Tax Appeal

“My back pain has existed most of my adult life. The pain in my spine is so bad I find by the time I have made and eaten lunch, I need to lie down for an hour to stop the pain. This goes on every day. I try to keep moving, but the pain gets to an unbearable point. The only thing that settles it is to lie down. Needless to say, I can no longer work.” 

Did you know that painful and often debilitating back pain affects almost 4 million Australians? Many of them face loss of income, social isolation, disability and an uncertain future.

“I live in a rural area and can’t access much information or many services. I hope you will focus on resources for rural and remote communities, and for people like me living with back pain – we are desperate.” 

Michael*, aged 49 – MSK survey respondent.

No one wants to feel unheard…especially when they’re in pain.

Perhaps surprisingly, despite all the information currently available, people continue to tell me that they struggle to find a free, safe, and credible one-stop-shop that will help build their knowledge and understanding of how to navigate this painful condition.

I’m Helen Jentz, CEO of Musculoskeletal Australia (MSK) and I am excited to share with you our plans for the development of our newest initiative – Got Your Back (GYB).

GYB is a joint effort of health professionals, universities, people with lived experience, and MSK. It will be a user friendly, online platform providing targeted health information. Features will include the latest research, treatment options, help line and much more. GYB will be a comprehensive resource for managing back pain and maintaining good back health. Importantly, GYB will link people to a network of back health professionals and provide the opportunity to connect with others living with back pain.

Our generous donors have ensured that for over 50 years MSK has been able to deliver quality services, support and information. We continue to be focused on our vision of improving the quality of life of people living with or at risk of developing conditions like back pain. GYB will be an essential addition to the evidence-based support and services we currently provide for people living with other musculoskeletal conditions. Importantly, it will provide people living with back pain with choices and tools to take ownership of and manage their condition.

To kick-start this vital project, I urgently need your help. We need to raise $100,000 by 30 June to get to work. Please make a tax-deductible donation before 30 June, so that together we can give people with back pain the help and support they so desperately need.

The hidden disability that is back pain can strike at any time, regardless of age and ability. Sadly, people with back pain tell us that they often have to deal with disbelief or suspicion about the reality or extent of their pain and the impact it has on their lives.

Imagine the relief Michael and millions of others like him will feel when they get the support, they so rightly deserve, through free access to everything that Got Your Back has to offer.

Thank you for considering this important project.

Helen Jentz
Chief Executive Officer
Musculoskeletal Australia

If you would prefer to make your donation in person, please call us on 03 8531 8011, or via Direct Deposit BSB: 633 000  A/C No: 212 512 974 quoting your first and last name as reference.

Thank you!

All donations $2 and over are tax deductible. If funds raised exceed the amount required for this project, Musculoskeletal Australia will direct them to the next greatest area of need.

*Name changed to maintain anonymity.