Motor Neurone Disease (MND), also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), is an uncommon but devastating disease that affects the nerves (neurons) controlling muscles.Over time, these neurons degenerate and die, leading to progressive muscle weakness.

On average, two Australians are diagnosed with the condition each day, and sadly MND currently has no cure.  In 5-10% of cases, MND runs in families and several genes have been linked to causing MND. In the remaining 90-95% of cases, MND is sporadic with no apparent genetic link. However, genetic and environmental factors are also likely to be involved. MND is most commonly diagnosed in older men, with a ratio of 1.5:1 men to women.

Surrounded by the smell of burning rubber and the loud, heart-racing hum of F1 race cars, Rocky Pirrottina watched his team take victory in Melbourne in March.

Stephanie van Hilten has been a respiratory physiotherapist for 34 years, working in many areas of the cardiothoracic specialty - intensive care, surgical, cardiac, rehabilitation, sleep and neuromuscular disorders. In 2021 she moved solely into the community space where she sees patients in her clinic and in their homes - many of those home visits are to people living with motor neurone disease.

Subscribe to news and updates