Labor MP Emma Vulin addresses her ‘biggest challenge’ after MND diagnosis

The Allan government will put $250,000 towards the Fight Against MND as Labor MP Emma Vulin told parliament her fight against the disease is her “biggest challenge” yet.

Victorian Labor MP Emma Vulin says she didn’t know where to start when diagnosed with Motor-Neurone Disease. Picture: Facebook

The Allan government will put $250,000 towards the Fight Against MND.

Premier Jacinta Allan made the pledge on behalf of Victorian taxpayers during Question Time on Wednesday.

It is the 10th year in a row that the government has donated to the cause.

“The work Neale Daniher has done for many other Victorians fighting this terrible disease while faced with his own devastating diagnosis is truly remarkable,” Ms Allan said.

“We’re proud to support Neale’s fight and continue to support the foundation with its annual Big Freeze to help find a cure for MND.”

Ms Allan also paid tribute to Labor MP Emma Vulin, who has recently gone public with her own MND battle.

Ms Vulin on Wednesday revealed her Motor Neurone Disease battle had progressed and her right arm was now “very weak”.

Ms Vulin delivered a powerful speech to the parliament on Wednesday where she spoke about facing her “biggest challenge” yet.

“On the first day of diagnosis, I called MND Victoria and I cried. I didn’t know where to start,” she said.

Ms Vulin, who recovered from a significant stroke when she was 36, revealed her health fight last month.

Neale Daniher is meeting MPs to raise fund for the Fight MND campaign. Picture: David Crosling

Motor-Neurone Disease is a condition that progressively damages the nervous system, which often results in weakened, stiffened or wasted muscles. It can affect how a person walks, talks, eats, drinks and breathes. There is currently no cure for the disease.

Despite the terminal illness having already taken hold, the Pakenham MP has vowed to remain in parliament and fight for her community.

“The disease has progressed in me to the point that my right arm is very weak,” she said in parliament.

“I have a choice. I could go off and cry, which I did for two days, or get out and do what I need to do.

“Just as the legendary Neale Daniher says: don’t say, do.”

Daniher, who has become the face of the Fight MND campaign, was in parliament on Wednesday to meet with MPs and raise funds.

The MND crusader met Ms Allan and shared a smile as she spoke of the upcoming Big Freeze at the ’G next month.

In a rare show of bipartisanship support, both lower and upper house MPs donned the flagship blue Fight MND beanies in the chamber.

More than 2000 Australians — and more than 500 Victorians — are living with MND.

“I am not the only one facing the beast,” Ms Vulin added.

She thanked her family, friends, constituents and colleagues for their support.