Central West Auto Immune Disease Support Group

When Lusi Austin was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus last year, she went looking for a Facebook Group where she could connect with others who understood what she was going through.

As a once active person, musician and busy mother, Lusi’s life changed dramatically when her body began aggressively attacking its own organs. Driving out of town for emotional support was out of the question as she was now limited to driving short distances. Lusi decided to set up the Facebook group called the Central West Auto Immune Disease Support Group. She shared the group over several Facebook community groups and within a few weeks had over 50 people join.

The group now has just under 90 members and last week had its first physical meet up at the Cowra Bowling Club. It was amazing to be able to meet in person and share stories of how these auto immune diseases affect lives of many living in the Central West of NSW. In the Facebook group topics of discussion have already included self-care, asking which services people would like to see available in the Central West along with a list of specialists ranging from rheumatologists to dermatologists, endocrinologists to immunologists and many others.

Lusi says that goal of the Facebook group is to create a safe space where people can connect, share their stories, resources and information in the hopes of creating a real support network for those living with auto immune disease (and their carers) in Central Western NSW. You can find the group here: www.facebook.com/groups/centralwestautoimmunediseasesupportgroup

• Topics:
• Community
• Health Smart