For more than 20 years, Ros has been a patient at Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH), battling an autoimmune condition called Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN) – an extremely rare disease that causes progressive muscle weakness, often starting in the hands.
Her journey began at just 30 years old when she noticed weakness in her right arm. Simple tasks like pegging clothes on the line were impossible. As a single mum raising a six-year-old, life felt overwhelming and frightening.
“I didn’t know what was happening,” recalls Ros. “I was tested for everything from motor neuron disease to a brain tumour. Operations on the nerves in my arms didn’t help and I was worried about what the future would hold.”
MMN occurs when antibodies in the blood attack motor nerve cells, preventing signals from reaching muscles. For Ros, this meant losing strength in her arms – especially her dominant right arm. Over time, the condition worsened, compounded by breast cancer treatment that further weakened her arm.
Immunology and rare diseases
Hope came in the form of immunotherapy. When Ros was 38, her neurologist suggested she start monthly infusions of immunoglobulin – a plasma-based treatment that floods the body with healthy antibodies to mask the effects of her rare disease. This therapy gave Ros back something priceless – the ability to live independently and continue her career in HR consulting.
Today, Ros is under the care of neurologist Dr Christina Liang and visits Ambulatory Care at RNSH every month for her infusion – a 3-5 hour treatment that keeps her condition under control. After more than two decades however, cannulation has become increasingly challenging. Scar tissue and fragile veins make intravenous access difficult, often requiring anaesthetics and causing stress and delays.
Recognising this issue, a generous private donor has funded a portable ultrasound probe for the Ambulatory Care Centre. This device will help clinicians locate veins more easily, making cannulation faster, safer and reducing patient stress.
“We are extremely grateful for the donation. This device will transform care, not just for Ros, but for countless patients and our nursing team.”
This gift is a powerful reminder of how philanthropy creates real and lasting impact. The hospital’s work is strengthened every day by private donors whose generosity complements government and other funding sources. Thanks to this support, new tools like the portable ultrasound probe will transform care for countless patients who rely on quick answers, reassurance, and timely treatment.
You can help bring cutting-edge equipment, innovative treatments and compassionate care for patients like Ros. Your gift today can make a tangible difference where it’s needed most.
