Trish MS All That Jazz Ball

The Trish MS All That Jazz Ball on 7th September lived up to its theme with musical notes displayed all over the venue, gorgeous table centres in keeping with the ‘jazz era’, talented jazz dancers putting on a stunning performance and much more.

The Trish Foundation’s team of passionate volunteers again worked very hard to create and conduct another wonderful Trish MS Ball, receiving glowing feedback and raising significant funds for high-quality, peer-reviewed Translational Research Projects which will commence January 2025.

Special guests John Alexander OAM and Gill and tennis legend Ken Rosewall AM MBE who travelled specially from Queensland were joined in the Grand Ballroom by members of the Foundation’s honorary Scientific Research Committee, some of Australia’s MS scientists, Corporate VIP guests and very generous guests, many of whom have supported the Foundation since inception in 2000.

Brilliantly led by the incomparable Johanna Griggs AM, who again did an expert, outstanding job as MC and brought warmth and love to the Ballroom, the venue hummed with fun and laughter.

The Foundation’s very valued Patron, Dr Brendan Nelson AO, who has re-located to London, sent a moving video to usher in the Ball.  Dr Nelson said on the video, “Trish MS does not simply dispense funds for peer-reviewed research that makes a real difference in advancing our understanding of this disease, but it also dispenses hope”.

Following Dr Nelson’s welcome, acclaimed soprano Toni Powell, who is living with MS and was accompanied by Panagiotis Karamanos on trumpet, opened the entertainment with a special ‘swinging’ song.  Toni continues to teach at Kambala School and Kambala’s Jazz Band had earlier set the scene with their uplifting music during pre-dinner drinks.

Again this year DMC Digital very generously produced pro bono, a special Video Presentation featuring Dan and Meg Maskell, who is living with MS.  Dan and Meg shared their thoughts regarding when Meg was diagnosed with MS – and Meg said on the Video Presentation, “I think a cure is closer than we think. It takes a lot of very smart people to get us there and the funds to do that as well”.

A highlight of the evening was the awarding of the Trish MS Research Award to the Foundation’s inaugural honorary Auditor, Peter Done, who has significantly supported the Trish MS Research Foundation since before inception in 1999. Peter gave immense amounts of his valuable time and his professional expertise to the Trish Foundation and has been instrumental in the Foundation obtaining ongoing very significant donations, his unwavering commitment continuing unabated.

Professor John Pollard AO, his wife Professor Patsy Armati AM and Dr Jennifer Massey represented the Foundation’s honorary Scientific Research Committee, apologies having been received by the other members of the Committee.  Johanna Griggs interviewed Professor Pollard and Dr Steven Petratos, who travelled from Melbourne to support the Foundation’s Ball.  During the informative interview, Professor Pollard explained the progress achieved since the Trish Foundation was launched in 2000.  He also detailed the rigorous, comprehensive approval process. In response to a question from Johanna Griggs, Professor Pollard also said, “Translational research is research which aims to translate scientific research into benefits to human beings, translating the laboratory into the clinic. The Trish Foundation is focussed on good sound scientific research where there is a clear pathway to patient benefit.”

Dr Petratos gave enlightening details of his research, having first received funding from the Trish Foundation 2002. Amongst other information, Dr Petratos said, “It is a really exciting time not only for my laboratory but generally for MS research globally.  There are new drugs coming through the pipeline that are really targeting MS progression particularly the ones that are looking at remyelination type drugs.”  He also said, “What the Trish MS Research Foundation has been able to do for my laboratory specifically is it offered us two independent Translational Research Grants.  They have gone to so much good use, you have no idea. I am currently working with our Head of Neurology and Neuroscience at the Alfred Hospital to be able to translate our findings into the clinic which is really exciting.”

Johanna Griggs interviewed the inspirational Dimitri Cachia who is living with MS. Dimitri spoke about his journey with MS, his first symptoms appearing in 1997, but not being diagnosed until 2003 whilst living abroad.  Dimitri also detailed how much transitioning to a wheelchair has improved his quality of life and mobility.  He said he quietly hopes that one day he can go for a run again or dance as badly as he used to dance, adding, “There are individuals in this room who will be part of that effort and evenings like tonight helping to pay for that”.

Honorary Auctioneer Craig Marshall, The Marshall Group, who has professionally supported the Trish Foundation since inception, showcased his great auctioneering skills, raising very valuable funds for Research in the Live Auction.

Guests were entertained by a wonderful performance from Sharni Hartley and her talented troupe of jazz dancers, performing among other songs, All That Jazz.  Guests also again enjoyed the music of the award-winning band Jellybean Jam, dancing the night away.

Trish’s Mum Carol Langsford, Chair of the Foundation expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the evening and the funds raised for high-quality Translational Research Projects.

“Year after year our Ball continues to raise much needed funds for MS Research.  Our volunteer team is greatly indebted to all our valued guests, our esteemed Patron Dr Brendan Nelson AO, our Celebrity MC Johanna Griggs AM, the MS Scientific community, our pro bono contributors and performers, our extraordinarily generous Corporate VIP tables, Sponsors, donors, our big-hearted supporters and everyone involved in the success of our Trish MS All That Jazz Ball and the funds we raised for research.  Our passionate Team Trish volunteers are truly thankful for the extremely valued support we continue to receive.”

“Roy and I have always considered it a great honour to raise funds for Australia’s dedicated, hard-working MS scientists.  I am thrilled with the remarkable progress being achieved by the MS scientists funded by the Trish Foundation.  It is certainly exciting times.”