ARTHRITIS NZ
Lou here guys, talking from a place very close to my heart. Those who know me know that my little girl, Phoebe was diagnosed with Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis when she was just 18 months old. “She’s too young” I hear you say? Well, yep that’s what Kris and I thought before we started this journey in 2014.
We’ve come to understand that this is not the case and sadly 1 in 1000 children under the age of 16 will endure this condition. We also learned that there are many types of arthritis, over 140 in fact, from Gout to Ankylosing Spondylitis.
When Phoebe was first diagnosed Arthritis New Zealand made contact with me. An Arthritis Educator (who was also a mum of a boy with JIA) and I were able to discuss the condition and its future for Phoebe. At this early stage it was comforting to be reached out to and to be understood.
I respect what Arthritis NZ does for all the many people in our country affected by the conditions under the umbrella of Arthritis. They are constantly campaigning for our Government to acknowledge what is, “one of the leading causes of disability in New Zealand”. They also hold seminars, events, clinics, exercise classes, healthy living and peer support courses and kids camps to help serve our broad arthritis community.
To acknowledge the support my family has been given and to help with their ongoing efforts I would like to pledge $1 from every sale made through www.pennylou.co.nz to Arthritis NZ.
So thank you Arthritis NZ and thanks to YOU for supporting this worthy cause… and Phoebe!