How you can help the ANRI
Our mission is to make a difference by seeking cures and better lives for people with disorders of the brain, nerve and muscle. The list of disorders is vast, and includes some of the most serious and incurable in the western world. We are rigorously researching and treating these disorders. To continue this quest we need your help! You can assist by donating funds, assets, and other giving; or donating your time as a volunteer; or just your support as a Friend of ANRI.
Assist by one of the following:
- Charitable Giving
- Register and become a Friend of ANRI
- Volunteer
- Fundraise with us as a community fundraiser
- Give in memory
- Donate in lieu of flowers
- Bequest in your will
- Sponsorship
- Register for our newsletter
Read how we are transforming Lives
Luke is walking, talking miracle >
It would be better if your child had cancer! >
Diagnosis is not a death sentence >
Luke is a walking, talking miracle
Struck down by a rare incurable condition called generalized torsion dystonia, which causes muscles throughout the body to violently stiffen and spasm, Luke’s mother Julie said he would need care for the rest of his life. But thanks to a landmark operation at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and neurostimluator treatment undertaken by the ANRI Clinic team, effects were immediate. That afternoon he walked 50 metres to a park and back, then kicked a soccer ball. Before the operation he couldn’t speak more than a few words without being interrupted by a violent spasm. Recently Luke became engaged to be married and now works in administration at UWA. “This operation has been like a miracle for us” said Luke’s mother.
It would be better if your child had cancer!
At least they’d have a chance at making it through, says Lesley Murphy of her son who suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Conor Murphy is 21, studies at Uni, plays sport at state level but lives with the knowledge that his life will be a shortened one. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a very severe form of the degenerative disease, but Conor has taken the view that no one knows how long they’re going to be on this planet. He’s been blessed with an intelligent brain and he’s making the most of the life he has – he’s an amazing, incredible young man. He undertakes public speaking and has a very busy and full life.“I have my ups and downs, I think the powerlessness is the worst thing” says Conor.
At ANRI Professor Steve Wilton is charging ahead to try to beat Duchenne MD before it beats Conor. “We’ll be doing all we can to help him.”
Diagnosis is not a death sentence
Mining engineer James Dennis never dreamed that one day he’d be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Aged 41 and married with three children he noticed a tremor in the middle two fingers of his left hand.
“I had absolutely no idea at the time what it meant, its like being hit by a truck when you’re told you have Parkinson’s at 41, a traumatic situation for the whole family,” said James.
After initially seeing three neurologists to confirm his illness, he now receives vital regular appraisals and treatment free from the ANRI Stan Perron Neuromuscular Clinic every six months. Professor Frank Mastaglia, Head, Clinical Services ANRI, explains “expertise is provided by our clinicians to help people accept the diagnosis and work out the best ways of coping with the effects of the condition in their every day life.”
“It’s not a death sentence if you have a positive attitude and an effective treatment program, one can lead a normal life for many years,” added James.
More Information:
- Ms Jude Newberry jude.newberry@anri.uwa.edu.au.
- Business Manager
- The Australian Neuro-muscular Research Institute
- 4th Floor, A Block
- QEII Medical Centre
- Verdun Street
- Nedlands WA 6009
