FREE Public Forum | Register here
Date: Thursday, 24 October 2019
Time: 6pm
Address: Melbourne Town Hall, Level 3, Supper Room
Cerebral palsy affects 37,000 Australians. It's a physical disability that affects movement and posture, caused by damage to the developing brain before, during or soon after birth.
Ongoing developments in cerebral palsy medical research bring hope for a brighter future. Early detection and intervention are critical for maximising the potential of people with cerebral palsy. Find out how researchers from The Ritchie Centre are revealing more about the causes of cerebral palsy and the new therapies they are developing for its treatment.
Who should attend?
This free public forum will be useful for
- Families and people with cerebral palsy who are interested in what the future may hold
- Physical therapists with an interest in this field
- Researchers interested in perinatal brain injury and The Ritchie Centre's research.
Speakers
- Dr Rob Galinsky studies the effects of inflammation before birth on fetal brain function and anti-inflammatory treatments that could help. (The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute)
- Dr Courtney McDonald is a biologist who studies stem cell therapies for cerebral palsy (The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute)
- Associate Professor Tim Moss' research examines brain development and the damaging effects of inflammation before birth. (The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute)
- Josie Palancian is mother to a 14-year-old daughter with cerebral palsy.
- Michael Shearman is the father of a son with cerebral palsy, and the founder and co-director of Max on a Mission. Michael and his wife Claire are advocating for intensive physical therapy for cerebral palsy to be included in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Topics will include
- The experience of parents of children with cerebral palsy
- Progress towards prevention, early detection and treatment of cerebral palsy
- Stem cell therapies for cerebral palsy
- The story of Max and how intensive therapy allowed him to substantially improve his physical capabilities
- How collaboration between parent champions, clinicians, physical therapists and researchers can create a brighter future for people with cerebral palsy.
About The Ritchie Centre
Researchers in The Ritchie Centre are discovering the causes of cerebral palsy, finding new ways to prevent it, and working with families to help children with cerebral palsy to maximise their potential.
This forum is being held as part of the 50 Year Anniversary Colloquium for The Ritchie Centre.
