Mrs Claire Luck was a person with MS, who in 2010, made the decision to pledge her brain and spinal cord to the MS Research Australia Brain Bank for research. The donation ultimately took place in October 2013 when Claire sadly passed away. Claire’s incredible donation was recently profiled in The Australian newspaper. Jane Keneally, Claire’s sister, commented, ‘When the chance came to pledge her brain, Claire didn’t hesitate. She could see that maybe one day they would find a cure for MS and that she could help.’
In 1991, Claire was diagnosed with MS at the age of 28. Claire was a resident at New Horizons Nursing Home in Sydney and in memory of Claire, the centre is planning to name a new wing of the home in her honour.
‘Without the generosity of donors such as Claire, and the support of their families at the time of donation, the valuable research facilitated by the MS Research Australia Brain Bank would not be possible’, commented Dr Julia Morahan, Research Development Coordinator of MS Research Australia. ‘Being able to study the tissue affected by MS directly is so valuable for our insights into the process that underlies the disease’.
‘As Claire’s family, we were pleased that the donation to the MS Research Australia Brain Bank went so smoothly’, said Jane, ‘We hope that Claire’s donation will be of some help with MS research’.
The MS Research Australia Brain Bank would like to thank Claire and her family, especially Jane Keneally and son Jinah Luck, for their assistance during the donation process. We are very grateful for their support.
If you wish to register as a brain and tissue donor please phone 1300 672 265, email or register online at www.msbrainbank.org.au to receive your consent pack.
