Ambulance Tasmania leaders have taken on the ‘Bucket Your Boss’ challenge to support efforts to fight Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
The event, organised by colleague Marion Starosta, involved dumping icy water over those in charge to raise funds for research and treatment for the debilitating disease.
Starosta said she was inspired to participate in the challenge by her friend Helen Mac.
“The average life expectancy of someone diagnosed with MND is just 27 months, for Helen it was only six months,” she said.
“Helen was an inspiration and I am so proud that I was able to honour her memory and raise awareness about the impact of MND for Helen and its impact on others, including family and friends.”
“I am also incredibly proud that we have been able to contribute towards vital research for MND.”
Starosta said she was grateful for the support of everyone who participated in the event and helped her raise over $2,000.
“I am so glad that we have been able to be a part of giving back when MND takes so much away. Don’t say, do. It takes a team to fight this beast,” she said.
Every day in Australia, two people are diagnosed with MND and two people die from the disease.
MND Australia stay more than 2,300 Australians are thought to be living with MND at any one time.
“The lifetime risk of MND is about 1 in 300 by the age of 85. The risk grows as people get older. Yet many people have not heard of MND before they themselves, or someone they know, has been diagnosed,” the organisation said.
“Slightly more men than women are diagnosed with MND. Research has shown that MND is more common in people over 50.”
“However, around half of people with MND are diagnosed under the age of 60.”
