Message from Betty Cuthbert to all Australians participating in the MS Readathon.

Helping people is a very noble thing to do and it is a very special person who takes the time to help others. The simple act of helping or giving is a wonderfully rewarding experience. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the Central Nervous System which causes symptoms like tingling and numbness to paralysis and blindness. Although scientists have identified some clues as to why people develop MS, the exact cause remains a mystery. Participating in the MS Readathon is a great way to help people with Multiple Sclerosis. Your participation in the MS Readathon shows that you are one of those very special Australians who care about others. People living with MS appreciate the time that children who enter the MS Readathon take to read and raise funds.

I was the first Australian to win an Olympic Gold Medal in Australia and I achieved 16 world records as an Australian athlete. I am also one of those Australians living with MS. I thank you so much for what you are doing to help people just like me who are living with the affects of MS every day. You are an inspiration to us and we are so proud of your efforts to help, particularly as we are eager to find out why we get this disease and ultimately find a cure.

I look forward to seeing some amazing results from Australian school children participating in the MS Readathon in 2008 and again, thank you sincerely for the “Reading for a Reason” in June.

Betty Cuthbert