Wound Awareness Week exists to spotlight the lived experiences of people with chronic wounds – and those who care for them.

Isabella Fitzgibbon cared for her grandmother Shirley in her final battle with mouth cancer. She found herself frustrated at the lack of reliable information on caring for painful, confronting chronic wounds like Shirley's and, in this interview with 7 News, describes those challenges.

Educating Australia about wounds

Shirley's wounds were extreme – but even ordinary wounds like cuts and grazes can become chronic if treated incorrectly. 

This Wound Awareness Week, we're asking you to Be Wound Aware because Wounds Affect EVERY Body. And our recent research into what Australians know and believe about wounds revealed some persistent myths and misconceptions preventing people from seeking the help they need. Read more about our survey.

We have lots of ways to help you upskill in the basics of good care:

• Read our factsheets: now available in six languages
• Sign up for our Lunch Bytes webinar for patients and carers on Saturday 6 September, proudly sponsored by Priceline and Ego Pharmaceuticals
• Follow us on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook for tips from experts on where to seek help, the wound warning signs and more!

More real-life stories

People living with chronic wounds come from all walks of life. Read more incredible stories of real people facing challenging wounds:

• 12-year-old Mia-Rose Etita and her journey with lymphoedema
• A small surfing injury that became a big problem for company director Tony McDonald
• Sydneysider James O'Brien's experience of sepsis leading to amputation
• Danielle Bewley's hot water bottle burns

Thank you to all our incredible Wound Champions for sharing their stories during Wound Awareness Week.