2018 Ambassador

Cairns local, Julian Thomas was diagnosed six years ago with Kennedy's disease at 45 years of age. 

Kennedy’s Disease is a rare inherited neuromuscular disorder, affecting approximately 1:40,000. Symptoms generally first appear when the person is aged between 30 and 50 years old. Characterised by the degeneration of lower motor neurons within the spinal cord and brainstem it causes muscle weakness and wasting throughout the body. It is especially noticeable in the face and throat, and causes speech and swallowing difficulties, major muscle cramps, severe nerve and muscle pain and extreme fatigue.

Julian’s diagnosis impacted on his ability to work as a managing director and discontinue his studies at JCU.

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There is no known treatment or cure.