This EOFY, help change the story for people like Henry

Top Donation $1,000.00

Average Donation $117.65

Meet Henry Barker, a remarkable young Australian whose life took an unexpected and tragic turn. Henry’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the urgent need for support and understanding beyond our community. At just 13 years old, he contracted COVID-19, an illness that would change his world. Little did he know, this virus would lead to complications including long COVID and ME/CFS – complex and often misunderstood conditions.

Imagine being Henry, a once vibrant and active child and teenager, now battling fatigue, pain, and the invisible nature of his illness.

Before his diagnosis, Henry was an interested and engaged student. He loved being outside, off technology. Now life has become a daily struggle, forcing him to watch from the sidelines, unable to fully engage in the experiences that define his youth. The loneliness is palpable, and the constant need to explain his condition takes an emotional toll.

"We need to take a day at a time and it can be heartbreaking, but I know Henry will be okay because of his mindset. If he held on to all the negative experiences he has had – whether at school, or in the healthcare system or in community – he’d be so much worse."

Jen, Henry’s Mum

Henry now faces a different reality, where simple tasks become mountains to climb. Stairs are a challenge, and attending school in person each day is not possible. His social life has suffered, and family adventures have given way to a life spent mostly in bed. Each activity has a cost, which usually goes unseen.

Henry’s voice is powerful, and it echoes the sentiments of over 250,000 Australians living with ME/CFS and 400,000 living with long COVID. At a recent Parliamentary Friends of ME/CFS meeting, Henry courageously shared his story, highlighting the impact of these conditions on adolescence and the importance of recognition and action.

"It is really lonely - even more than what teenagers already experience. This illness is invisible, so you are always having to explain yourself, which is exhausting. People don't realise the energy it takes and the physical toll it has on you. It's a constant battle."

Henry

Emerge Australia is dedicated to being the voice for people like Henry, advocating for change and raising awareness. In the past year, we have made significant strides, meeting with parliamentarians, submitting proposals to government, and hosting events in Canberra. Your support has been instrumental in our efforts to bring these issues to the forefront.

Our Telehealth nurses have provided a beacon of hope for Henry and his family, offering guidance and comfort.

As for so many, the barriers Henry encounters are not just physical; they are systemic. The health and education systems often fail to meet his needs. Medical practices are inaccessible, and finding the right doctors is a daunting task. Henry’s story highlights the urgent need for better support and understanding within these crucial systems.  

"The advice from Emerge Australia's Telehealth nurse has been invaluable. It's given me a sense of hope and a feeling of being understood."

Henry

Your donation before 30 June will help us train more GPs, ensuring they are equipped to provide the best care for patients. The impact of our clinical education programs is evident, with an overwhelming majority of GPs indicating a willingness to implement changes and recommend our training to colleagues. For example:

94% of GPs indicate they are likely to make changes to their clinical practice following their clinical education experience with Emerge Australia 
93% are likely to recommend Emerge Australia’s education to their clinical colleagues 
98% believe and support the need for more GP education on ME/CFS and long COVID.

"After attending the Emerge Australia education program, I feel better prepared to support my ME/CFS and long COVID patients. It has been an eye-opening experience."

GP Education Participant

Please join us on this journey of compassion and change. Together, we can make a profound impact and ensure that no one has to face these challenges alone.

Henry’s story is a call to action. It reminds us that behind every statistic is a human with dreams, aspirations, and the right to live a fulfilling life. Your generosity today enables Emerge Australia to provide critical support to people like Henry.