A young South African scientist, who lost her father to motor neurone disease, will work towards a cure for the condition alongside an internationally renowned Wollongong research team.
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Rene Stanley, 24, has been inspired by the work of Wollongong molecular biologist Dr Justin Yerbury, who continues his research into MND even as he battles the degenerative disease.
Dr Yerbury’s family has organised an online fundraiser for the team’s latest research project – with some of the funds being used to allow Ms Stanley to travel to Wollongong to participate.
“In early 2009, my father was diagnosed with MND; I was 15 years at the time,” she said. “Despite emotions running high, I largely dismissed his disease and the notion of his prognosis.
“Within the next year, however, to my dismay I bore witness to a disease that, without rhyme or reason and nothing to stand in its way, deteriorated my father’s body, consumed his dignity and ultimately, took his life.”
Nearly a decade on, Ms Stanley remains haunted by the memory of her father’s suffering due to the “cruel merciless disease”.
“MND is a disease that sees you becoming a burden and a chore to the people you love and suffering in silence as you do. There is no effective treatment or intervention and families are made to just watch, helplessly, as their loved one lies tormented by themselves.”
It motivated Ms Stanley to study for a degree in human anatomy, and embark on research into neurodegenerative diseases including MND.
She’s now looking forward to joining the team at the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute at the University of Wollongong.
“Awe-inspired by Dr Yerbury’s esteem, passion, research feats and ambitions, I long hoped to be able to join his team in pursuit of understanding the disease and ultimately contributing to the development of predictive diagnostic tools, preventative strategies and effective treatment regimes,” she said.
“To be a part of this prestigious team who already has made significant strides in MND research, impacting both research and care worldwide, would be both a privilege and a great honour.”
Dr Kara Vine-Perrow is collaborating with Dr Yerbury on the current project and is keen to welcome Rene to the team.
She said researchers had been buoyed by recent triumphs of gene therapy for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy – a form of MND that affects infants.
“Currently there are no effective therapies for the treatment of adult-onset MND,” she said. “We have identified a novel therapeutic target involved in maintaining the cells protein balance for the treatment of MND.
“This system is severely compromised in motor neurons of MND patients and we aim to restore capacity of this system via gene therapy to halt disease progression.”
Those who donate to the research via the Facebook-based fundraiser ‘Limited Edition 'Yerburii Sailer' Wine for MND research’, also get the chance to win a Barossa Valley wine named in honour of Dr Yerbury.