Anna’s Mob for MJD Foundation

Product Description

Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia

Donations are 100% tax deductible

Supporters

Why I have set up this fundraiser?

The idea for Anna’s Mob began one night when I couldn’t sleep. There was a massive thunderstorm, with so much lightning that it fried my landline and modem! But I also had a “lightning bolt moment” as my brain refused to let me sleep… thinking, thinking, thinking.

For the past 2 years I have been dealing with ovarian cancer. This is a tricky cancer at the best of times due to its absence of obvious symptoms, and its tendency to recur, but I have also inherited the BRACA 1 gene mutation from my father’s side of the family… no fault, no blame, just rotten luck. This gave me a high probability of developing both ovarian and breast cancer, like my paternal Grandmother.

The BRACA1 gene mutation (BR=breast, CA=cancer) is a dominant gene mutation, which has a 50-50 chance of being passed to the next generation. Men can be carriers, like my father. Until 18 months ago I had no idea that I had inherited it. If I had known, there are preventative measures I could have taken, such as a hysterectomy after having had my children and/or mastectomy. These would have dramatically reduced my likelihood of cancer… like by around 80%! However, we didn’t know that it was in our family.

Why the MJD Foundation?

I was recently in the Oncology waiting room when I read an article that touched me deeply. It was about the Machado-Joseph Disease, which is a hereditary neuro degenerative condition, and has a high prevalence in Arnhem Land. They think that it was introduced to the local Aboriginal people by traders many centuries ago. MJD begins by affecting walking and speech, and progresses to swallowing problems. Like BRACA1, it is a dominant genetic disorder, with a 50% likelihood of affecting members in the next generation, but MJD also shows its symptoms in younger patients with each presentation.

I really felt for these people, with this genetic time-bomb inside them. Like me. Uncertain of who would be affected in the family… when and how to tell those affected… and I wondered why their story was not more widely known.

So, that night of my lightning bolt moment, I decided to tell their story along with mine, and to see if my mob could rally some support for their mob. And even to set up a Facebook page and group… something I had resisted for years! Hilarious irony for those who know my IT skills! With no immediate internet after the storm, I enlisted the help of friend Sal and my brother Kim to investigate MJD. We contacted the MJD Foundation, and my son Emile and Sal helped me to navigate Facebook and set up a group page.

The MJD Foundation told us of 2 respite houses that they are currently setting up in Darwin, and any funds my mob sends to the Foundation are well appreciated to furnish and modify the houses, to support rehab, and for recreational and medical stays. So, instead of bringing me a bunch of flowers or chocolates, maybe you would like to join Anna’s Mob in donating and reading about MJD? If you feel like reading more, their website is www.mjd.org.au.

One of the MJD Respite houses in Darwin.

I think that this will be an empowering thing to see for my mob, now that I am getting sicker.

Thanks to all my wonderful family and friends. I am so blessed to be surrounded by my mob, and to have had nearly 60 years of extremely good health.

And a huge amount of love to the MJD mob, with wishes for speedy research to understand this condition better, for continuing treatment, and hopefully, for a cure in the future.

Xxxxx Anna.

Maureen Iannotti

3 months ago

$65

Maureen Iannotti

7 months ago

$150

Emile Hammond

7 months ago

$300

Maureen Lannotti (by Lince, Pratik & Sumanth)

1 year ago

$150

Anonymous

1 year ago

$500

Emile Hammond

2 years ago

$500

Kim and Monica Michael

3 years ago

$100

Sally Wiadrowski

3 years ago

$100

Emile Hammond

3 years ago

$450

Ann Bowen

4 years ago

$100

Sally Wiadrowski

4 years ago

$100

Debra Pitura

5 years ago

$100

Sally Wiadrowski

5 years ago

$40

Nadia Lindop

5 years ago

$100

Paul Birch

5 years ago

$100

Sheila Corcoran

5 years ago

$100

Emile Hammond

5 years ago

$200

JO Perry

5 years ago

$50

Sally Wiadrowski

5 years ago

$110

Emma Salter

5 years ago

$100

MJD Foundation

Wow, $10,000! Thank you so much Anna’s Mob. Here’s a thankyou from us to you.

Wow, $10,000! Thank you so much Anna’s Mob.

Here’s a thankyou from us to you.

5 years ago

Anonymous

Wish we had had a chance to share memories one last time. Rest in Peace Anna, love Libby

5 years ago

Anonymous

I was a work colleague of Anna’s. such a beautiful lady. Thankyou Anna for leaving this legacy and for spreading the word

5 years ago

MJD Foundation

To everyone who is part of Anna’s Mob, Our hearts go out to you as you celebrate Anna’s life tomorrow. I have felt extremely grateful to have met Anna (albeit via email, text and a few phone calls). Her graciousness and generosity has touched our MJD family. We are incredibly thankful of the connection we made with Anna, and the amazing fundraising she has done for MJD families in the NT. Whilst you are grieving tomorrow, we hope that you have moments of peace and even some fun as you celebrate her life. Warmest regards, Nadia (MJD Foundation CEO)

To everyone who is part of Anna’s Mob,

Our hearts go out to you as you celebrate Anna’s life tomorrow. I have felt extremely grateful to have met Anna (albeit via email, text and a few phone calls). Her graciousness and generosity has touched our MJD family. We are incredibly thankful of the connection we made with Anna, and the amazing fundraising she has done for MJD families in the NT. Whilst you are grieving tomorrow, we hope that you have moments of peace and even some fun as you celebrate her life.

Warmest regards,

Nadia

(MJD Foundation CEO)

5 years ago

Anonymous

Dear Anna You are the light, the love, the sunshine, the smile, the soul we all need in all our lives. Love you. Always in my heart. Hugs Rosa and Sam xxx

5 years ago

Anne-Marie Shin

As a reluctant face booker I have been slow to respond…. Anna has long been an inspiration, having had the privilege to work with her and see the power of her teaching, particularly her work in the peace curriculum through the Arts I urge other to donate to this important cause.

5 years ago

Sandra Paterson

How wonderful of you to support this important cause Anna. Trust you to think of others. I’m a bit slow to donate but got here in the end! Sending you hugs and smiles and all my very best wishes xxoo

5 years ago

Mandy Willson

Inspiring work Anna, proud to be part of your mob for a wonderful cause. Love Mandy x

5 years ago

Anonymous

Your friend Sally shared this cause with me. Well done Anna for organising this fundraising effort.

5 years ago

Sue Brown

Such admiration for your courage and strength at this time Anna. Thinking of you with love Dawesy ( Sue Brown)

5 years ago

Ann Reu

Dear Anna I am amongst your many Woodlands friends that is praying for you and keeping you in their thoughts. With love Ann

5 years ago

Kathryn Dunne

Darling Anna This is for your mob! I hope this helps and makes you happy. Best wishes my sweet, lovely to do something so positive. Love Kathy Dunne

5 years ago

Anna Candler

From one Anna to another Anna — fingers crossed for a few more seasons in the su.

5 years ago

Cathryn Griffith

Thank you for the invitation to join Anna’s Mob and lots of love to you Anna XX

5 years ago

louise Barker

Hey Anna so proud to be a part of your Mob! Love you and thank you Loulou

5 years ago

Alison Marrinan

Thinking of you so much dear Anna and glad to contribute to your wonderful support of the MJD Foundation. Lots of Love, Alison xx

5 years ago

Catherine McMahon

For beautiful Anna, part of the Woodlands mob, with love

5 years ago

Donna Sargent

I love you Anna…I am very grateful for you and your friendship and I cannot wait to see you in December ️

5 years ago

Nadia Lindop