Linda has lived with chronic severe asthma since she was a teenager and following several hospitalisations in 2016, she was diagnosed with bronchiectasis, pulmonary oedema, chronic obstructive sleep apnoea and diastolic heart failure.
As part of her recovery, Linda participated in a pulmonary rehabilitation class and after finishing realised there were no support groups in her area that she could tap into.
“I didn’t know how much I needed other people in my life who were walking in the same shoes until I completed my pulmonary rehab class,” Linda shares.
“One of the nurses suggested I contact Lung Foundation Australia. They helped me through the process of training and starting a support group in my area.”
Despite wondering if she was up to running the group alongside her own recovery, Linda started the CLARA Support Group in 2023 for people living in the Redlands.
Volunteering connects her to community
Linda says she’s always volunteered in some way.
“I’ve volunteered on and off since I was about 15. It gives me strength to go through my own journey, and I feel supported knowing I’m not the only one.
“I love meeting new people, learning new things and occasionally pushing myself outside of my comfort zone.”
Support groups matter
“There’s a lot of people who are alone, who don’t have the support of family around them.”
“Empathy is very powerful. I’ve seen our group provide people a genuine sense of belonging, support and community.”
If someone living with a lung condition isn’t ready to join a support group, Linda suggests finding at least one person they can talk to that understands what they’re going through.
“Contacting Lung Foundation Australia is a positive step forward, it will be your greatest resource.
“They can also put you in contact with another person living with a lung condition to help offer you one on one support, or find a support group online, in person or on the phone”.
“I’ve had more access to information, services and advice since starting CLARA than I ever would have had alone.”
Her hopes for the future
Linda would like to see local GPs playing a bigger part in letting patients know of support groups.
“I wish doctors realised how much better patients fare when they have this kind of support,” she said. “A support group helps provide empathy, understanding, knowledge and access to information in an environment without judgement.”
The group currently has around 22 members and is getting ready to celebrate their second anniversary.
“I’m so proud of the group we’ve built together,” she shares.
“When we recently lost a beloved member, it was beautiful to see how the group came together to support one another.”
And if anyone is interested in starting their own peer support group, Linda says, “I’ve never regretted giving my time and my heart to CLARA and our members.”
Read more about Lung Foundation Australia’s support services, including support groups.
Feature image by Kampus Production
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