News

Gudjon Sigurdsson, Chairman MND Iceland and outgoing Chairman of the International Alliance, was awarded the International Alliance Humanitarian Award for his contribution to developing international partnerships at the International ALS/MND Symposium opening session in Chicago in December 2012. 

Gudjon has worked tirelessly since he was diagnosed with MND not only to improve the lives of people living with MND in Iceland but also internationally. He has forged partnerships with countries such as Latvia, China and Mongolia encouraging collaborations and sharing of resources to assist emerging ALS/MND organisations to grow and develop their support services.  

Gudjon gave a presenation at the International Alliance Meeting that preceeded the Symposium entitled ‘Life is Good’. Gudjon believes that MND is either a sentence to die or as he has chosen a sentence to live and enjoy – “To spend our days dying is so boring it could kill you. From the day I was supposed to die I have enjoyed every minute and I now have friends from every corner of the world. Remember the most important thing .... smile and enjoy every moment”

The Humanitarian Award was inaugurated in 2000 by the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations to recognise non-scientific contribution to the fight against ALS/MND.

The Award is to recognise and encourage individuals and/or groups from a non-scientific background whose work makes, or has made, a contribution of international significance for people affected by ALS/MND.Nominations for the Award are considered annually.

People working in the field of ALS/MND and organisations are encouraged to identify exceptional contributions in the field of ALS/MND and nominate them as potential recipients of these awards.

Photograph with kind permission Rod Harris MND Victoria