Ella O'Brien completed the Ice Bucket Challenge on Friday 29th August alongside her Dad, Julien. Ella nominated Mr Scharvi. Mr Scharvi took up the Ice Bucket Challenge on Monday 1st September in front of the whole school, with help from Zac and Stephen. Mr Scharvi highlighted to all students that while their is a fun novelty to the challenge, it's purpose is to create awareness and raise money for motor neuron disease. ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is known as MND (motor neurone disease) in Australia.
Facts about MND
MND is a progressive, terminal neurological disease
There is no known cure and no effective treatment for MND
Each day in Australia two people die from MND
Each day in Australia two people are diagnosed with MND
People with MND progressively lose the use of their limbs and ability to speak, swallow and breathe, whilst their mind and senses usually remain intact
Average life expectancy is 27 months
An estimated 1,900 people have MND in Australia
For every person diagnosed with MND it is estimated that a further 14 members of their family and their friends will live with the effect of MND forever
Mr Scharvi nominated fellow Principals, Mr Peter McBain from St Josephs in Rosebery, Mr Rod Linhart from St Josephs in Queenstown and Mr Gregg Sharman from St Peter Chanel in Smithton to take up the Ice Bucket Challenge. Thank you to families who donated to the Office for MND.