Brad's story
My wife Lorae and I have lived on the NSW South Coast for over 35 years at Batemans Bay.
In 1970 I was diagnosed with Juvenile Onset Type 1 Diabetes and later diagnosed with kidney disease. Then in 2000 I identified as end-stage renal failure and commenced dialysis. In 2007 I received a kidney and pancreas organ transplant
Whilst on dialysis, listening and talking with others living with kidney disease and their families, friends and carers, Lorae and I established The Eurobodalla Renal Support Group & Organ Donor Awareness.
From day one the support group has held a high priority that this was to always be a friendly sharing group, bringing likeminded people together to chat, listen and learn.
Kidney Health Australia supplied us with supporting literature and handouts for our activities.
We also commenced our Awareness & Education community program that put us face to face with the community. We hold this at The Bridge Plaza Batemans Bay every Friday and it is now affectionately known as Find Out Friday.
For previous Kidney Health Week events, we invited one of our local renal nurses to attend to answer questions, perform blood pressure checks and in the early years Kidney Health Australia’s Billy the Kidney would also be part of the community awareness event.
Since 2012 I have been the Chair for The Southern New South Wales Local Health Districts Community Representative Committee SNSWLHD CRC. & I also currently sit on a number of health-related committees that includes both state & National:
- NSW Health Agency for Clinical Innovations ACI & the Clinical Excellence Commission CEC Consumer Council.
- ACI Renal Executive ACI Renal Community of Practice CoP.
- ACI Rural & Remote Executive Committee. ACI Diabetes Committee.
- ACI Disability Committee.
- ACI Telehealth Taskforce.
- CEC Pressure Injury’s & Falls Working Group.
- CEC LBVC Chronic Wounds working group.
- Health Consumers NSW Leadership Committee.
- Consumers Health Forum Rural Remote Special Interest Group
- Eurobodalla Shire Disability Inclusive Advisory Committee.
I am also invited guest presenter & speaker for additional committees, groups & organisations.
In 2010 I received a Kidney Health Australia Operation Angel Award, 2012 Eurobodalla Shire Citizen of the Year. Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow & on Australia Day 2020 I received The Order of Australia Medal OAM.
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