MDF Magazine Issue 72 December 2023

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World Muscle Society congress 2023: an experience to remember! By Prof Anri Human I had the wonderful privilege to attend and present my research at the 28 th Annual Congress of the World Muscle Society (WMS), which was hosted in Charleston, USA (3-7 October, 2023). This opportunity was made possible through a fellowship sponsored by the WMS to support early career researchers and, in particular, attendees from low- and middle-income countries. The congress included a plethora of oral presentations and posters related to neuromuscular disorders (NMD), including the latest trends and research in the field. Approximately 1 000 delegates attended in person, while more than 200 joined us online. As a paediatric physiotherapy lecturer of the University of Pretoria, I was particularly appreciative of the networking opportunities at this congress, which makes it possible for industry, clinicians and researchers to collaborate across the globe. The presentations on recent research and development in diagnostics, clinical presentation and management strategies in NMD were of great value. I was honoured to be included in the prize-giving committee this year, as the first representative from Africa in the history of this congress. This was an amazing learning curve for me! I am looking forward to building on this experience and being part of the committee in 2024 again. At the congress I met two colleagues from South Africa as well as international experts, industry and patient advocacy groups with the same passion and drive for making the world a better place, taking hands and being stronger together. I cannot wait to implement the new skills learned and new approaches in clinical practice, at the NMD clinic and in research, and to share them with others through teaching and workshops. Friendships and relationships were forged during this congress that will take us to the next level, in particular for South Africa and those living with NMD. Future research, support, collaborations and clinical projects are in the pipeline … so watch this space! Fortunately, my new (and old) friends and I also had a chance to explore the beautiful city of Charleston and experience traditional South Carolina cuisine. An unforgettable experience indeed! We are excited about meeting again for the 29 th WMS congress in Prague next year and building on what was started Thank you Blue Bottle Liquors A huge thank you to Blue Bottle Liquors for their continued support and the amazing donation of R35 000 that was received. We cannot thank you all enough for this!
Marking Casual Day 2023 By Madeleine Stoman On Casual Day this year, 1 September, a few colleagues at Overstrand Municipality, Hermanus, decided to dress in green to support and create awareness about muscular dystrophy. Spirits were high and everyone enjoyed taking photos. The support I received from colleagues on the day, as well as on many other occasions, has meant a lot to me. This year has been a very tough one for me, as my condition has been declining drastically. Many close friends and family struggling with neurological illnesses are always close to our hearts, but especially on Casual Day we think of those with us, and those who have sadly passed on because of their condition. I want to take this opportunity also to thank the MDFSA for their support throughout the years and all that you do to assist the warriors living with muscular dystrophy. We each fight our own battle, but support also goes a long way. I want to especially thank my family, friends and husband as well for the major support they provide. Lastly, thank you to everyone who took part in Casual Day with their support, high spirits and willingness to make this a fun morning.
Page 1 and 2: Summer Issue 72 December 2023 MAGAZ
Page 3 and 4: MDF support information To learn mo
Page 5 and 6: Why bother getting a FREE genetic t
Page 7 and 8: Meet the Gauteng branch chairperson
Page 9 and 10: Celebrating World Duchenne Awarenes
Page 11 and 12: KZN branch reaches out to the commu
Page 13: and gifts. • Solly Manjra Caterer
Page 17 and 18: California’s stem cell agency fun
Page 19 and 20: 5 things we’ve learned about find
Page 21 and 22: By Editorial Team, Spinal Muscular
Page 23 and 24: Corinne Grgas By Rebecca Hume Muscu
Page 25 and 26: adjust her schedule when she felt c
Page 27 and 28: park. Later in the trip, on the Auo
Page 29 and 30: day again. I certainly have never s
Page 31 and 32: family member, or coworker whom you
Page 33 and 34: Random gravity check... By Andrew M

MDF Magazine Issue 72 December 2023

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