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With more people promoting the MSRA Brain Bank, over 650 people with MS in Australia have now signed up to be brain donors.

Last year, brain donors and their supporters formed Brain Bank teams to participate in the MS Walk and Fun Run and the 24 hour Mega Swim held in Sydney. Together they raised nearly $6,000 for MS Australia by recruiting sponsors from family, friends, and their community.

According to Pearl Champion, the captain of the MS Walk Brain Bank team, not even the brief shower on the day could dampen the enthusiasm of the walkers. As Pearl says, 'More brain donors mean a larger database which will hasten and improve identifying the cause, process and treatment of MS. So each additional donor helps bring the cure closer.'

Katie Butler enjoyed the day on her electric scooter and thought the experience was physically and emotionally invigorating. 'I would do anything to help anyone else with a brain disease. Even if nothing can be done for us, at the very least we are helping future generations with MS,' said Katie.

The past project manager of the MSRA Brain Bank, Dr Teresa Wong, was part of the Brain Bank team in the past two Mega Swims. 'It was wonderful to feel the team spirit of so many people swimming for the same cause. Everyone was so keen to get in the water we almost had to fight for our turn to swim, even through the late-night/early-morning shift!,' she said.

If you would like to represent the MSRA Brain Bank in any MS awareness or fundraising event in 2011, please contact us to start a team in your city. You will be provided with brain donor ambassador information and receive a free MSRA Brain Bank t-shirt. Please call 1300 672 265 for more information.