She was diagnosed with fibromyalgia eight years ago and rather than let the condition defeat her she uses it as a strength to help others.
She formed a support group, Fibro & Us, for those who suffer with or care for someone who with fibromyalgia.
The group covers those in the Rockingham, Kwinana, Baldivis and Dawesville area and is slowly growing into other areas.
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READ NOW“Fibromyalgia is the most common musculoskeletal condition after osteoarthritis but it is still often misdiagnosed and misunderstood,” Michelle said.
“Its characteristics include widespread muscle and joint pain, fatigue as well as over 200 other symptoms. Fibromyalgia can lead to depression and social isolation.”
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She said the registered not-for-profit group not only provides information on the condition but offers a valuable and therapeutic social connection for sufferers.
“Our social events are an informal get-together for people with fibromyalgia and their supporters,” she said.
“There’s no need to book – just turn up on the day.”
The group holds regular events in Rockingham, Port Kennedy and Kwinana and will soon be adding Mandurah and Baldivis.
“We frequently hear ‘I didn’t know there was support available’ or ‘I thought I was the only one’ so I am just letting people know we are there for them,” Michelle said.
For a full list of events, visit https://www.facebook.com/ groups/fibro.events