the discounted product range and donation back
to the Foundation
Pat Carroll for supplying his running programs
Illuminated Industries for the bottled water
All these contributions allowed us to create a sensational team
environment and everyone had a great time. It also allowed us to direct the majority of the funds raised to
assist people with MND.
A big shout out to our volunteers who helped distribute the singlets, hats and race numbers, set up the
tents, organise the food and entertain the kids while parents were out running. The enthusiasm of everyone
involved is just so infectious.
Please CLICK HERE for photos of Team MND and Me, also known as the Orange Army.
The New York Marathon

On November 1 this year, a team of 39 runners representing the MND and Me
Foundation is tackling the New York Marathon. Each team member is making
this journey to New York for their own unique and special reasons. They are all
united, however, in their strong desire to make a difference to the lives of
those living with MND.
Our group of runners (which includes me!) is made up of many different ages,
professions, shapes and previous sporting accomplishments. For the vast
majority of us, this is our first attempt at running the 42.2km distance. Every
runner has personally funded their adventure to ensure all fundraising efforts
go directly to the Foundation.
There are many ways you can support our New York Marathon team:
1. Register for Brisbanes best Trivia Night of 2015! Held 12 September at the Riverside Receptions,
New Farm. Come dressed as your favourite American-themed team and get ready for an American
feast. To purchase your tickets CLICK HERE
2. Donate via our teams fundraising pages. Read their special reasons for undertaking this huge
challenge and help them raise money for the Foundation. CLICK HERE
Melbourne Cup Luncheon
We are back for our 3rd Melbourne Cup lunch which proves to be more popular every year. Tickets for the
hottest lunch in Brisbane will be on sale soon so watch this space. Last year, we sold all 140 tickets in less
than 4 hours!
Save the Date
Pop this in your diary now: the 2016 Scott Sullivan Memorial Gala Dinner will be held at the Brisbane
Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday March 5 2016. More details to come soon.
We are so proud to be making such great progress, but there is still much more to do. Were working
extremely hard to build on the existing momentum and use it as a catalyst to take the Foundations work to
a new level. We can only do this with your continued drive and passion. We thank you for working with us to
support those impacted by MND.
Warm Regards
Paul Olds
CEO
MND and Me Foundation

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Im often asked the same question in my role here at the MND and Me Foundation: So, how are things

The New York Marathon

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