Lung Foundation Australia and Scleroderma Australia have today announced a national partnership aimed at strengthening support, awareness and advocacy for Australians living with scleroderma and lung disease.
The announcement coincides with Scleroderma Australia’s 20th Anniversary Conference: Reflect, Connect, and Looking Forward in Sydney, marking two decades of support and advocacy for people living with the condition.
Scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis, is a chronic autoimmune condition that can affect multiple organs, including rheumatoid and thoracic diseases.
Through the partnership, the two organisations will work together to co-design patient resources, strengthen peer support programs, deliver joint education initiatives and increase awareness of lung disease within the scleroderma community and vice versa. The collaboration will also include cross-referrals between support services, participation in each organisation’s events and conferences, and joint promotion of national awareness activities.
Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke said the partnership recognises the significant impact lung disease can have for people living with scleroderma.
“Many people, as high as 1 in 3, living with scleroderma develop serious lung complications, including interstitial lung disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Lung Foundation Australia recognises the comorbidities of lung and musculoskeletal and autoimmune conditions. When breathing becomes difficult, it can affect every part of a person’s life,” Mr Brooke said.
“By working together with Scleroderma Australia, we can help ensure people affected have better access to trusted information, earlier diagnosis, and supportive care — helping more Australians protect their lung health and the gift of breath.”
Mr Brooke said collaboration between patient organisations will be an important focus for Lung Foundation Australia in the years ahead.
“Partnerships like this strengthen the voice of patients and help drive better awareness, care and research investment for people living with complex conditions that affect the lungs,” he said.
Scleroderma Australia Chair of the Board, Amanda Lawrie-Jones, welcomed the partnership as the organisation celebrates its 20-year milestone.
“Lung disease is one of the most serious complications of scleroderma, and many people in our community live with the daily challenges it brings,” Ms Lawrie-Jones said.
“Partnering with Lung Foundation Australia will help strengthen awareness, education and support so people affected by scleroderma can better understand and manage lung complications.”
“As we celebrate 20 years supporting the scleroderma community, this collaboration represents an important step forward for people living with the condition.”
“It also brings renewed hope to our community, knowing that together we can drive greater understanding, earlier intervention and improved outcomes for those affected.”
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