of age to participate in the community fundraiser as well as raising community awareness in their region.

The MSA provides support and resources for those that have been diagnosed with this disease by assisting with services that aim to connect them to the right social or health care resources, counselling for individuals and carers, community education and offer support.

All this is done by the MS Readathon.

For over 40 years the MS Readathon has provided much needed funding to support services in the community.

Many children in the school holidays have been involved in the MS Readathon which has motivated thousands of children to keep reading books and raising money throughout the month of August.

The readathon process is simple: children and teenagers register their account, set their goal, and raise funds by asking their sponsors to donate as they read.

Young readers are encouraged to keep track of how many books they have completed and they can receive achievement awards from sponsors or readers.

The funds that are raised from the MS Readathon assists with new purchases the MS Family Camp in all regions of Australia.

These events allow children who have a parent with an MS opportunity to have a break from the daily stress and challenges and allows them to enjoy a family holiday or children’s journey.

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that attacks the central nervous system.

Over 25,000 people in Australia are currently living with MS.

Multiple Sclerosis means that the immune system mistakenly attacks the brain and the spinal cord.

The word “sclerosis” is derived from the Greek word meaning “scar”.

As the disease affects the body, it creates scarring on the brain.

The Multiple Sclerosis Australia rely on the help of volunteers and community members to assist in raising funds to help support their work.

Unfortunately, the exact reason is yet to be found and research continues to find out why MS affects people in different ways.

Every person with MS has a person diagnosis. MS damages the central nervous system which includes the spinal cord, brain and optic nerves.

While there is no cure for MS, people living with the disease receive treatment which is aimed at managing the condition.

Also the community when members involve themselves in this important cause it helps researchers and fundraisers in continuing the work.

If you are in a school, day care or home school setting and want to participate, you can.

There are many ways in which the region can participate including assisting in the development of workshops, fundraisers and becoming an MS Ambassador.

Everyone can help by making a difference.

To find out more about the MS Readathon or support through a fundraiser or school registration you can call the MS Readathon support line on 1300 677 323

or Email: [email protected]

Visit the MS Readathon Website: www.msreadathon.org.au

Roborn the Rose