Jude

About My Challenge

I'm completing 3,214 push-ups in 23 days to raise awareness and funds for mental health in Australia. 

I'm sharing my story because visibility matters. When I was first diagnosed, I felt alone in navigating the complex terrain of RA and mental health.

Living with RA, a chronic autoimmune condition and an invisible illness has shaped every part of who i am and has taught me that strength isn't about pushing through pain but acknowledging my limitations while continuing to find meaning and joy. There have been days where getting out of bed or just turning on the faucet felt like gold. And yet, i still fight, i still show up at the gym, on the field and in life. I play sport, i train, i work and i push, not to just live in pretence but to remind myself that i'm still out there, trying and finding purpose. From the outside, i've got it together but all that glitters ain't gold. People see the surface, not the struggle, the discipline, not the daily pain. That's why i share this because you fight your own battle, every single day and most would seldom know what it takes to get through. Sometimes you got to blow your own trumpet to be heard and honestly i couldnt care less of how i'd be judged anymore. So this is not for validation, but to make sure the people who are silently fighting their own battles know they ain't alone. 

This isn't just about push-ups but purpose, so if even one person sees this and feels seen, understood and a little less alone, then every rep, ache or a moment of being defenceless would be worth it. 
Funds raised will go to headspace National to support much-needed mental health services and initiatives in Australia. Any donation, big or small, is really appreciated!