Queensland grandfather living with MND for 29 years celebrates 90th birthday
John Dinon, a Queensland man diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) 29 years ago, recently celebrated his 90th birthday. His survival is considered a rare medical milestone, as he was originally given a prognosis of only two to five years.
Why it matters
The story highlights the variability of MND progression and provides a rare, hopeful narrative regarding long-term survival with a terminal diagnosis.
When John Dinon was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, he was told by a doctor he had two to five years to live. ( ABC News: Sarah Richards )
Link copied Share Share article John Dinon has lived with motor neurone disease (MND) for almost a third of his life, making him one of the longest-surviving people with the progressive neurological condition in Australia.
The Queensland grandfather celebrated his 90th birthday last month, a milestone he and his wife weren't expecting to reach.
"He didn't think he would last that long. No, neither did I," Johanna Dinon said.
Mr Dinon and his wife Johanna Dinon weren't expecting to be celebrating his 90th birthday. ( ABC News: Sarah Richards )
The MND diagnosis 29 years ago came as a shock to the couple.
Mr Dinon said he had asked the doctor, "What the hell is that?"
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in