40 Years of Hope and Support
When we were founded 40 years ago, there were no organisations providing support and guidance to people with osteoporosis.
Today, millions of people like Vic and George (below) rely on us for trusted information and support.
Vic's Story
In May last year, the impact on Vic’s bone health became devastatingly clear. She was told she had osteoporosis.
Vic was terrified of what physical changes and pain might lie ahead. Fearful, too, that she would feel alone, with no one understanding what she was going through. ‘My colleagues noticed a change in my mood and asked what was wrong. But I felt really embarrassed, so I didn’t tell them. When I googled it, I saw so much negativity – I felt like it was the end of the world as I knew it.’
Thankfully, following support from our specialist nurse team, Vic felt more confident in understanding her treatment. At her next scan she was excited to see an improvement in her bone density.
I now exclusively get my information from the ROS website because I trust it.
Now, Vic has returned to the dance and yoga she loves; ‘The classes help me feel part of things again, as I often felt isolated.’
George's Story
Like so many people, George believed and had been repeatedly told by health professionals that ‘men don’t get osteoporosis.' So, when he was diagnosed after two breaks in his spine, not only was he shocked, but he felt a sense of personal failure.
George assumed he was alone in his experience. A lack of public information aimed at men only reinforced this belief. Even at the doctors’ surgery, he found that medical staff had a limited knowledge of osteoporosis in men. ‘Men are really treated quite unfairly when it comes to osteoporosis,’ George says, ‘because they’re not getting help or the advice from their GP.’
Thankfully, George’s outlook began to change when he joined our online Men’s Network. Speaking with other men who’ve gone through similar experiences showed George he was far from alone, easing his isolation.
Support was non-existent until I found the ROS website and community.
But it doesn't stop there. Your support today could help more people like Vic and George to live well with osteoporosis today, tomorrow, and for the next forty years through:
Research: Stopping that first break ever happening is the key to beating osteoporosis. You could help researchers build the case for the world’s first screening programme to identify people at risk before a break occurs.
Prevention: We’re pressing governments to deliver high quality Fracture Liaison Services to help prevent osteoporosis by identifying people who’ve already suffered a broken bone, so they’re assessed and treated before another break. Your generosity could help expand The Great British Bone Check, so that more people get receive life-changing early diagnoses.
Specialist nurse Helpline: Our small team of nurses w provide vital information and support. Your help could help our nurses bring comfort and support to people at the toughest moments of their lives.
Vital information: On our website we provide various information on how to live well with osteoporosis.