Testimonials

Gordon Cairns
Gordon Cairns, an Executive Director of Westpac Banking Corp, knows first-hand the impact that Multiple Sclerosis can have on an individual and their family. Both his brother and his best friend were diagnosed with the disease in the last few years, forcing both to retire, and adjust to a very different life.

‘They motivated our decision as a family to make a Bequest to MS Research Australia (MSRA). It is vitally important to me that research is carried out to find the cause and a cure for this debilitating disease. MSRA successfully coordinates MS research around Australia and, with a focus on genetics and neurological research, is leading us ever closer to unravelling the mysteries of MS.

By making a Bequest to MSRA I know that I am contributing to a world-wide effort in MS research which will hopefully lead us to a solution to this terrible disease in the not too distant future..'

David & Carmel Stringer
When the late John Stringer was diagnosed with primary-progressive MS in 2002 his family found it ‘almost inconceivable’ that the cause of MS was not known and there was virtually no treatment for his form of the disease.

‘Research into MS was John’s wish,’ said his father David Stringer, who believes medical progress in auto-immune diseases lags far behind other diseases and that research into MS needs a huge boost.

Both David and his wife Carmel, have given meaning to John’s wish and have generously pledged half of their estate to MS Research Australia (MSRA).

This promise honours John’s memory. His wife Michelle, who cared for him, and the rest of his family are supportive of this heartfelt instruction.

‘With the current progress in genetics - and stem cell research in particular - it is clear that the cause, treatment and cure for MS are attainable,’ he said.

John’s family believes MSRA provides the focus necessary to unlocking the mystery of MS.

‘Supporting research facilitated by MSRA seemed by far the best way of giving some real meaning to John’s wishes, which my wife and I both shared...It’s of primary importance to me that the disease that took the young man, who was my son, best friend and golf buddy, in the prime of his life be beaten. We will do all we can so that others do not have to go through what he did and what we did.