By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A research grant in the name of brave Highton MND sufferer Jenny Simko hopes to find the cause behind the random terminal condition.
Mrs Simko lost her battle with MND late last year but not before inspiring attendees at the inaugural RockOff MND concert with a thank-you speech.
The concert raised $63,000, which has funded the Jenny Simko MND Research Grant, awarded to Professor Tracey Dickson of The University of Tasmania.
Prof Dickson will investigate whether the loss of a certain type of neuron in the brain known as the interneuron acts as a trigger for MND.
Jenny’s husband, Peter, said he hoped the second concert would raise a similar amount so another research grant could be allocated.
“We’re trying to target a cause so I am really happy the grant went to a research project looking into possible causes,” Mr Simko said.
“So we have to try and beat $63,000 this year so we can continue to fund the work.
“We will all truly miss Jen at this year’s event but we are all determined to do what we can to help find a cause and a cure for this debilitating and terminal disease.”
The second concert, headlined by perennial rock favourite Ross Wilson and the Peaceniks, will be held on 5 March at Deakin University’s waterfront campus.
Tickets for the event, also featuring The Kite Machine, Benny Walker and Chunky Jam, cost $50 and are available from rockoffmnd.com.au.
