Ripped Sonny Bill to auction jersey - September 12, 2011
Poster-boy Sonny Bill Williams, the darling of female rugby fans for exposing his chest to replace a ripped jersey when the All Blacks played Tonga, is to auction the shirt for charity.
He hopes to raise more than NZ$22,800 ($A17,650) for the Violet Foundation which promotes meningococcal awareness, which would top the successful bid for the handbag used by legendary All Black Tana Umaga in a bar-room stoush.
All Blacks doctor Deb Robinson says she's been told she is the envy of every woman because she helped put the replacement jersey on, but Williams said he copped plenty of flack from the team for his topless cameo.
"More so from Benny Franks. I think he's little jealous. He thinks I'm all show no go," he quipped during a press conference.
Burly prop Franks, sitting next to Williams responded: "Now, he rings me up every morning to go in and help put his jersey on."
Young Survivor Inspires Hope - 1st September 2011
WITHIN 12 hours of realising something was wrong with her seven-month-old baby, a purple rash had spread all over his body and his organs had shut down.
Kylie Pochyly knows too well how quickly the deadly meningococcal disease can strike.
Her son Thorn, now 10, was lucky to survive. He suffered brain damage, kidney failure, scarring and had his foot amputated at the ankle.
But survive he did, and on Friday he’ll wear purple to mark the inaugural National Meningococcal Day.
Coffs Harbour Public School, where Thorn attends classes, will run educational activities to give the children a better understanding of what their schoolmate has been through.
The students will be encouraged to wear purple for a gold coin donation which will go to the Violet Foundation.
The Violet Foundation was designed to raise awareness, support victims and their families and provide funding for research into prevention.
Thorn is excited that everyone will be learning about the disease which has profoundly impacted his life.
“I feel much better since getting the kidney transplant,” Thorn said.
Pointing to his prosthetic leg, which needs replacing every six months, he said “friends can kick me here and I can’t feel it”.
Ms Pochyly said she was grateful to school principal Peter Hickey for agreeing to raise awareness among students.
“Also, I’ll have a stand at the Sensations Cafe (in the BP Service Station at Park Beach) where I’ll be giving out information booklets, key rings, magnets and balloons and collecting donations for the Violet Foundation,” Ms Pochyly said.
“There are so many deaths – we need to make people aware of the symptoms so they can quickly respond.”
From the Coffs Coast Advocate, http://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/story/2011/09/01/young-survivor-inspires-hope-meningococcal/
Meningococcal Awareness Day - Friday 2 Sept
Meningococcal Disease is a rare bacterial disease that can cause death within minutes if not recognised and treated immediately.
Meningococcal Awareness Day - Friday 2 Sept - seeks to bring this dangerous disease into the spotlight.
Organisers are asking people to stop using their right arm for 15 minutes in support of the victims of this deadly disease.
Meningococcal Disease has claimed the limbs and lives of so many Australians.
MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE
· Australia has seen declines in the incidence of Meningococcal since the Men C vaccine was introduced. However, there are still around 250 - 300 cases per year.
· Men B makes up 80-90% of all cases.
· Most cases occur in under 5s and in 20-25 year-olds
· NSW has most cases, followed by Queensland and Victoria.
· Cases occur all year round but most commonly in Winter
· Death rate continues to improve - now about 5%
How do you catch meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is spread by secretions in the nose and throat; Coughing and sneezing (remember to cover when needed), kissing, prior viral respiratory infection, crowding, sharing drinks, exposure to smokers.
· The Men C vaccine is very effective
· The Men B vaccine may become available in next two years.
More info
http://www.meningococcalaustralia.org.au
Meningococcal Disease Signs and Symptoms
From Sunrise Website, http://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunrise/factsheets/article/-/10161168/meningococcal-awareness-day-friday-2-sept/