Woman starts group for Osteoporosis on PEI-Nov.19,2008

After being diagnosed with Osteoporosis two years ago, Colleen Murray wanted to let others know how to handle and prevent it.
For the first time on P.E.I. the Island woman gave an information session about osteoporosis in Charlottetown, Nov. 15.
Murray is chair of the P.E.I. chapter of Osteoporosis and started the first ever support group for osteoporosis on the island.
She said it was a big surprise and shock when she found out she got it because it was so unexpected.
“I knew that I was going to get a heads up about being on the way to osteoporosis, but I never would have thought I actually had it. It’s pretty scary stuff.”
Osteoporosis is a softening of the bones that gradually increases and makes them more fragile. It is caused by the gradual loss of calcium, which helps make bones hard, and occurs most often in elderly women. The weakness in the bones caused by Osteoporosis can result in bone fractures and breaks, most commonly in the hip, wrist, and spine.
Murray started volunteering in June 2006 when she attended the June Osteoporosis Canada meeting. She talked to the head of the council, looking for the P.E.I. representative. When she found out there was none she volunteered and is now the first contact on P.E.I. for Osteoporosis Canada.
The first major event Murray put on was called Bone China Tea on Nov. 4. She said it was a lot of work but a big success.
“It spread awareness about our group much more and it let people knew just how serious osteoporosis can be.”
Murray said getting osteoporosis in her spine changed her life in small but serious ways. She said she has to be more careful when she doesn’t even realize it, like turning in a car to reverse, or lifting things.
“For me it was about being more cautious. We try to do things that we were always able to do, without realizing we can’t do it anymore.”
Murray said she changed her perspective on life, and will be more careful now than ever, in hopes that she won’t injure herself like many other people have.
Murray said the group not only offers information, but help for people in the community who are diagnosed.
“That’s why we volunteer, because we support each other.”