Welcome to the MJD Foundation
Mission Statement
The MJD Foundation works in partnership with Aboriginal Australians, their families and communities living with Machado-Joseph Disease to provide comprehensive supports and engage in research, providing hope for the future.
| The MJDF uses the term Aboriginal in preference to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander in recognition that Aboriginal people are the original inhabitants of Arnhem Land. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander is used in the national context. No disrespect is intended to our Torres Strait Islander families and communities. The MJDF acknowledges the inclusion of Torres Strait Islanders who may be affected by MJD. |
Gayangwa’s Story
Gayangwa is an Anindilyakwa woman of Groote Eylandt, she is 74 years old, and Machado-Joseph Disease has been a part of her life as long as she can remember.
Her father developed the disease when he was an older man, and all 6 of her brothers and sisters were affected by their 40s. She was the primary carer for two of her sisters’ children for over 15 years. Now the third generation of her family is sick - her 21 year old niece passed away in 2014, and she has nieces, nephews and grandchildren with the disease.
Few people have the insight and experiences living with the disease that Gayangwa has, and she brings to her role within the MJD Foundation a fierce determination to improve life for her family. Her journey through ‘shame’ and ‘blame’ to proud champion is an encouragement to the many people she meets and her quiet dignity and perseverance for them is an inspiration.
=> Gayangwa's speech from the MJD Foundation Launch (30th Aug 08)
Latest News
July 21 - MJDF have published a book on the history of MJD on Groote Eylandt. Find out more, and get your very own copy =>here
Feb 21 - Check out MJD House's very first newsletter!
Dec 20 - Annual Report 2019-2020 released =>View here
Oct 20 - Publication "A community-based co-designed genetic health service model for Aboriginal Australians" => View here
Jun 20 - MJD Foundation have launched a 'Yolŋu Matha - English Keyboard’ for iOS => View here
Feb 20 - Video recordings from the 2019 International MJD Research Conference => View here
Jan 20 - Staying Strong Toolbox Complete Video => View here
Dec 19 - MJDF CEO elected to NDS National Board => View here
Jul 19 - Going on Country with MJDF - making our NDIS plans work for us: =>View here
Apr 19 - MJDF's manual transfer and aircraft travel training DVDs now available: =>View here
Feb 19 - Assistive Technology feasibility study for Groote Eylandt =>View here
Coming Events
=>Click here for News & Coming Events