But what about the pain of loneliness? Like many people here in Tasmania, Nicki’s diagnosis left her achingly isolated.
“My knees and my back hurt so bad, that I couldn’t walk more than a few steps. I couldn’t mow the lawn or go to the park or visit friends, if they lived somewhere up a flight of stairs.”
“When you can’t do the things you love or see the people who make you smile, you quickly lose hope. I was crying all the time. I felt so miserable and so incredibly lonely.”
Will you be there for people like Nicki? Will you give a gift today, so they don’t have to struggle with arthritis alone?
Your generosity is the reason why Arthritis Tasmania can run our vital programs – providing specialist support and, crucially, bringing people together.
But we urgently need to expand, to make sure no one in our state is left isolated. That means raising $25,000 as soon as possible, so I’m hoping you can donate.
“I learned exercises to improve my flexibility, so I’m less at the mercy of my body now. I’ve got much stronger, physically and mentally. I even managed to start gardening again.”
“The exercise class changed everything. I realise that I don’t have to face arthritis alone. I feel more hopeful. I can’t make arthritis go away – but I’m doing my best to live with it.”
Every day, more and more people in Tasmania are diagnosed with arthritis. Please give a gift, so they don’t have to carry the burden on their own.
With your gift, you could help fund our Strength and Balance Exercise Class – like one that Nicki joined. For the first time, she met others who understood what she was going through.