Have a heart for our muscles

The Muscular Dystrophy Foundation Gauteng (MDF) is appealing to Joburg cyclists to join their ‘Muscle Riders’ team for the upcoming Telkom 94.7 Cycle Challenge on 19 November, because it cannot continue its work without your help.

“We want as many riders as possible to ride with us,” explained Robert Scott, the fundraising and business development specialist for the organisation.

“We ask each cyclist to donate or raise at least R1 000 for us before the race, which will be used by MDF to improve the quality of life for people affected by muscular dystrophy.”

Cyclists will receive a special team Muscle Rider shirt free of charge to wear during the challenge, and will also have their contribution celebrated during special appreciation functions hosted by MDF before the November challenge.

“We had lots of support for last year’s challenge,” Scott added. “But I think the trouble this year is that most people don’t actually know too much about muscular dystrophy, so it’s not just [MDF] asking for help [from the public], but also us needing to educate them on what exactly the disease is.”

Muscular dystrophy is the name given to a number of disorders which affect a range of muscles, resulting in progressive wasting and weakness in them over time. There are about 40 different types of muscular dystrophy, and the disease can affect people from all walks of life at any age.

“Muscular dystrophy doesn’t discriminate,” Scott said.

“MDF’s aim is to support people with muscular dystrophy as much as we can,” explained Pieter Joubert, general manager of MDF and who suffers from the condition himself. “We have four social workers who give free counselling to those who are diagnosed and their loved ones.”

The organisation also provides families with equipment to make sufferers’ lives easier. “We’re a small organisation, and we’re trying to do good for those with this disease, but we need help,” Scott concluded.

Here are some ways that you can help the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation:

• Join the Muscle Riders team for this year’s Telkom 94.7 Cycle Challenge. Riders must be officially entered by 31 August, so time is of the essence!
• On 2 September, the MDF will be hosting a Muscular Dystrophy Workshop free of charge in Westcliff. The public, parents of children with muscular dystrophy and adult sufferers are welcome to attend, and volunteers are needed to help with food preparation for the event. Medical professionals can also receive CPD points for attending the workshop.
• Financial donations are always welcome from individuals and businesses, which will go towards specialised equipment.
• If you are unable to financially contribute, volunteers are always needed.
• Donate towards year-end functions and gifts for children with an MD disease.
• It is now possible to make donations via SnapScan.

Details: www.mdfgauteng.org; gauteng@mdsa.org.za; 011 472 9824.

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