Public Appeal
Can you make a difference?
Life is beautiful. Enjoying the beauty of the sunset while sipping some champagne; relaxing while listening to the music; celebrating the birth of a grandchild. It is nice to enjoy the rewards of a hard day's work, and be blessed with good health.
For some of us, life is less kind. Imagine life with a body that little by little will never obey our commands to move, no matter how much we try? Imagine life of a person who needs an apparatus even to breathe? Imagine life with the knowledge that some may not live beyond the age of 20? Imagine life with such a prospect? This is the daily and painful reality that every sufferer of Duchene muscular dystrophy, an incurable disease, has to cope with.
Founded in 2003, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), a registered charitable Institution, is actively engaged in representing the interests of muscular dystrophy sufferers, irrespective of ethnic, religious, political or economic considerations. Some 50 muscular dystrophy sufferers are affiliated to the MDA
In early 2009, for the first time in Mauritius, MDA has mobilized a team of 14 dedicated doctors to treat the patients in order to slow down the progress of the disease and enhance their quality if life. The Ministry of Health and Quality of life is joining hands in this challenging task with the view that, in the foreseeable future, patients can go to a centre where their disease can be effectively managed. The Centre de Cardiologie des Mascareignes of Clinique Fortis-Darné is providing support on cardio and pulmonary examinations.
Life-saving as well as basic equipment such as a ventilator and a motorized wheelchair are expensive. For example, a ventilator costs about Rs 100,000 for each patient, and a wheelchair costs Rs 60,000. Many patients are waiting to receive them.
Can you make a difference in the lives of the sufferers? Can you add a smile to their faces? Can you give them back a sense of dignity?
MDA will welcome your generous contribution.
Please contact us at
Thank you.
Philip Wan (President)
4 August 2009