Kerry McDonald knew firsthand how tough it can be when you run out of the six government-funded oxygen bottles in a month.

“Oxygen bottles are expensive, and if you run out of those funded by the Government, it can really impact your quality of life.”

Kerry wanted to ensure that other people don’t miss out on oxygen when they need it. To this end, she and her husband Kevin started a fund to purchase a portable oxygen concentrator.   Scleroderma Victoria supports this program and the six portable oxygen concentrators are loaned out to scleroderma patients who need this extra help to get out and about.

“As you may know, Scleroderma Victoria is a not-for-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers,” says president Amanda Lawrie-Jones

“Our dedication to support the community of people with scleroderma is ongoing. We couldn’t do it without our friends and family members.

“We would like more family and friends to join Scleroderma Victoria as members so we can support more people.

“Increased memberships benefit our advocacy for grant applications and government support – so we need your help,” Amanda says.

 

How you can sign up today?

You can join through our online membership form.

What does the membership include?

Every membership counts. We work hard as volunteers to provide services to our members. We:

  • Contribute to fund the Scleroderma Nurses at specialist clinics

  • Maintain the Victorian Support Groups

  • Schedule specialist guest speakers for our Support Group meetings

  • Organise and host fundraising events

  • Fund research at the Australian Scleroderma Interest Group (ASIG)

  • Supply portable oxygen concentrators to people with scleroderma

  • Facilitate information seminars

  • Raise the profile of people with scleroderma to the broader community

  • Publish quarterly newsletters with info and research updates.