Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is the death of the motor neuron, which links the brain and spinal cord to the muscle. As the motor neuron dies, fewer signals are transmitted to the muscles.
Once the number of signals being transmitted is decreased, the muscle begins to waste away. MND is fatal and there is currently no treatment or cure. Five and half years ago, Karen Mustica’s mother was diagnosed with MND and at the time, Karen knew nothing about the disease or that there was no known cure or treatment. So she decided to do something about it.
“Myself and ten of my girlfriends got together and said we wanted to make a difference so we established zo-ee, zoi being the greek word for life,” explained Mustica to Neos Kosmos. zo-ee is a committee of volunteers dedicated to raising awareness and funds for research into MND and is committed to supporting MND Association of Victoria, by organizing events trivia nights, movie nights and the annual MotorOn event.
The first charity event raised $25,000. “So far we have raised. $185,000 for Motor Neuron Disease research,” said Mustica. Although the reasoning behind the event is serious, MotorOn 2011 is a chance for everyone to enjoy themselves. The stand up cocktail party includes entertainment, dancing, canapes and champagne.
The event will be held on Saturday 2 April at Alto, Level 3, 350 Bourke street, GPO Building and tickets are $110. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.zo-ee.com