WYLLIE ARTHRITIS CENTRE 17 Lemnos Street, Shenton Park WA 6008 | PO Box 34, Wembley WA 6913 Tel: (08) 9388 2199 Fax: (08) 9388 4488 Email: general@arthritiswa.org.au www.arthritiswa.org.au
Dear Friend,
June 2013
Earlier this year, I invited our members to tell us how arthritis and its many cousins affected them. I enclosed a page headed “Have your say…” and a great many supporters did exactly that. I’m sure you would not be surprised to learn that the response was overwhelming, heart-warming but also alarming with the nature of the replies following an all too common thread.
The result is a resounding accumulation of evidence of the need for the work we do – teaching people how to live with their pain, how to sleep better, how to retain mobility and avoid the worst symptoms of these many auto-immune diseases. Shaky handwriting made the words so hard to read; relief from pain was the stand out wish, even for just an hour. One lady wished only “for the Lord above to take me and give me rest”
Another wrote a poem…
“I’ve been around a long time and it would be true to say, That every moving part I’ve got has really had its day, I need regeneration from my head down to my toes, For I’ve gone past my ‘use-by-date’ and sadly how it shows.” And this one…
“One wish: That research would be successful and a cure be found!” To see the impact arthritis has on so many and to show you you’re not alone on this journey, I have included some of the many responses over the page for you to read and in hope, you may be moved enough to support us with a donation today by clicking the ‘Donate Now’ button below.
And we share with you the hope a cure is in sight. To that end and in collaboration with UWA, we have established a Chair in Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Medicine, and currently seek applicants to fill the position of Professor. Once appointed, the Professor’s task is to teach GP’s the finer details of these diseases plus undertake the essential research towards seeking a cure. Our challenge now, is to fund that position as soon as possible and strive to relieve the debilitating and pain ridden symptoms of our many donors and supporters.
I ask for your support. The support of people like yourself is crucial, we waste not a cent and are frugal in all that we do.
To have the load shared by more people helps everyone. Together, we will surely find a cure. Until then, we are grateful for all that you do, however much you can give, today, yesterday and in the future. With your help, we will achieve our goals, find a cure and empower Yours Sincerely a pain free daily existence for all who wish it so. We’ll be grateful for whatever you can give... please click the button below to donate securly & immediately online today or print and send the donation coupon at the end of this letter.
Ric Forlano Executive Director
In
my letter to our members I asked what they might wis
The response was overwhelming and my wish is that I could bring relief to each and everyon of other generous people in our community, that one day - this wish may come true. I share in the hope you may, as I did, feel the suffering this debilitating disease causes and be moved cure, and make our wishes come true. “... hands, right hip, right knee, base spine. Frustration doesn’t help!! Use ‘aide’ often, bottles etc... Exercise to keep movement. Take Glucosomine Daily. Use Rapid Cream.” Jo, Kalamunda My Wish: That research would be successful and a “cure found” “I have both OSTO and Ryathord. I have had corazone needles in my ankles and knee which has helped a little. I take Senior multi-fish oil tablet everyday and Panadol Osteo three times daily. I have pain in my back everyday...” Tessa, Brigadoon My Wish: That I don’t get any worse than I am as I am in pain everyday.
“Writing is difficult. Both hands ( fingers)” My Wish: Relief !!
* Names have been changed to respect privacy.
“(I) have had some arthritis for about 10 years but arthroscopy to left knee and x-rays to lumber confirmed last 2 years. Can now only walk slowly and suffer quite a bit of pain - hips and knees. Less pain thumbs, forefinger foot and neck. Will need knee replacement but have been looking at stem cells at Macquarie. It is very expensive and not available in WA... I am 77 and if I live as long as my mother and grandmother can hope for 10 more years. I used to be a great walker but now down to 1/2 km morning and late afternoon with my dog.
I’m having to use a walking stick on long days to visit family. Feel unsafe in crowds without it.” Eileen, Mount Hawthorn My Wish: To be able to walk, dance and swim. “I have arthritis of the spine and in several joints as well. Ten years ago I felt I would end up in a wheelchair but I went to see an Exercise Physiologist and still go regularly to his gym. I am sure that the exercises that I do have helped me tremendously together with the wonderful support and encouragement that the staff all give... a great deal of my income goes on medical expenses. ...” Tom, Duncraig My Wish: Would really LOVE one pain free day. “I woke up one morning when I had pain in my right wrist... Upon being referred to my Rheumatologist it was discovered I had Rheumatoid Arthritis and later also developed Osteo Arthritis. I was first put on Methotrexate for a number of years but it played up in my liver. So medication was changed a few times and am now on Neoral caps. But am still in pain....” Daniel, Butler My Wish: Just find a cure for this terrible disease please.
sh for if we could grant just one wish.
ne suffering from Arthritis. I hope, that with your help and the help e with you here just some of the hundreds of responses I received d to make a gift, no matter how small in our fight to one day find a
“Arthritis and osteoporosis, two replaced news. Epilepsy. New eyes - what more could one want. I am in my 70’s on a farm, large garden plus veg. My feet give me hell - pain wise. Is there anything one can do apart from sitting and reading?” “I was diagnosed at 28. I am now 64 nearly 65. Over the years I had 2 right shoulder replacements - can’t do anymore as there is no recess left in my scapula to hold it. I have limited movement upwards in my arm.
agnosed with “Six years ago I was di dary to my breast bone cancer. ( as secon had a nuclear bone cancer)... I just recently iderable arthritis scan and it showed cons ankle plus a few in my right hip and left es me the most other areas. The hip givl Osteo for this pain but I take Panado I feel there are so and it does help a little.o suffer more than many other people wh ur research and me so please keep up yoe up with some real hopefully you will com condition.” answers to this painful
Two bilateral knee replacements, one left spacer put in left in between left knee is loose again due to bone loss after 5 years. Right foot collapsed due to left implant being put in wrong though the knee does work. Left elbow replaced twice, now no left elbow due to infection. Left splint has to be worn. 24-7 - flail arm - operations to straighten left fingers... right hand deformed in the process of ‘self fusion.’14 - 17 medications a day. I am fortunate I can still live in my home with help... pain is managed OK. I struggle on a pension. Is there going to be any care given at Fiona Stanley for people with chronic disabilities?... My surgeon tells me there is nothing in place. We are a grey area.” Michael, Kallaroo
Whilst Arthritis research has come a long way, as you can see by the comments here, we still have much to do. Please help us make these ‘wishes’ come true and please click the donation
button below or complete the coupon over the page and give your most generous gift today. Thankyou
June 2013
Dear Friend,
Because Arthritis is not selective in who it attacks, or sympathetic to the agony it causes, the need for a timely cure is vital. The evidence, simply overwhelming. Funding the new Professor position is one step closer to battling arthritis and its many cousins head-on. With your help, we will achieve our goals, find a cure and empower a pain free daily existence for all who wish it so. I will be grateful for any amount you can give...
17 Lemnos Street, Shenton Park WA 6008 PO Box 34, Wembley WA 6913 Telephone: (08) 9388 2199 Fax: (08) 9388 4488 www.arthritiswa.org.au
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Thank you for today’s gift. You can also help us achieve a pain-free future by leaving a bequest in your Will. Tick for information. I’d like to leave a bequest to Arthritis & Osteoporosis WA in my will. Please tell me how. I have already included Arthritis & Osteoporosis WA in my will.
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To donate by phone, please call (08) 9388 2199 & have your credit card handy. You can also donate by fax on (08) 9388 4488 or online at www.arthritiswa.org.au
Thankyou for your donation. Please mail your completed coupon to: Ric Forlano, AFWA, PO Box 34 Wembley WA 6913
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