Patron

Judy Bailey

Patron, Muscular Dystrophy Association of NZ Inc

“Neuromuscular conditions are unpredictable. They can affect anyone even though there’s no family history. This means all families are potentially threatened by these severe and incurable conditions.

This is the reason I became Patron of Muscular Dystrophy Association of NZ Inc, to help people understand that anyone at any time, any age, any ethnic group can be affected.

There are no cures for the 40 or more conditions and all of them are progressive. And yet the members of Muscular Dystrophy Association of NZ Inc, despite their conditions, have a positive and infectious spirit and attitude that I find inspirational. This is another reason for my support of the organisation.

The people at Muscular Dystrophy Association of NZ Inc are deeply committed to creating a better, independent future for members. This commitment shows in the extra fieldworkers, in the new national lottery, in the exercise programme under development and in the Muscular Dystrophy Association of NZ Inc Research Foundation which I’m proud to lead. The Foundation is dedicated to research into neuromuscular conditions and focuses on two important criteria:  New Zealanders participation in clinical trials and in the direct benefits from treatment developments.

All of these initiatives are designed to directly help members and to give them the precious gift of hope and confidence for tomorrow”.