Bronte's Battle with ALS: A Mother's Heartbreaking Journey
Bronte calls for her mum in the dark of night, scared of dying. There is no cure for her condition
Image: The Sydney Morning Herald
Bronwyn Cousins cares for her 14-year-old daughter Bronte, who suffers from juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rare and fatal condition. As Bronte's health declines, she faces nightly panic attacks and pain, while her mother struggles to provide comfort amidst the challenges of caregiving.
- 01Bronte is the only child in Australia diagnosed with juvenile ALS, which affects 0.1% of ALS cases globally.
- 02The condition leads to severe physical limitations, requiring Bronte to use a feeding tube and causing her significant pain.
- 03Despite her illness, Bronte dreams of becoming a family lawyer and has a passion for English history.
- 04The federal government has announced priority aged care support for people with MND, but young patients like Bronte are not included.
- 05FightMND, founded by Neale Daniher, has raised over $157 million for research and support for MND patients.
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Bronwyn Cousins is a single mother caring for her 14-year-old daughter Bronte, who has been diagnosed with juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rare and incurable condition that attacks motor neurons. Since her diagnosis, Bronwyn has faced sleepless nights, monitoring Bronte's needs as she experiences severe pain and panic attacks. Bronte, the only child in Australia with this form of motor neurone disease, dreams of becoming a family lawyer, but her condition is deteriorating rapidly. The lack of research and clinical trials for juvenile ALS complicates their situation, with Bronte being too young for available trials. While the federal government has introduced priority aged care support for MND patients, it does not extend to young individuals like Bronte. The FightMND organization, founded by AFL legend Neale Daniher, has raised significant funds for research and support, aiming to improve the lives of families affected by MND. Bronwyn hopes that increased awareness will lead to more support for those battling this devastating disease.
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Bronte's condition highlights the urgent need for more research and support for young patients with MND.
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