Hundreds of Canberrans have multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease that attacks the central nervous system (the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves). But the Canberra chapter of the Trish Multiple Sclerosis Research Foundation, launched last week, offers new hope.
“We hope it will act as a support network for Canberrans living with MS, raise awareness within the community, and raise funds for future research that will hopefully soon lead to a cure, because every dollar counts,” said Carol Langsford OAM, the Foundation’s chair.
She and her husband Roy, also awarded the OAM, established the charity in 2000, after their daughter Trish Langsford, an elite sportswoman, died from multiple sclerosis at the age of 30.
The Foundation aims to find a cure or preventative strategy for multiple sclerosis in the hope that no one suffers or loses their life to the disease.
More than 25,600 people live with multiple sclerosis in Australia, three-quarters of whom are women, according to MS Australia. In the ACT, 538 people have multiple sclerosis. ACT residents have made significant donations to the Foundation.
“Until now, Roy and I have run the foundation from Sydney, so Canberra will be the very first Trish MS Foundation chapter,” Mrs Langsford said. “We can’t wait to see where the Canberra chapter will lead in the future.”
Alicia Payne MP said it was an honour to launch the Foundation’s Canberra chapter.
“I really commend Carol and Roy Langsford on what they have achieved through creating the Foundation, a very meaningful tribute to their daughter Trish.
“Multiple sclerosis is a terrible disease, and it’s so important to support research to find a cure and to support those living with the disease.
“The energy and advocacy of people such as Carol and Roy are critical to raising the awareness and funding that we need to find a cure.”
The Foundation has already raised more than $6.5 million to fund research to find a cure for multiple sclerosis.
Although retired, the Langsfords dedicate most working days to ensuring the Foundation’s main Sydney ball, satellite fundraisers, and private donations make a difference.
All donations received and funds raised go to MS research projects; the directors pay the administrative costs from their savings.
Commonwealth Government funding for multiple sclerosis
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) has invested $15.4 million in research projects focused on multiple sclerosis.
The MRFF 2022 Multiple Sclerosis Research grant will make up to $18 million in funding available to understand the biology of multiple sclerosis.
This brings the total commitment of MRFF funding for multiple sclerosis research to $33 million.
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHRMC) has expended almost $39 million towards multiple sclerosis research since 2015.
MRFF grant funding opportunities focused on multiple sclerosis research address research priorities identified by MS Australia through the MS Roadmap (September 2021 version).
This includes two competitive grants: the 2021 Chronic Neurological Conditions (applications have been assessed and outcomes announced); and 2022 Multiple Sclerosis Research.
In August, the Federal Government announced that a new treatment for multiple sclerosis would be made available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. PBS Listings will help people with spinal muscular atrophy, schizophrenia, and multiple sclerosis.
