🌻 Shining a Light on Scleroderma — for Men in Our Community
On March 23, Australia lights up yellow for Sunflower Day, raising awareness for a rare and often overlooked condition: scleroderma.
While more commonly recognised in women, men are often under-recognised and diagnosed later, with symptoms attributed to training load, ageing, or general wear and tear.
Scleroderma affects connective tissue and may present with skin tightening, joint stiffness, fatigue, circulation changes, and reduced function. It can also involve internal organs and significantly impact long-term health outcomes.
Across Australia, over 6,000 people are living with scleroderma, many navigating it without access to dedicated specialist nursing support.
🍌 Locally, The Big Banana Fun Park will be lit up on 26 March, highlighting that this condition exists here in our Coffs Harbour community.
At Hoys Allied Health & Wellness, Trent Renshaw supports men experiencing these changes, which may extend to pelvic, sexual, and intimate health concerns such as erectile difficulties, pelvic pain, and bladder or bowel symptoms — issues that are real, but rarely discussed.
🎗️ Local support
The Scleroderma Association of NSW Inc. Coffs Harbour Support Group
đź“Ť The Plank Vista Lounge (C.ex Group)
đź—“ 1st Wednesday monthly, 10:30am
A space for a cuppa, connection, and conversation. Trent is available to discuss concerns and provide guidance in a supportive, informal setting.
💛 Supporting Scleroderma Australia helps fund dedicated specialist nurses — providing essential care, guidance, and support for Australians living with this complex condition.
To donate, visit:
In men’s health, the conditions that are less visible are often the ones quietly impacting quality of life.
This is one of them.
#SunflowerDay2026 #ShineLikeASunflower #SclerodermaAwareness #MensHealth #CoffsHarbour #TheAthletesGuild #ChronicIllness #RareDisease
