“I watched as my Mum’s whole approach to life changed. She was just 46 years old.”

As the festive season approaches, we reflect on the year and the many people we’ve been able to help together. While this time of year is often a time of joy and celebration, many continue to struggle with the daily challenges of living with musculoskeletal conditions. This is why your help, and our work continues to be so important.

I’m Jade, Chair of Musculoskeletal Health Australia’s (MHA) Board. I learned about MHA and joined as a Director after my Mum, at 46, was diagnosed with debilitating osteoporosis.

We are from country Victoria, and at the time, I couldn’t believe how few resources were available to help Mum learn about and take control of her condition. And it frustrated me. I watched her in those first few years after diagnosis and her whole approach to life changed. She had always been active, playing sport and was never afraid to have a go at anything. Her diagnosis and a lack of information about what it meant changed this. Mum became fearful because the very things she loved could now cause her to suffer a fracture. I couldn’t stand by and see Mum suffer and do nothing.

I joined the MHA Board to be part of the solution to help people, like Mum, who continue to struggle with the impacts of their conditions.

This is why I’m asking for your help.

Empowering people to learn about and manage their condition is something that our supporters have enabled MHA to do for nearly 60 years. The positive impact that MHA has on the lives of so many was something I wanted to be part of.

With your help MHA continues to be a trusted source of information and support for people impacted by musculoskeletal conditions – just like Mum and me.

There are more than 7 million Australians living with musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis and back pain and this number is expected to grow. Because of this, we have much work to do and is the reason why I am asking for your support.

We need to raise $120,000 by 31 December to ensure those in need have access to:

• Trusted information that is evidence-based and easy to understand
• Support and services, including community lectures, webinars, helpline and peer support groups.

You will also be helping us to raise awareness and build understanding through:

• Advocacy to drive policy change at all levels of government to better support people with musculoskeletal conditions
• Partnerships with academics and researchers globally to support research that delivers evidence-based solutions to the complex problems of musculoskeletal disease

• Our research that explores the experiences of people living with musculoskeletal conditions and the negative impacts these conditions have on their lives.

Your gift at this time will make a real difference to the lives of those who look to us for support. Please make your donation by 31 December and help us reach our target.

With the support that Mum has received, I am pleased to share that she is now managing well and feels in control of her musculoskeletal health. The difference our supporters make is real. Mum is no longer held back by fears about her condition, and lives a confident, full and happy life. Mum’s story is just one example of the many people we have been able to help together – thank you!

I wish you and those close to you, a happy and safe festive season.

With warm regards,

Jade Rowarth
Chair

PS:  Please make your tax-deductible donation by 31 December. We estimate the number of Australians living with a musculoskeletal condition will grow by 175,000 people in the next 12 months, increasing the demand for our services and support. Thank you!

If you would prefer to make your donation in person, please call us on 03 8531 8011, or via Direct Deposit BSB: 633 000  A/C No: 212 512 974 quoting your first and last name as reference.

All donations $2 and over are tax deductible.