A family contending with the challenges of multiple sclerosis (MS) and juvenile diabetes is hosting a car and bike show at Calder Park raceway this month to raise money for others with the conditions.
South Morang parents Sophie and Tony Curra and their daughters, Isabella, Annalise and Gabriella, are the ones who have been dealt the unlucky hand.
Tony was diagnosed with MS in 2012 and 14-year-old Isabella with type 1 diabetes in 2011.
But the family has stood defiant, calling themselves Team Bella and holding a family car and bike show twice a year to raise funds for MS Research Australia and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
“It’s been really hard, but we’re doing what we can to be strong and proactive and raise money to better research in both areas,” Sophie said.
“Isabella is coping really well with her daily injections and having to test her levels five times a day. We’re very proud of her.
“Tony is battling hard against a pretty progressive form of MS and we’re hoping he’ll get stem cell therapy later in the year.”
Team Bella has raised more than $100,000 in the past three years and hopes to add to the tally this year.
Two shows last year raised $39,000 for diabetes research and $22,000 for MS research.
“We get more than 1000 people to each event, and this year’s a bigger venue so we’re hoping to attract more families,” Sophie said.
The Team Bella Family Car and Bike Show will be at Calder Park raceway from 9am to 4pm on October 26.
Aside from the impressive auto displays, there will be food and trade stalls, live music, raffle prizes, children’s rides, showbags and an animal farm.
