About FightMND

An ancient Greek proverb teaches us, “A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit.” It’s a powerful reminder of selflessness. The power of working towards a future we may never witness but one that’s worth fighting for. 

This sentiment lies at the heart of FightMND 

In 2013, AFL great, Neale Daniher AO, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). Rather than inspiring him to tick off the bucket list, Neale’s diagnosis did something else. It lit a fire within him. A determination to fight for those affected by MND and those who will face it in the future. 

Fast forward to 2014. Inspired by the success of the Ice Bucket Challenge in raising awareness and funds for ALS, Neale knew he had to act. At the time, MND, also known as ALS, was largely overlooked. The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council allocated just 0.6% of its funding to MND research. A number too small to make an impact. 

Determined to make a change, Neale joined forces with 2 other passionate MND campaigners who shared his drive to shift Australia’s MND landscape: 

• Dr. Ian Davis, a brilliant haematologist diagnosed with MND at just 33, and  

• Pat Cunningham, a devoted husband caring for his wife, Angie, as she fought the disease.  

United by the same devastating reality, these three strangers met for the first time in a little cafe in Hawthorn. But they weren’t meeting to find comfort in their shared sorrow. They came to take the fight to MND and, together, came up with a plan to make it happen.  

In November 2014, FightMND was born. 

A small, humble organisation of three, two of whom had a terminal illness. They often joked that it wasn’t the most sustainable business model.  

But their vision was clear. They would refuse to let MND remain in the shadows. They would push for better funding, better research and real progress.  

But they knew this fight was bigger than them. To truly drive change, they needed an Army. A community of supporters willing to stand beside them in battle. Through initiatives like the Big Freeze, Daniher’s Drive, and Challenge 27, the community rallied together, proving that united efforts could make a real difference. Today, FightMND has invested more than $115 million into MND research and projects caring for those living with MND, their families and their carers. It has also built a community that refused to back down from the fight against MND. A community showing those living with MND that they are with them and they care.  

In the fight against MND, and in life, it’s not what we say that defines us. It’s what we do. 

With your support, we can ensure the seeds planted by Neale, Ian and Pat continue to grow. Together, we can strive towards a future where treatments and, one day, a cure for MND exist. 

Together, we can defeat the Beast.