Victorian MP Emma Vulin reveals motor neurone disease diagnosis

Allan sent her love and support to Vulin and her family. She has asked Vulin to take some time and digest the news with those she loves.

“I want to thank Emma for her incredible bravery in sharing this very personal news,” Allan wrote on Instagram.

“When Emma first told me, we spoke about the importance of taking some time to process this with the people she loves. I’m so glad that she is taking that time.

“To know Emma is to be in awe of her fight. She fought to become the first Labor member for Pakenham. She fought to recover from a stroke at just 36. And as a CFA volunteer, she literally fights fire to keep her community safe.

“I know she’ll give this fight everything she’s got.

“On behalf of the Victorian Labor family, we’re sending our love to Emma, Matt, Sienna, Sage and Maisie the wonder dog.

“We’re with you today, tomorrow and every day to come.”

According to MND Australia, MND is a term used for a group of diseases that attack nerve cells called motor neurons which carry messages to make movements like walking, swallowing, talking and breathing from the brain to muscles via the spinal cord.

“In motor neurone disease, the nerves become damaged and start to die,” MND Australia says in its explanation of the illness.

“When this happens, muscles start to weaken and waste away. Currently, there is no cure for MND and it is life-limiting.”

A number of politicians from state and federal level sent messages of support to Vulin on Sunday via social media.

One message referenced former AFL player and coach Neale Daniher who was diagnosed with MND in 2013 and continues to battle the illness while raising money for research as the patron and co-founder of the FightMND charity.

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