Renowned food and travel journalist and presenter, Sofia Levin, has been announced as the new ambassador for MND Victoria’s The Shut Up! For MND Challenge.
Ms Levin, who is known for her enthusiasm for food, culture and eating curiously, is no stranger to the MND cause. Her father, Greg, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in January 2022.
"There honestly couldn’t be a campaign more suited to my family. One of the first things we did after my beautiful dad, Greg, was diagnosed with MND was record his voice so that when it eventually goes, he’ll still sound like my dad when he communicates. But even before it became harder for dad to talk, it was nearly impossible for him to get a word in with both myself and my mum, Abby, around. It’s quite possible that there’s no one who will struggle more ‘shutting up’ for MND than us!” said Ms Levin.
“I communicate for a living and welcome the challenge which will help raise awareness and funds for MND Victoria. Being able to communicate easily and freely is just one of the many things I’ve realised we take for granted as healthy human beings. A year and a half ago I couldn’t have told you a thing about MND. While I wish my family still lived in ignorance of this cruel disease, I am proud to play the cards we’ve been dealt as an ambassador for such a worthy cause.”
Now in its third year, The Shut Up! For MND Challenge will officially take place on Thursday 21st September 2023. It involves participants not using their voice for 6 or 12 hours and finding alternative ways to communicate. Their silence highlights in a powerful and eye-opening way what many people living with MND face or will face. Each MND journey is different, but a majority of people will lose their speech and become reliant on other forms of communication.
“Shut Up! for MND is a unique and bold way to ensure Greg and every other Victorian currently living with MND still have a voice,” said MND Victoria CEO, Kate Johnson. “To do that, they need access to the right information and support, as well as the right pieces of equipment to ensure that they can remain safe, independent, mobile and connected with their community.”
“That’s why MND Victoria’s services, including support coordination, support groups, education seminars and access to vital assistive equipment, are provided at no cost to the person with MND.”
On average, there are approximately 503 Victorians living with MND at any one time. In Australia, 2 people are diagnosed with MND every day, and 2 people die of MND every day.
MND is a progressive, degenerative disease that attacks the nerves that support movement, speech, swallowing and breathing. There is currently no known cause, treatment, or cure, and the average life expectancy after diagnosis is 27 months.
The Shut Up! for MND Challenge is hosted on the official website www.shutupformnd.org.au. All money raised through this initiative directly supports people living with MND.
Until there’s a cure, there’s care.
About us:
MND Victoria has focussed on care and support programs to improve the lives of thousands of Victorian families impacted by MND for the last 42 years. We are the only not-for-profit organisation providing direct care to all Victorians living with the devastating disease, at no cost to them.
Contact details:
Daniel Woodrow
Manager Supporter Development and Communications at MND Victoria
E: [email protected]
P: +61 447 039 029
