The eighth Big Freeze has broken another record in its fundraising for FightMND, generating $19.8 million for the national charity.

Announced on Global MND Awareness Day 2022, the funds, generated through the sale of Big Freeze beanies, donations and community fundraising efforts will be invested, almost immediately, in vital research to find effective treatments and a cure for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

This year marked the first time in two years that FightMND’s Big Freeze event, including the celebrity ice slide, was held at the MCG on Queen’s Birthday Monday, in front of a crowd of nearly 80,000 people.

Local communities, schools and sporting clubs across the country have also been hosting their own DIY Big Freeze fundraising events in support of the cause.

FightMND Campaigns Director Bec Daniher was overwhelmed by the support and ongoing generosity of the Australian public and the wider FightMND Army.

“I can’t help but get emotional thinking about the overwhelming support for the Big Freeze. It’s remarkable to think how this campaign has been embraced by the entire community and is now raising millions for much-needed MND research,” Ms Daniher said.

“From the March to the ‘G, to the slide and sea of blue beanies covering every corner of the MCG, Big Freeze 8 was an unforgettable day for so many reasons and to do it all with my dad by side made it even more special.”

“Thank you to everyone who supported this campaign. We know that our job is not done until we defeat this Beast, but with every dollar raised, we’re taking another step closer to a cure for MND,” Ms Daniher added.

FightMND CEO Dr Fiona McIntosh said that FightMND was honoured to be able to make today’s Big Freeze 8 fundraising tally announcement on Global MND Awareness Day – further cementing the organisation’s position as one of the world’s largest independent funders of MND research.

“MND is relentless – it knows no borders and touches every corner of our community. We are extremely proud to announce that Australians have helped raised $19.8 million for the fight against MND on Global MND Awareness Day.”

“Research continues to be our best weapon against this Beast. By funding innovative and urgent research both at home and abroad, we’re increasing our chances of finding better treatments or a cure sooner,” Dr McIntosh said.

“Every day, we are learning more about the disease and how best to fight it. We don’t know when the big breakthrough will come, but when it does, every single person who bought a beanie or donated to FightMND can know that they played a part in making it happen.”

Since 2014, FightMND has invested $55.9 million in MND research, including 12 clinical trials and 22 drug development projects both in Australia and globally.

As part of the Big Freeze, the Victorian State Government announced a generous $250,000 donation, with the Federal Government also announcing $4 million in funding for FightMND.

AFL Chief Executive Officer Gillon McLachlan said he was thrilled to hear about the generosity of football fans in supporting FightMND and getting behind the Big Freeze.

“It was so inspiring looking out across the MCG at The Big Freeze and seeing close to 80,000 football fans all united with a sea of blue beanies. As a football community, we’re incredibly proud of the important work that FightMND continues to do and celebrate this recording-breaking milestone in donations.” Mr McLachlan said.

FightMND’s partners are integral to the success of the Big Freeze 8, and this year was no different.

Coles Express Executive General Manager Michael Courtney said Coles was delighted to have raised more than $8.5 million in six weeks at Coles supermarkets and Coles Express stores.

“Our team members, customers and Aussie pork farmers are incredibly passionate about raising funds to help find a cure and better treatments for MND and it’s now our single biggest fundraising campaign at Coles,” Mr Courtney said.

“Through the sale of beanies and Coles’ pork, we’ve raised more funds than ever before and from inner-city Melbourne to Albany in rural Western Australia, our team members have been pulling off their own ice bucket challenges in stores, car parks and support centres.”

Bunnings Managing Director Mike Schneider said that Bunnings was humbled to be part of the most successful Big Freeze to date.

“We are really humbled to have played a part in supporting FightMND’s biggest and best Big Freeze campaign yet,” Mr Schneider said.

“It has been great to see our team and customers passionately get behind fighting the Beast and proudly wearing their beanies throughout the campaign.”

“Thank you to everyone that bought a beanie from their local Bunnings and helped us contribute to this important cause, MND is a brutal disease and the incredible amount of funds and awareness raised take FightMND a step closer to finding a cure,” Mr Schneider added.

FightMND wants to extend a special thank you to all Big Freeze partners including Coles, Bunnings, the AFL, Federal Government, Victorian State Government, Sportsbet, SEN, the Collingwood Football Club, the Melbourne Football Club, the West Coast Football as well as the wider FightMND Army and volunteers for their tireless support of this year’s record-breaking campaign.

Big Freeze 8 beanies are on sale in Coles Express stores until June 29 and Bunnings stores until June 30.

Bunnings, a proud supporter of FightMND since 2019, is hosting a sausage sizzle fundraiser at six selected stores across the country this Saturday 28 May, with all proceeds going towards finding a cure for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Between 9am and 4pm on Saturday, drop by a participating* Bunnings store to grab a snag and a Big Freeze 8 beanie to help raise awareness and support the cause, and you might even spot a familiar face behind the barbecue.

Participating Bunnings stores:

• Bunnings Box Hill, VIC
• Bunnings Alexandria, NSW
• Bunnings Stafford, QLD
• Bunnings Mile End, SA
• Bunnings Glenorchy, TAS
• Bunnings Midland, WA

Local Aussie icons from around the country, including the likes of Peter Hitchener and Sam Mac, will be rolling up their sleeves and serving up snags alongside FightMND volunteers at selected Bunnings stores.

Now in its eighth year, FightMND’s annual Big Freeze campaign sets out to raise awareness and vital funds to find effective treatments and a cure for MND.

As MND takes away Neale’s ability to be the voice of the campaign, this year serves as an emotive and timely call to arms for all Australians to help lead the fight against this Beast of a disease – calling for the FightMND Army to ‘Beanie On, Play On.’

Bunnings Director of Operations, Ryan Baker, said that Bunnings is proud to be a part of the FightMND Army for the fourth year running.

“Our team and customers continue to get behind the campaign year after year, and I can’t think of a better pairing coming into the colder weather than a snag and FightMND beanie that will help raise important funds in their efforts to find a cure for this heartbreaking disease,” Mr Baker said.

FightMND CEO Dr Fiona McIntosh said that FightMND is grateful for the ongoing support of the Australian public in the fight to find effective treatments and a cure for MND.

“We know it will take people to defeat this Beast and it’s only thanks to the generosity of our supporters and committed partners like Bunnings, that we are able to make a real impact for people living with MND,” Dr McIntosh said.

“Every beanie sold takes us closer to a cure and helps give hope to people with MND – hope that one day, there will be effective treatments or a cure for this Beast of a disease.”

“When you put on a Big Freeze beanie, you’re stepping up and playing on for Neale and everyone that has been diagnosed with MND,” Dr McIntosh said.

Those who want to get behind the cause but can’t make it on the day can pick up the Big Freeze 8 beanie at any Bunnings store and trade centre across Australia, from now until Tuesday 21 June 2022, or online.

The Big Freeze 8 Beanies are $25 each and all funds raised will go towards helping to raise awareness and fund research into finding effective treatments and a cure for the beast that is MND.

This year, Bunnings is excited to be committing to a 3-year partnership with FightMND to support the Big Freeze campaign all the way through to 2024. To find out more about Bunnings partnership with FightMND, visit: National Community Support – Bunnings Australia

To purchase the Big Freeze 8 Beanie, visit: FightMND Big Freeze 8 beanie

Since 2015, 92 brave individuals have accepted Neale Daniher’s challenge – to slide into Australia’s coldest ice bath, all in the name of raising awareness and funds for the fight against MND.

See the list of our slider alumni in the order they went down the Big Freeze slide and the highlights below.

2015 – Big Freeze 1

1	Tim Watson
2	Sam Lane
3	Ross Stevenson
4	Dermott Brereton
5	Luke Darcy
6	Sam Newman
7	Brian Taylor
8	Mark Robinson
9	Garry Lyon
10	Peter Helliar
11	Mick Molloy

2016 – Big Freeze 2

12	Matthew Richardson
13	Jonathon Brown
14	Anthony Lehman (Lehmo)
15	Gerard Whateley
16	Matthew Lloyd
17	David Koche
18	Sam Armitage
19	Dave Hughes
20	Eddie McGuire
21	Cameron Ling
22	Kevin Sheedy

2017 – Big Freeze 3

23	Andrew Gaze
24	Alisa Camplin
25	Adam Gilchrist
26	Sharelle McMahon
27	Steve Bradbury
28	Steve Hooker
29	Steve Monaghetti
30	Lleyton Hewitt

2018 – Big Freeze 4

31	Simon Goodwin
32	Ross Lyon
33	Chris Scott
34	Brad Scott
35	John Longmire
36	Leon Cameron
37	John Worsfold
38	Stuart Dew
39	Alan Richardson
40	Brendan Bolton
41	Chris Fagan
42	Nathan Buckley
43	Damien Hardwick
44	Luke Beveridge
45	Adam Simpson
46	Don Pyke
47	Ken Hinkley
48	Alastair Clarkson

2019 – Big Freeze 5

49	Bob Murphy
50	Jobe Watson
51	Jimmy Bartel
52	Lauren Jackson
53	Liam Picken
54	Chris Judd
55	Nick Riewoldt
56	Bianca Chatfield
57	Sam Mitchell
58	Brent Harvey
59	Anna Meares
60	Brendan Fevola
61	Cyril Rioli
62	Dane Swan

2020 – Big Freeze 6

63	Joel Selwood
64	Brad Shepard
65	Michael Walters
66	Bailey Smith
67	Issac Smith
68	Toby Greene
69	Isaac Henney
70	Ben Brown
71	Orazio Fantasia
72	Bradley Hill
73	Brandon Ellis
74	Kalinda Howarth
75	Mitch Robinson
76	Patrick Cripps
77	Jack Riewoldt
78	Tex Walker
79	Tom Rockliff
80	Steele Sidebottom
81	Christian Petracca
81	Angus Brayshaw

2021 – Big Freeze 7

82	Shane Crawford
83	Daisy Pearce
84	Jeff Farmer
85	Sarah Jones
86	Ray Chamberlain
87	Sharni Norder
88	Russel Howcroft
89	Billy Brownless
90	Bob Murphy
91	Gil McLachlan
92	Craig Bellamy

Clinical trials

Clinical trials test and evaluate promising new treatments to find better ways to prevent, detect or treat MND.

2021

PHASE 1B – EPHRIN RECEPTOR A4 FC (new drug) (Prof Perry Bartlett, AO)

2020

• ORAL MONEPATEL – PHASE 1 (Dr Susan Mathers)

2016-19

• TECFIDERA IN ALS (TEALS) STUDY
• IC14 TRIAL
• LIGHTHOUSE TRIAL
• COPPER-ATSM TRIAL
• NANOCRYSTALLINE-GOLD TRIALS (RESCUE-ALS)
• PHASE 1 CLINICAL TRIAL – TRIMETAZIDINE TRIAL (Dr Shyuan Ngo) 

Drug Development Projects

Drug Development projects are focused on advancing promising new drugs or therapies through the final stages of testing in preparation for their assessment in clinical trials with MND patients.

2021

• PREVENTING NEUROINFLAMMATION IN MND BY INHIBITING THE mPTP (Prof Seth Masters)
• A MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY TARGETING ALPHA 5 BETA Q INTEGRIN AS A POTENTIAL TREATMENT FOR MND (Prof Larence Steinman)
• PRECLINICAL DEVELOPMENT OF A MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY MODULATING CD38 AGAINST MND (Dr Damien Toulorge)
• TARGETING MISFOLDED PROTEINS WITH MISFOLDUbLs AS A THERAPEUTIC STRATEGY FOR MND (Prof Justin Yerbury)
• TARGETING CK1e-MEDITATED TDP-43 PHOSPHORYLATION IN MND (Dr John Ravits)

2020

• A PHASE 1 TOLERABILITY, SAFETY, PHARMACOKINETICS AND PRELIMINARY EFFICACY STUDY OF ORAL MONEPANTEL IN INDVIDUALS WITH MND (Dr Susan Mathers)
• MODULATING ACTIN DYNAMICS IN ALS/MND AS A NOVEL THERAPEUTIC APPROACH IN ALS (Prof Julie Atkin)
• DEVELOPMENT OF M102 FOR THE TREATMENT OF ALS (Dr Ning Shan)
• DEVELOPMENT OF TDP43-TARGETING GENE THERAPY FOR ALS (Prof Roger Chung)
• COMBINATION THERAPY TO IMPROVE ON CuATSM OUTCOMES IN ALS (Prof Justin Yerbury)
• PRE-CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT OF A SOD1 GENETIC THERAPY IN SPORADIC ALS (Prof Steve Wilton)
• PRE-CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT OF CENTRALLY-ACTIVE COMPLEMENT C3a RECEPTOR MODULATORS AS DISEASE-MODIFYING DRUGS FOR MND (Prof Trent Woodruff)
• SMN2 SPLICE-SWITCHING OLIGONUCLEOTIDE THERAPY DEVELOPMENT FOR MND (Prof Bradley Turner)

2016-19

• PROGRESSION OF C5a ANTAGONIST PMX05 TO CLINICAL TRIALS (Prof Trent Woodruff)
• TARGETING A DEREGULATED COPPER-IRON AXIS TO TREAT SPORADIC MND (Dr Peter Crouch)
• PRECLINICAL DEVELOPMENT OF NEUROPEPTIDE Y FOR THE TREATMENT OF MND (Prof Tracey Dickson)
• A NOVEL EPHRIN RECEPTOR A4-Fc FUSION PROTEIN FOR THE TREATMENT OF SPORADIC MND (Prof Perry Bartlett)
• THERAPEUTICS BASED ON THE PROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF PROTEIN DISULPHIDE IN MND (PROJECT 1) AND NOVEL THERAPEUTICS TARGETING NEURONAL TRANSPORT PATHWAYS IN MND (PROJECT 2) (Prof Julie Atkin)
• TARGETING THE METABOLISM OF GLYCOSPHINGOLIPIDS AS A NOVEL THERAPEUTIC (Prof Bradley Turner)
• V-SMART® NANOMEDICINE (LAUR-301) (Prof Bradley Bartlett)
• TARGETING METABOLIC FLEXIBILITY IN ALS (MetFlex) (Dr Shyuan Ngo)
• HDAC6 INHIBITION TO RESCUE AXON DEGENERATION IN ALS (Prof Anna King)

IMPACT grants

To accelerate the development of effective therapies for MND, FightMND IMProving and ACcelerating Translation (IMPACT) grants support projects focused on overcoming one or more key barriers preventing the advancement of potential treatments through to clinical trial.

2021

• GENERATING A PROTEOMICS-BASED BIOMARKER FOR MND (Dr Allan McRae)
• EC-FUS – A NOVEL BIOMARKER FOR MND? (Prof Julie Atkin)
• THE GLYMPHATIC SYSTEM: NOVEL BIOMARKER OF DISEASE SEVERITY AND THERAPEUTIC TARGET (Prof David Wright)
• EXPLOITING CRYPTIC RELATEDNESS IN GLOBAL FAMILIAL AND SPORADIC MND TO UNCOVER DISEASE-AND-PHENOTYPE-LINKED GENES (Dr Kelly Williams)
• A HIGH-THROUGHPUT SYSTEM TO IDENTIFY MND RISK GENES FROM GENOME-WIDE ASSOCIATION STUDIES (Dr Fleur Garton)
• IDENTIFICATION OF NOVEL STRUCTURAL VARIATIONS IN ALS GENES TO IMPROVE OUTCOMES OF CLINICAL TRIALS (Prof P. Anthony Akkari)
• RESTORING AUTOREGULATION OF TDP43 IN SPORADIC MND USING SPLICE-SWITCHING ANTISENSE OLIGONUCLEOTIDES (Prof Lezanne Ooi)
• ENHANCING DELIVERY OF GENE THERAPY TO MOTOR NEURONS AND GLIAL CELLS USING FOCUSED ULTRASOUND (Dr Kara Vine)
• SUBPIAL SPINAL CORD DELIVERY AS A STEM CELL-BASED TREATMENT FOR MND (Prof Lachlan Thompson)
• HARNESSING PHASE SEPARATION AS A PRECLINICAL STRATEGY FOR THE TREATMENT OF MND (Dr Marco Morsch)

2020

• DEVELOPMENT OF BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER PENETRATING PEPTIDES AS A CNS DRUG DELIVERY PLATFORM (Dr Fazel Shabanpoor)
• USING PATIENT-DERIVED CELLS TO DEFINE AN ELECTRICAL SIGNATURE OF SPORADIC ALS AND TO DEVELOP A HIGH THROUGHPUT DRUG SCREENING TECHNOLOGY AND NOVEL THERAPY (Prof Lezanne Ooi)
• IDENTIFYING BIOMARKERS FROM EXTRACELLULAR VESCICLES FOR EARLY DETECTION, DISEASE PROGRESSION AND THERAPEUTIC EFFICIENCY IN MND (Prof Aaron Russell)
• THE USE OF BIOMARKERS TO ADDRESS MND HETEROGENEITY AND IMPROVE DETECTION OF BENEFIT IN CLINICAL TRIALS (Dr Mary-Louise Rogers)
• PRION-LIKE STRAINS OF TDP-43 AGGREGATES IN MND AND FTLD (Prof Justin Yerbury)
• LIPIDOMIC SIGNATURES IN BLOOD AS A NOVEL BIOMARKER FOR MND (Dr Sophia Luikinga)
• USING 3D HUMAN iPSC-DERIVED SPINAL CORD ORGANOIDS TO MODEL OLIGODENDROCYTE NEUROTOXICITY IN MND (Dr Samantha Barton)
• DEVELOPMENT OF A DOSE-ESCALATABLE AAV DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR ALS GENE THERAPIES (Prof Roger Chung)

2016-19

• CHARACTERISING BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER DYNAMICS TO ENHANCE CNS DRUG DELIVERY AND OPTIMISE MEDICINE USE IN MND (Prof Joseph Nicolazzo)
• PATIENT MONOCUTE-DERIVED MICROGLIA AS A CLINICALLY APPLICABLE MODEL FOR PRECISION TREATMENT OF NEUROINFLAMMATION IN MND (Prof Anthony White)
• POINT OF CARE ASSESSMENT OF VENOUS ACID-BASE BALANCE AND CREATININE AS MARKERS FOR DISEASE PROGRESSION IN PATIENTS WITH MND (Prof Frederik Steyn)
• A NOVEL BIOMARKER FOR ALS (Dr Fleur Garton)
• ESTABLISHING A NOVEL MOUSE MODEL OF SPORADIC MND USING A CHEMOGENETIC APPROACH (Dr Mouna Haidar)
• DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY, PRECISION MEDICINE AND ALS (Prof Julie Atkin)
• ESSENTIAL PRE-CLINICAL STEPS TOWARDS A STEM CELL TRAIL FOR MND (Prof Lachlan Thompson)

Angie Cunningham PhD Scholarship and Grant-in-Aid

Honouring the life of Angie Cunningham, FightMND’s Angie Cunningham PhD Scholarship aims to support future leaders in MND research.

FightMND supports biomedical research in the field of Motor Neurone Disease (MND), encompassing all relevant research disciplines. The objectives of the Angie Cunningham Scholarship Scholarship and Project Grant-in-Aid Award are to:

• Support research aimed at understanding the causes of sporadic MND,
  elucidating disease mechanisms and facilitating the translation of therapeutic strategies from the laboratory to the clinic;
• Encourage new interest within the field of MND research from exceptional new postgraduates;
• Help develop PhD graduates who demonstrate academic leadership,
  independence, creativity and innovation in their work and foster a passion for future MND research;
• Honour the memory and legacy of Angie Cunningham

https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FFightMND%2Fvideos%2F2115138615291252%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0

Angie Cunningham Scholarship recipients:

• Ted Wang 

Read more

Drug Screening Platform

In 2017, with support from the Andrews Labor Government, FightMND partnered with the Balcon Group Pty Ltd to establish the FightMND Drug Screening Program. The four-year, $5M program aims to establish a high-throughput drug screening platform to screen approved and experimental treatments on motor neurons grown from skin cells from Australians living with MND.

The FightMND Drug Screening Program has drawn together an expert team of stem cell scientists and MND clinicians and made significant progress over the last four years. The major research outcomes for the study include:

• the generation of the world’s second-largest MND iPSC bank available for drug screening and a vital tool for MND researchers globally
• the development of a robust motor neuron generation protocol that will be published and shared within the research community
• an MND specific drug screening platform and pipeline for screening approved and novel promising therapeutics
• the foundation for comprehensive single-centre multidimensional characterisation.

We’re four months into 2022, so here’s a quick roundup of what’s been happening in the world of MND research.

Record number of FightMND research grant applications 

Applications for the 2022 FightMND research grant round closed on Monday 4 April.

FightMND received a record number of applications from MND researchers across Australia and around the world.

Over the next few weeks, MND experts from all over the world will be reviewing the applications, helping ensure only the most promising research gets funded.

We thank the researchers who have applied for their time and effort in preparing their applications and wish them good luck.

The outcomes of the 2022 grant round will be shared later in the year.

Professor Matthew Kiernan receives Sheila Essey Award

Professor Matthew Kiernan from the University of Sydney has received significant funding from FightMND, leading several clinical trials for Australians with MND.

In recognition of his amazing research achievements and contribution in the MND research sector, he has been awarded the highly prestigious Sheila Essey award by the American Academy of Neurology.

As the first Australian neurologist to receive this honour, this award reflects the tireless work Prof Kiernan has committed to helping his patients with MND/ALS.  

Read more

Lighthouse II (Phase 3) Clinical Trial begins recruitment

In an exciting step forward, the Lighthouse II (Phase 3) trial began recruiting in their first round of drug trials this year.

With the first patient being enrolled in the trial for MND earlier this year, participants will be part of an international effort, testing the efficacy of a drug called triumeq.

Aiming to enrol 390 participants from across Australia, Europe, and the UK, FightMND are proud to support the Australian component for up to 90 participants. FightMND also supported the successful Lighthouse I (Phase 2) trial in 2016, which has paved the way for this Lighthouse II study.  

Read more 

Best and brightest MND minds come together for MND Symposium in Brisbane

For the first time in two years, some of our best and brightest minds in the Australian MND research sector will be coming together to share updates, findings, and advancements in MND research.

Co-funded with MND Research Australia, the first-ever Australian and New Zealand MND Research Symposium is set to be held in Brisbane from 28 – 30 April.

With registrations now open, the three-day event will provide a unique opportunity for MND researchers and those with a lived experience of MND to collaborate, connect and learn.

Featuring over 55 presentations, 50 posters, a symposium dinner, platform and poster prizes and Q&As with Australia’s leading MND researchers, it is an event not to be missed! 

Read more 

Key risk-factor gene for MND identified 

An important link between a key risk-factor gene (UNC13A) for MND/ALS and a significant feature of the disease has been identified.

Published in the journal Nature, the study indicates that the loss of a protein called TDP-43 in the part of a motor neuron that stores its genetic information, can cause changes in the UNC13A gene, and increase the risk of MND/ALS.

These new findings are especially exciting as they have improved the understanding of MND and provide further support for the development of TDP-43-targeted therapies.  

Read more

FightMND is very excited to announce a new partnership with Ty through the upcoming release of a Ty Beanie Boo – Tony the Penguin.

Now on sale globally, 100 percent of the profits from original sales of the popular and collectible Ty Beanie Boo will go towards FightMND in the fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND) (also known as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)) worldwide.

The special FightMND Tony the Penguin Beanie Boo is now available in Coles, ToyWorld, NewsXpress and more great retailers.

Money raised through the global sale of Tony the Penguin will help fund vital and urgent MND/ALS research to find effective treatments and ultimately a cure for the disease.

The average life expectancy of a person diagnosed with MND/ALS is only 27 months. There is currently no effective treatment or cure.

Ty Inc is the largest manufacturer of plush in the world, and its Chairman, CEO and founder Ty Warner, is honoured to be joining the fight.

“Hopefully this special Beanie Boo, named after my great friend and Australian distributor Tony, will bring awareness around the world to this horrible disease, and bring us closer to beating the beast that is MND/ALS”.

A philanthropist, Mr Warner has donated more than $300 million to a variety of charities worldwide including the American Red Cross, UNICEF, United Way Worldwide, Ronald McDonald House, WIRES, and many more.

FightMND CEO Fiona McIntosh thanked Ty for joining the global fight against MND and helping raise awareness of the disease which has no effective treatment or cure.

“Anyone with children knows how popular Beanie Boos are, which is why we are very excited to partner with Ty and have our own special FightMND Tony the Penguin join the Beanie Boo family,” Dr McIntosh said.

“The money raised through this new partnership will go towards cutting-edge research to teach us even more about the disease and how to fight it.”

“Every dollar raised for the fight against MND takes us another step closer to finding effective treatments and a cure,” Dr McIntosh added.

Tony the Penguin is the newest fundraising item for FightMND, which will be offered in addition to the famous blue Big Freeze Beanies, which go on sale in Australia at Coles, Bunnings and online in May 2022.

The fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND) has received a multi-million-dollar boost with FightMND announcing a further $10.7 million investment into research and care equipment for people living with MND.

This major funding commitment takes the total amount the charity has invested into research and care to more than $63 million since it began in 2014.

Of the total $10.7 million investment in 2021, $8.4 million will go towards 16 MND research projects including one clinical trial, five drug development projects and ten IMPACT projects to help accelerate the development of promising research and effective therapies for MND.

Announced at the Big Freeze 7 in Melbourne this year, the Federal Government also pledged an additional $2 million towards an exciting new MND research initiative, which will be finalised in the coming months.

For the full project summaries, click here.

As part of this year’s research grant round, FightMND received 47 funding applications, worldwide.

The remaining $2.3 million will go to state-based MND organisations to enable the purchase of essential care equipment such as mobility, communication and respiratory support devices to help improve the lives of those fighting the disease.

More than 2,000 Australians are currently living with MND. With an average life expectancy of 27 months from diagnosis, MND gradually takes away a person’s ability to move, speak, eat, swallow and breathe. There is currently no effective treatment or cure.

This year’s funding comes largely from community donations and money raised through beanie sales from a record-breaking Big Freeze 7.

FightMND CEO Dr. Fiona McIntosh thanked FightMND’s Army of supporters who have continued to support the organisation despite another challenging year impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This investment would not be possible without the support of our FightMND Army. To our generous donors, major partners, volunteers, supporters and the Federal and Victorian State Governments – thank you for taking up the fight with us.”

“Every Big Freeze beanie sold, donation made and time volunteered means that we can continue to land solid blows against the Beast, year after year.

“For those currently fighting the disease, your courage never fails to inspire us. You are the reason why we do what we do,” Dr McIntosh said.

Research Director Dr. Bec Sheean said that Australia’s MND research capacity and capability continues to grow thanks to the generosity and ongoing support of the Australian public.

“Research takes time but there is growing optimism in the research community because we are starting to see real momentum – every day we are learning more about how to fight the disease,” Dr. Sheean said.

“With ongoing support and donations, we are able to make targeted investments in cutting-edge projects focussed on fast-tracking new treatments.”

“People living with MND in Australia now have more opportunities to participate in research or clinical trials and more access to care equipment to improve their quality of life.”

FightMND would like to acknowledge the generous contribution of the Federal Government and Victorian State Government as well as major partners (Bunnings, Coles, Channel 7, Herald Sun, the AFL and Chemist Warehouse), donors, community fundraisers, volunteers and supporters.

FightMND are more determined than ever to fight back against the Beast, offer hope and end the suffering of those living with MND.

“The fight is not over and the battle will continue until a cure is found. This investment takes us another step closer,” Dr McIntosh added.

To support the work of FightMND, please visit fightmnd.org.au/donate

Read the article as it appeared in the Herald Sun – ‘Generous Victorians behind FightMND milestone‘.

For media enquiries, please contact 0403001644.

Mike Schneider steps into the role of FightMND Chair

FightMND is pleased to announce Mike Schneider, Managing Director of the Bunnings Group, as our new Board Chair. 

Mike will take over from Bill Guest, who after more than three years is stepping down as Chair but will remain an active member of the FightMND Board.

FightMND would like to acknowledge and thank Bill for his passion, leadership, sense of fun, wisdom and ongoing commitment to the organisation. Since the beginning, Bill’s support and contribution to FightMND has been enormous – particularly his ability to bring people together around the cause to fight back against the beast.

As the Managing Director of Bunnings Group, Mike brings extensive experience and leadership to the role of Chair along with a strong connection to Motor Neurone Disease and FightMND.  

“Bunnings has supported FightMND over the last three years and this has given me a chance to see the work the organisation does to provide much-needed funds for research into a cure for this horrible disease,” Mike said. 

“I have listened and learned from family and friends about the challenges those diagnosed with MND face every day in their own personal fight against this beast. I’ve also seen firsthand the stress, pain and sadness of those who have lost loved ones to MND. Finding effective treatments and a cure would make a profound difference to so many people’s lives.”

The appointment of Mike as Chair marks an important phase of growth for FightMND, adding to the strength and success of the organisation from humble beginnings around the kitchen bench at the Daniher home to a bold and ambitious national charity. 

In seven years, FightMND has invested over $48 million into MND research and has become one of the largest independent funders of MND research not only in Australia but globally. Alongside research funding, FightMND has also invested nearly $5 million into care equipment for people living with MND. 

In taking on the role of FightMND Chair, Mike recognised the work of his predecessor and the organisation’s founders, flagging his enthusiasm to build on their important work. 

“Bill Guest, along with Neale Daniher and Pat Cunningham have been instrumental in the development of Fight MND. Thanks to these leaders, FightMND is now a leading charity in Australia in providing funding for world-class research into effective treatments and a cure for MND.”

“I am excited to work with FightMND’s CEO Dr Fiona McIntosh, the Board and wider team to deepen the community’s awareness and support for this incredibly important area of research,” Mike said. 

With a passion for seeing people and organisations thrive through strong cultures, clear, aligned purposes and actions, and brand trust, Mike’s vision for FightMND centres around building strong connections with the FightMND Army. 

“We have a responsibility to do all that we can to demonstrate the highest standards of trust and engagement with the army of people who have joined the fight against ‘the beast’ – from government to businesses and the thousands of Australians who buy a beanie or fundraise for FightMND each year.” 

“I know that the Board and team are committed to finding new ways to grow awareness of MND in the community and develop new programs and initiatives to ensure that we can build on the great work that has been done to date.”

Outside of Mike’s role at Bunnings he also sits on the boards of mental health charity Love Me Love You, the Corporate Mental Health Alliance of Australia and Melbourne United Basketball Club.