Blog

  • Singapore Convention – May 2024

    Singapore Convention – May 2024

    [vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”30″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”5929″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]

    • Shankar Subramanian, India Chair, attended the convention and manned the Exhibition Booth.
    • His first Convention provided an opportunity to experience and meet with international Rotarians

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”50″ bottom_padding=”50″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” disable_element=”yes” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][nectar_single_testimonial testimonial_style=”bold” color=”Accent-Color” quote=”But nothing the copy said could convince her and so it didn’t take long until a few insidious Copy Writers ambushed her” name=”Robert Johnson” subtitle=”ThemeNectar”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” bottom_padding=”30″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]

    Rotary International Convention: RAGAMS Participation

    The recently concluded Rotary International Convention in Singapore provided an invaluable platform for the Rotary Action Group against Multiple Sclerosis (RAGAMS) to raise awareness and drive action towards combating Multiple Sclerosis (MS). As a representative of RAGAMS, I had the privilege of engaging with Rotarians from diverse regions, discussing the critical issues surrounding MS, and highlighting the need for increased involvement in this cause.

    During the convention, it became evident that awareness about RAGAMS is relatively low among Rotarians. Many attendees were surprised to learn about the existence of an exclusive action group dedicated to MS. This gap in awareness underscores the necessity for more robust communication and outreach efforts to ensure that Rotarians worldwide are informed about RAGAMS and its mission.

    Engaging with Rotarians from different parts of the world revealed a universal recognition of the importance of addressing MS.

    However, the level of active participation and support varies significantly across regions.

    The convention highlighted the need for a more coordinated global effort to:

    1. Increase Membership and Participation:

    • Encourage more Rotary clubs and districts to join RAGAMS.
    • Foster partnerships with other organizations and stakeholders committed to the cause of MS.
    • Organize informational sessions and workshops to educate Rotarians about MS and the role of RAGAMS

    2. Support Research and Advocacy:

    • Advocate for increased funding and resources for MS research.
    • Promote collaboration between research institutions and Rotary clubs to support innovative projects aimed at finding a cure for MS.
    • Lobby for policy changes and initiatives that benefit individuals affected by MS.

    3. Drive Community Support:

    • Implement support programs for people living with MS, focusing on improving their quality of life.
    • Facilitate access to medical care, rehabilitation, and other essential services.
    • Organize community events and campaigns to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with MS.

    The Rotary International Convention in Singapore was a significant opportunity for RAGAMS to enhance its visibility and forge new partnerships. The interactions with Rotarians underscored the urgent need for a more inclusive and coordinated approach to tackling MS.

    Moving forward, it is imperative to expand our outreach efforts, support research endeavours, and drive community support initiatives. By doing so, RAGAMS can make a meaningful impact in the fight against Multiple Sclerosis and improve the lives of those affected by this debilitating condition.

    I urge all Rotarians to get involved with RAGAMS, spread the word within their communities, and contribute to our collective efforts in combating MS. Together, we can make a difference and move closer to a world free from the challenges posed by Multiple Sclerosis.

    Let’s join hands to create a world where MS is a challenge of the past. Prepared by:

    Prepared by: Martin, Diana and Shankar[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_image=”5633″ bg_position=”left top” background_image_loading=”default” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”5%” bottom_padding=”5%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” disable_element=”yes” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” parallax_bg=”true” parallax_bg_speed=”fast” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”350″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”40″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” disable_element=”yes” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.

    The Big Oxmox advised her not to do so, because there were thousands of bad Commas, wild Question Marks and devious Semikoli, but the Little Blind Text didn’t listen. She packed her seven versalia, put her initial into the belt and made herself on the way.

    l using her.Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Australia MS 2024

    Australia MS 2024

    [vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Between January 7, 2024, and June 30, 2024, the Rotary Club of Gisborne actively participated in community fundraising efforts by managing the Bunnings Sausage Sizzle facility. This initiative was aimed at supporting RAGAMS (Rotary Action Group for Multiple Sclerosis) and showcasing the club’s commitment to service and community engagement.

    Furthermore, Diana and Martin Taurins represented the club at the District 9800 Conference, held in Bendigo from April 12 to 14, 2024. During the conference, they took charge of the RAGAMS Exhibition Booth, which served as a dynamic platform to highlight the group’s mission and activities. The booth featured newly upgraded promotional banners and materials, designed to captivate and inform attendees. Their efforts significantly increased visibility and interest among the conference participants, fostering greater community connection and awareness of RAGAMS’ impactful work.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”40″ bottom_padding=”40″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][split_line_heading animation_type=”default” text_direction=”default”]

    RC of Gisborne, RAGAMS and Australian Rotary Health

    Jacob Taurins Memorial PHD Scholarship was awarded to

    Mr. Zhe (Darren) by Australian Rotary Health.

    [/split_line_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” bottom_padding=”20″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]The following is the project summary of the PhD, started in February 2024:

    PROJECT SUMMARY

    Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the second most common cause of disability in young adults, and is associated with significant societal costs. It is a challenging autoimmune condition characterized by episodic inflammation that may lead to secondary neurodegeneration in the central nervous system (CNS). Twenty therapies are presently available for the treatment of this inflammation, but individual response to each of these therapies is highly variable. Timely initiation of the right disease-modifying therapy (DMT) is the cornerstone of successful therapeutic management as it plays a critical role in preventing further worsening of disability.

    MS Awareness

    Despite recent advances in MS pharmacotherapy, disability prevention in patients has remained challenging and often suboptimal. This gap between the capabilities of the presently available therapies and the at times suboptimal individual response to therapy is often attributed to the lack of understanding of factors that predispose individuals with MS to be good or suboptimal responders to concrete DMTs. Recent research has highlighted the potential of predictive algorithms that integrate clinical and biological data to guide treatment decisions in MS.

    This doctoral research endeavours to propel the field forward by developing an enhanced predictive algorithm – “Crystal Ball 2.0.” This innovative algorithm integrates builds on its first version, which demonstrated that individual response to the commonly used DMTs can be predicted, albeit to a limited extent, based on patients’ clinical and demographic characteristics. During this PhD, I will further develop this predictive algorithm by incorporating novel biomarkers, aiming to augment the precision of predicting individual responses to DMTs. The study is a collaborative, multi-site effort spanning Australia, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. Leveraging diverse cohorts and advanced statistical techniques, the project will refine the first version of the Crystal Ball predictive model of individual treatment response by:

    1. standardising the predictive algorithm so that it can be applied in a general clinical setting
    2. exploring causal effects of therapies in individuals (in place of reporting mere associations)
    3. incorporating novel candidate biological markers of response to MS therapy (brain MRI, concentration of vitamin D in the blood and concentration of neurofilament light chain [a product of neuronal breakdown] in the blood), and assessing the generalisability of the algorithm in additional cohorts.

    The overarching objective is to facilitate more accurate and effective personalized therapy for individuals with MS. The project seeks to mitigate the worsening of disability and thus elevate the overall quality of life among people living with MS through precision-led choice of MS therapy.

    This project scope and candidate fit perfectly within the international MS Community goals.

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_image=”6159″ bg_position=”center center” background_image_loading=”default” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”0″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” parallax_bg=”true” parallax_bg_speed=”slow” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”20″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” disable_element=”yes” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar.

    The Big Oxmox advised her not to do so, because there were thousands of bad Commas, wild Question Marks and devious Semikoli, but the Little Blind Text didn’t listen. She packed her seven versalia, put her initial into the belt and made herself on the way. l using her.Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Australia MS – Nov 2023

    Australia MS – Nov 2023

    [vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”30″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]

    On November 2, 2023, Diana and Martin were invited to attend the official launch of the new Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) Neuroimmunology Centre, located at 635 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. This innovative centre, situated within a leading Victorian tertiary public hospital, brings together specialised care in multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neuroimmunological conditions. It uniquely integrates clinical services with laboratory research, clinical trials, and education, offering a comprehensive approach to neuroimmunology.

    The evening featured a keynote address by international guest speaker, Professor Sandra Vukusic—a distinguished academic neurologist from France, a Board Member of ECTRIMS, and Director of the French National MS Registry. Professor Vukusic’s lecture highlighted the importance of collaboration among major academic centres both nationally and internationally, as well as the critical role of MS registries in advancing care and research.

    Attendees also had the opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art facility. For further information about the centre, please visit: https://core.melbourne

    Scholarship and Fundraising News

    The Royal Melbourne Hospital has referred a candidate to Australian Rotary Health for consideration and formalisation under the Jacob Taurins Memorial PhD Scholarship-jointly supported by the Rotary Club of Gisborne, RAGAMS, and Australian Rotary Health.

    Additionally, the Rotary Club of Gisborne has been allocated the Bunnings Sausage Sizzle facility on January 7, 2024, to support fundraising for RAGAMS.

    Upcoming Event: D9800 Conference

    The D9800 Conference will be held in Bendigo from April 12–14, 2024. A RAGAMS exhibition booth booking will be required to showcase our ongoing initiatives.

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]