Incurable Optimism campaign
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Few disorders are as devastating as Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Imagine being trapped inside a body that can't move - that's the devastating reality of MND.
MND is the name given to a group of related diseases affecting the motor neurones in the brain and spinal cord. As the motor neurones gradually die, the muscles stop working, leaving people unable to walk, talk or feed themselves.
The neurological disease is rapidly progressive and can affect any adult at any time. Affecting 5000 people in the UK, life expectancy for most is just two to five years,and around half will die within 14 months of diagnosis. Five people die every day from MND. Over 150 years after the disease was first
characterized the cause of MND is unknown and there is no known cure.
MND may be incurable, but so is our optimism that one day we will beat it. The MND Association's awareness campaign, Incurable Optimism aims to highlight the amazing and positive spirit of the MND Association community and how it is this spirit that keeps us fighting the disease.
Through its campaign the charity aims to spread a message of optimism and encourage people to do something optimistic to help beat MND. At the centre of the campaign is artist Patrick Joyce, 41 who has set himself a
challenge to paint the portraits of 100 incurable optimists before he loses the ability to paint forever.
Patrick says "I started this 100 portraits project in the hope that I could show that behind the horrible statistics there are people fighting to stop this disease, people giving up their lives to care for the sufferers and people living with it, with dignity, fortitude and a sense of humour."
"I wanted to do it because these are real people, each with an amazing story of courage and hope for the future. I want to tell their stories and through the telling, inspire more people to help us."
"I wanted to do it because these are real people, each with an amazing story of courage and hope for the future. I want to tell their stories and through the telling, inspire more people to help us."
Patrick the optimist
Father of three Patrick Joyce was just 39 when he was diagnosed with MND. After seeing his doctor about weakness in his hands in July 2007, it wasn't until March 2008 that Patrick was diagnosed – by which time his own research led
him to suspect what was coming.
Married to Kathy he has a step-son Reuben, eight, son Elliot, three and daughter Nancy, one. Despite having MND Patrick is determined to make the most of the time he has left.
To help raise awareness of MND Patrick is fronting the MND Association's Incurable Optimism campaign and has set himself the target to paint the portraits of 100 Incurable Optimists. The public can suggest Incurable Optimists for Patrick to paint via his website or facebook page, and if they capture Patrick's imagination he paints them.
He is documenting his life through his blogsite http://www.patricktheoptimist.org and films. He has raised thousands of pounds to be invested in MND research and is determined to do what he can to help others diagnosed with the incurable disease.
Patrick wants to spread his message of optimism and encourage people to do something optimistic every day.
About the MND Association
The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association is the only national charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland working to help people with MND secure the care and support they need. The MND Association is a leader in the funding and promotion of MND research both within the UK and across the world. It has funded research which has uncovered four genes that cause or are related to MND over the last two years.
Recent major breakthroughs and developments in technology have led to a significant increase in the momentum of MND research. The charity currently funds 45 research projects to the tune of £7.5million. It is also committed to making sure everyone with MND receives the best care, achieves the highest quality of life possible, and dies with dignity. This includes supporting the families and carers of people with MND as well.
It provides a range of services to help health and social care professionals support and advise people affected by MND including a wide variety of printed and on-line information. Good quality, practical information is essential for professionals involved in the care of people with MND. By taking steps to ensure that everyday problems are well-managed a vast improvement can be made to the individual's quality of life.
To help MNDA to fight this devastating disease or for more information please contact Mel Barry on tel. 01604 250 505 or http://www.mndassociation.org
