Artist confronts arthritis misconception

A photographic exhibition on display in the Royal Newcastle Centre is putting an end to a common misconception that arthritis only strikes older people.

Twenty-two year old Jessica Maiden’s personal experience with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis has inspired her to produce an exhibition to educate people about the disease.

Jessica said she hopes her photographic art, Rheuma has it. . . , will eliminate any scepticism or misconceptions people have about arthritis, and raise community awareness that children and young adults also suffer from this often debilitating disease.

“Arthritis doesn’t discriminate when it comes to age,” Jessica said. 

“I want the community to confront the images of these people, including very young children and myself, to educate them on a disease that is not always spoken about.

“There’s no cure for arthritis – you just have to learn to live with it.
 
“If sufferers and their families are better informed, they can understand what’s happening and learn how to live with the disease.”

Rheuma has it . . . is on display at the Royal Newcastle Centre as part of the John Hunter Hospital Arts for Health Program.  The program aims to act as a catalyst for strengthening and energising the hospital community and enhancing the psychological, physical and emotional health and well being of all patients, visitors and staff.

Contact: Gemma Smith

Phone: 4921 4501