 Kerrel Moor (at left)
I joined Arthritis NSW in 1988 on the advice of a doctor and it has been a big part of my life ever since. I had had an episode of Rheumatoid Arthritis as a young girl, from which I recovered and later continued my education as a Nurse/Midwife, working after Graduation for 40 years in Australia and countries overseas whilst travelling the world. I had some disabilities from arthritis over those years, but good medical care and advanced treatment with medication and surgery has kept me active and able to enjoy a great life.
I was unable to join a Branch due to work commitments, but I attended and received valuable advice from several Seminars organised by Arthritis NSW. In 1997 we retired to Orange and as we had done some volunteering for the organisation, Philip Hopkins(the former CEO of Arthritis NSW) suggested we might continue by joining the local Branch. This we did and strangely, they needed our help. Russell was elected VFO for the Western District. So together we travelled many kms and met hundreds of great people. Volunteering was a great way to blend into Community affairs and we joined several other groups. University of the Third Age continues to stimulate my brain and I have been leader of a French Class for 10 years. Along with Russell, I have been on the Council Access Committee for several years. I am amazed at what these committees achieve when someone tells them what is needed.
After I had a stroke in 2001, I attended Warm Water Exercise classes for rehabilitation at the local Base Hospital, and when the Pool was going to be closed, our Arthritis Group formed a band of volunteers to supervise the exercise groups. I am still a Pool Supervisor there; it is such a happy place and a good community contact.
Russell and I are also now part of a Committee formed to help people all over Greater Western NSW, with the very significant assistance and guidance of Arthritis NSW; we wish to provide information, medical advice and support for people living with this chronic, disabling illness. A target I have aimed at for many years. With enthusiastic people and modern technology we are sure this will be achieved.
Doris Carrall (at right)
My journey with arthritis began in mid 1999 when I had the opportunity of climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Following that amazing experience I noticed a niggling problem developing with my knees and had to seek medical intervention. I believed at that time I was never going to get arthritis. However what one believes and what actually happens is often very different and it wasn’t very long until the pattern of my life changed. I worked, but with some difficulty. However by the mid 2000s I couldn’t continue working as my doctor and specialists thought I was putting too much pressure on my knees and needed to ‘lighten my load’. How was I going to cope with this? I was looking at a bleak future.
Having researched the Arthritis Foundation of NSW on the internet, I developed a close relationship with the web site. It was very helpful, lots of information and helpful hints. Next step (after leaving work) was to check out the local branch and so I visited a meeting, trying to remain inconspicuous, however after only two meetings I was elected on to the committee and a short while later found myself ‘learning the ropes’ of the secretary’s position. My life experience while working had equipped me well to take on this role. During this time Caroline (Branches Coordinator) approached me about the Voluntary Field Officer position for Ryde, Turramurra and Eastern Suburbs Branches. The learning curve was very steep; however my journey has been very enlightening and an excellent experience. I now liaise between the three branches and get to meet some wonderful people from Turramurra and Eastern Suburbs branches, enjoy their meetings and occasional lunches as well as Ryde. As support there is also an excellent education team at Arthritis NSW head office to help with phone information or just a chat if needed.
My experience as a member of Arthritis NSW has not only helped me greatly but has enabled and assisted me to help within the wider community. I am much more informed and able to help people make contact with a support group near them who can assist with information on types of arthritis, medicines and self-management their own arthritis. My commitment to Ryde Branch and Arthritis NSW is a positive influence on our members and encourages them to have an involvement as well.
My involvement with Ryde Branch of Arthritis NSW has lead to me being part of the Ryde Council Access Committee and this is a very life broadening experience as well.
Building on my own life experiences, while helping in the community, is keeping my mind alert and active, and helping me to cope with my own debilitating arthritis and get on with my life. My own support network is very valuable to me – acquaintances, friends and staff, who have also become friends, of Arthritis NSW.
Help is out there to enable each one of us to cope with this chronic and disabling illness: reach out for Arthritis NSW, help is just around the corner.
‘A problem shared is a problem halved’
Karen Filocamo, CEO of Arthritis NSW, says we
value the contribution all of our volunteers
give to
Arthritis
NSW.
“The success of a volunteer program depends
on an invisible but tangible spirit of cooperation
and value in human beings working together.” (McHenry
1988)
|
