MSA IN SOUTH AFRICA WITH SONJA: THE ARGUS FOR MSA

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

THE ARGUS FOR MSA

When Karin and I started the facebook page for MSA in South Africa, Magda Erlank was the first patient to contact us. We have become MSA buddies since then. A couple of weeks ago her daughter, Amanda, invited us to a birthday party for Magda, where I was privileged to meet the friendly Erlank family.

The Erlanks; Linda, Hennie and Amanda

Magda was initially diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2005 and then with MSA (Multiple System Atrophy) in 2009.

Me and Magda

Amanda, with the help of her sister, Linda, has taken the initiative to organise a group of cyclists to participate in the annual ARGUS CYCLE TOUR. This 109 km tour is the largest timed event in the world, attracting more than 35 000 cyclist from around the globe. The well organised tour winds its way around the beautiful scenery of the Cape Peninsula and takes place in March every year.

As a family the Erlanks have first hand experience of the general lack of knowledge in the medical and care services of MSA. This tour will firstly serve to create awareness, and equally important, to raise funds for research.

Amanda invites cyclist to dedicate their ride in the 2013 ARGUS to MSA. The cost would be a little more than the normal entry fee, but will include a cycle top, as well as a contribution to http://www.msatrust.org.uk/ . There is currently no treatment to stop the progression, or a cure for this disease. Your contribution will go for research in this field.

As no research is being done in South Africa, the cycle shirt will bear the logo of this UK based trust.

The package is as follow:

Entry	R500
Charity	R200
Cycle top (Rapid Sport) (optional - but please remember we are trying to raise awareness)	R400
TOTAL	R700 R1100 (incl. top)

The Argus is famous for its carnival atmosphere and offers a unique experience for the participants. It will take place on the 10th March 2013.

Please consider it carefully and remember “A burden shared is a burden halved”.
We are riding so that people can start minding.

To register a group Amanda needs to hear from you before 22 SEPTEMBER 2012. Please FORWARD this invitation to your friends.

CONTACTS:

Amanda Erlank

083 444 3735

amandaerlank@gmail.com

and

Linda Erlank

079 2755 100

linda.erlank@fnb.co.za

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Sonja (MSA Patient) and a friend - Liebet

Hi – thank you for stopping by. This blog was created to reflect the journey of a MSA Patient from South Africa; Sonja van Rhyn. The blog was initiated and created by Karin (her friend). The first blog entries are by Sonja herself, sharing her life with MSA. Subsequent to Sonja’s deteriorating condition, Karin has taken up the story. South Africa – at the very tip of Africa; we’re famous for many many wonderful things: . Our wild animals – especially the big five - Rhino’s, Elephants, Lions and Buffalo and Leopard – these are just a few of our great beasts . For adrenaline junkees – at Gansbaai it’s Shark-diving to see the monsters of the sea . The beauty of the Garden Route is endless . Our diverse, vast and beautiful countryside lures tourists from far and wide . Our wild flowers in Spring compete with our indigenous fynbos for splendid beauty . Table Mountain, Kruger National Park, L’Agulhas - the most southern tip of Africa . 3000 km of pristine coastline . The Cango Caves of Oudtshoorn in the Karoo . The Cape Winelands boast some the finest wines in the world . Robben Island and Madiba – our prince of peace . Soweto, Durban, the Wild Coast and so the list goes on and on It’s really a wonderful place to be and we call it home. There’s a ‘beast’ been discovered in Africa - a rare beast of another name: MSA (Multiple System Atrophy and its host is Sonja van Rhyn. I was thinking of calling this beast a name - a name that identifies with Africa - and the name MufaSA came to mind. (Mufasa? Remember LionKing? (Mufasa was a Great King of the Pride Lands and the father of Simba). But then I thought again, and naming MSA a king would be giving it victory and that’s not going to happen. The only victory I would like to see is a cure. So - I am not giving the beast this name, but to Sonja - because she deserves that name. MufaSA! Sonja deserves the platform and the crown that is associated with a king. A king is rewarded and associated with bravery, perseverance, tenacity in its attempt to conquer the fight and kill its prey. Being the king, even in the animal kingdom, takes its toll. The pack leader of a lion troop becomes weak without the support of his pride. Become one of this pride and you will become part of the chain of life and living and caring for humankind - which is one of the most fundamental reasons for living. If you’ve landed here – you become part of this chain. Please share it with someone. It will lead us to our goal – to find a cure for Multiple System Atrophy. Treasure your loved ones. Life is a gift. (Karin)