Hayley is the youngest girl registered for the MS Readathon in South Australia this year. The best part about participating in the MS Readathon for Hayley is getting lots of books read to her by her mum and dad. Even though she can‘t read yet she loves books.

Hayley’s parents have friends that have MS and it is a great way to encourage her love of reading while helping to provide treatment for those with MS and also to help researchers to find a cure.

Her favourite book is “Baby Touch Colours”, because she can touch all the coloured animals with their different textures like fluffy, scratchy and bumpy. She also likes the bright colours and loves to turn the pages.

Thomas (Tom) Martin is an inspiration! He has jumped at the chance to raise money for people living with MS despite the fact that he is having his own health struggle. Tom has mitochondrial disease, which is a genetic disorder that robs the body of energy. Areas of the body that can be affected include muscles, brain, heart, ears and eyes.

This disease is currently taking away Tom’s ability to see – just at the time that he is learning to read. An MS Readathon Community Representative visited Tom’s school to talk about MS and how the students could help people living with MS by participating in the MS Readathon. Tom went home that day and asked his family if he could participate in the MS Readathon.

Despite the frustrations and the challenges that Tom faces, he is ploughing through books and raising money for people living with MS. With such a wonderful positive outlook, energy and spirit, he doesn’t stop trying and we’re proud to call him an MS Readathon Hero!

Stars of the Month The ‘Insert Book Here’ Book club, made up of La Salle College students Anthony Bochrinis, Christopher Fenner, Tracey Theseira and Joseph Iannolo, Brandon Bradburn, Caitlin McCracken and Aidan Seaton, plus their teacher, Ms Orietta Stokes.

Last year, a group of students at La Salle College, formed a reading club to share their passion with like-minded individuals. The club, who named themselves ‘Insert Book Here’, continues to meet once a week during lunchtimes to read and share their passion with like-minded individuals. Among many other reading activities, the group actively participates in the MS Readathon and encourages other students to do the same.

‘Insert Book Here’ members are also motivated by “Monday Morning Munchies” where Ms Stokes bakes things beginning with ‘M’ for MS Readathon every Monday. She even made Melting Moments inscribed with the letters “MS” in the top of the biscuits so everyone was reminded what they were fundraising for! Ms Stokes, you are an inspiration to all teachers! Huge thanks from the MS Readathon team!!

8 year old Jackson from Carrum Downs in Victoria has already read 14 books for the MS Readathon this year. Jackson is participating in the MS Readathon for the third year in 2009 and this year is more important to Jackson than ever. 6 days before Christmas 2008, Jackson’s mum was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Jackson is focusing really hard this year and hoping to raise more money than ever as he is ‘doing it for mummy’. Jackson’s mum no longer works, therefore don’t have a workplace to get behind them for fundraising, but the small group they have around them are doing what they can to support Jackson in his MS Readathon.

Jackson’s mum proudly says “My son is MY HERO! He is almost at his target, and I have absolutely no doubt he will reach it, and maybe even pass it...”

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