Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP, welcomed Saratoga-based constituent Joseph Sullivan to Parliament House in Canberra during March as part of Myeloma Australia’s presentation to Parliament of its Economic Impact Study in Australia.
The event included representatives from Myeloma Australia, Australians living with the disease, their family and friends, along with parliamentarians, and other stakeholders.
Attendees gained insight into the impacts of the disease and the importance of raising awareness across communities.
Joseph Sullivan lives with Multiple Myeloma and shared his lived experience as well as advocated for increased awareness and support for those affected by the disease during the event.
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP:
“It was important that I attended Myeloma Australia’s event in Parliament House to learn and understand how I can use my position in Parliament to support Australians living with the disease.
“Multiple Myeloma affects about 22,000 Australians and there are around 2,000 new cases every year.
“The disease affects males at a higher rate and can start at any age.
“It was insightful learning about Joseph Sullivan’s lived experience with the disease and the work that he is doing to raise greater awareness here on the Central Coast and across Australia.
“I will continue to support Joseph, his family, and all those living with Multiple Myeloma in our community, to ensure greater awareness and support is achieved.”
Quotes attributable to Saratoga resident, Mr Joseph Sullivan:
“The visit down to Canberra was to present the economic impact of Multiple Myeloma to Parliament with Myeloma Australia. To bring more awareness about Multiple Myeloma, showing that a complex cancer like this needs more funding for treatment options and bring this under recognised and under prioritised cancer to the attention of the ones who need to hear it most.
"For me being there and involved in this was an opportunity to tell my story with Myeloma and to demonstrate that people of any age can get Myeloma and the burden it has on a patient.
"I am at a stage where there are no funded treatment options even though there are modern treatments available but not funded and to be a voice and face for everyone fighting this terrible disease.
"I think the best thing to do is listen to your body, we all know when something is not feeling right and advocate for yourself to your GP or Dr in getting a blood test.
"Getting yourself checked is one of the most important things to do for early detection which then if there is evidence of Multiple Myeloma that will lead to early treatment.
"This all comes with spreading awareness about this cancer as I had never heard of it until I was Diagnosed.
"I believe the Federal Government can help in different ways from funding modern treatments to patients at different stages in their fight with Myeloma from freshly diagnosed all the way up to multiple relapses with aggressive Myeloma such is where I am at so there is an option of treatment rather than having to rely on clinical trials which aren't always accessible to all patients.
"Funding for areas of care for patients living with Multiple Myeloma as it is one of the costliest cancers for someone living with the disease.
"Greater Awareness, Access to Treatments and Research Funding.
"I always say just get yourself checked as you never know. I was fit and healthy and next thing you know my spine was fractured and ribs looked like swiss cheese as the disease had hit very quickly. There were signs of fatigue and such and I was in the process of blood tests, but it had taken hold before I got my results back.
"As for patients living with Myeloma, keep yourself moving as much as you can and enjoying life as best you can and keep up the awareness of this disease.
"And you can never forget....Donate Blood.
"Keep Smiling."
To learn more about Multiple Myeloma or to access the Economic Impact Report visit Myeloma Australia via its website: https://myeloma.org.au/
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