Thousands of children and office workers will swap ties for tights, backpacks for capes and coats for costumes next week as they dress up as superheroes to take part in Muscular Dystrophy Australia’s (MDA) National Superhero Week.
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After the success of 2015’s National Superhero Week involving thousands of Australians, MDA is looking forward to an even bigger and better 2016 event, which runs from August 29 - September 4.
MDA’s executive director Boris M Struk said the annual event had captured the imaginations of school children and brought work colleagues together to make a difference for people living with the degenerative muscle disorder.
“The main aim … is to let children and families affected by MD know Australians stand behind them in support of their fight for a cure for this devastating disorder, while also allowing a fun way for everyday superheroes to raise funds and awareness for MDA,” said Mr Struk, whose son has the most severe form of the disorder, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).
He said the condition shouldn’t stop children from unleashing their inner Superman or Wonder Woman.
“Children with the disorders need to know that MD should not hold them back from their aspirations, and National Superhero Week allows them to realise this and be their favourite superhero,” he said.
MDA Ambassador and Carlton football club’s Nick Graham said getting involved is the best excuse you’ll ever have to dress up while also supporting a great cause.
The week is ideal for channelling your inner superheroes but also remembering the real heroes -- those bravely living with the devastating condition every day.
One in every 625 Australians is affected by MD, which has 60 different variations. It eventually causes immobility, respiratory problems and cardiac complications.
DMD is the most severe form, affecting young boys who are diagnosed between the ages of two and six years and are fully dependent on a wheelchair by eight.
Funds raised in previous years have helped fund research positions at the National MD Research Centre, in the hopes of finding a cure.
To register for National Superhero Week 2016 visit www.superheroweek.org.au