The Rodger's | The family behind the MND Superball

One of MND Victoria’s longest-running community fundraisers, the Superball began after Mick Rodger, from the regional Victorian town of Benalla, was diagnosed with MND in 2006.

Mick’s father, uncle and brother had also battled MND, and it was Mick’s close group of mates who decided to create an event to support the Rodger family and the wider MND community. At the time, research funding was limited, and Mick hoped funds raised would help drive research into treatments and the potential familial connection between MND cases like his own.

Although Mick sadly passed away in 2010, his legacy lives on. What began as a small family fundraiser quickly grew into a 600-person gala event, with the MND Superball becoming a powerful example of community-led support.

The Rodger family matriarch, Mary, 92, remains as passionate as ever in her support of MND Victoria. Every year, she makes the journey from Barooga to Melbourne to support this cause so close to her heart.

Across almost two decades, including virtual Zoom Superballs held during 2020 and 2021, this incredible community has helped fund more than $1 million in MND research grants.

Genetic Counselling Service | A new way to support MND families

In 2025, the committee and the Rodger family embraced the opportunity to direct funds raised towards this incredible project that could support families facing the same questions and challenges they once did.

The pathway for people looking to explore gene testing due to a family member’s MND diagnosis was not a simple one to navigate. Knowing where to start with the process was often unclear, and there were waiting periods to be seen by a genetic counsellor.

This was something Mick’s son and his partner experienced firsthand when they were looking into gene testing before starting their own family, highlighting just how important access to this new service will be for families impacted by MND.

The new service prioritises MND patients and provides specialised care and understanding for those who know just how important time can be when it comes to MND.

Now a great-grandmother of two, Mary Rodger has seen firsthand the comfort and reassurance that access to genetic counselling can provide as the Rodger family continues to grow. While Mick and brother Paul did not get to meet their grandchildren, there is comfort in knowing that their family and friends have had a direct impact on ensuring that other families can access dedicated and expert care through MND Victoria and Monash Health.