Annual Report 2013-14
Tuberous Sclerosis Australia
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) affects more than 2000 individuals in Australia and thousands more carers, families and friends who live with the impact of the disease. TSC tumours can grow in any organ of the body, commonly affecting the brain, skin, heart, lungs and kidneys. TSC can cause epilepsy, developmental delay and autism. There is no known cure for TSC.
Our Vision is that TSC families are empowered, through access to information and support.
Our Team in 2014 Debbie Crosby, President Kate Norris, Vice President Hayley Hill, Treasurer and Membership Secretary David Matheson, Minutes Secretary and Editor of Reach Out Kate Green, Committee Member Jannifer Reynolds, Committee Member Sally Nicholson, Family Support Volunteer Clare Stuart, Project Manager
Regional Contacts A vital part of our volunteer team, the regional contacts live throughout Australia and New Zealand and work with local families to share information and experiences. NSW:
Janiffer Reynolds
WA:
Nicole Stone & Sue Williamson
QLD:
Fiona Hiatt
VIC:
Narelle Kerr
TAS:
Georgina Schilg
Medical Advisors Dr Sean Kennedy, Nephrologist Dr John Lawson, Paediatric Neurologist Dr David Mowat, Clinical Geneticist
2
President’s Message There have been many achievements and highlights which have supported our vision that TSC families are empowered, through access to information and support. With your help we will continue our work in 2014-2015 under the new name Tuberous Sclerosis Australia and work closely with the newly established Tuberous Sclerosis Complex New Zealand. Online communication has allowed us to reach many
information and to also
people through our website, Facebook page and our
meet each other and share
email newsletter. Instant connection with our members
their stories and knowledge of local services. Our work
allows us to raise awareness, publish up to date
supporting individuals and families is made possible
information and helps to connect people who can share
by the dedication, commitment and hard work of our
their experiences. Information and support are our main
volunteers. I would like to thank all of the team who
goals and seeing the numbers of individuals we support
donate their precious time and do an outstanding job. I
growing each year is very rewarding.
would particularly like to thank Jannifer Reynolds who
One of our projects this year was to focus on fundraising.
is stepping down from her role as a committee member.
As we are a small organisation that does not receive
Jannifer has made a signficiant contribution during her
government funding, it is really important to plan ahead
many years in this volunteer role and we are pleased she
on how we are going to attract more donations so we
is staying on as a regional contact for the NSW Hunter
cannot only sustain our organisation but to grow and find
region. I would also like to thank Hayley Hill who is
new ways to support our members. After developing our
stepping down from the Treasurerís role. Hayley has done
first fundraising plan we are now implementing the plan
an amazing job managing the finances of our organisation
and we have already seen growth in donations.
and the old saying of ëif you want something done, ask a busy personí rings true for Hayley. I would also like to
Another major achievement in the past year was
acknowledge the wonderful work of our regional contacts
the subsidy of the medicine Everolimus through the
the very important work they do in keeping people
pharmaceutical benefits scheme (PBS). Everolimus is now
connected all around Australia and all of the volunteers
approved in Australia for the treatment of SEGAs and
that support our organisation.
kidney angiomyolipomas and its inclusion on the PBS will improve access to this medication and support clinicians
Few of the achievements of this year would have
in providing the best care to their patients. I would like
happened without the great work of our Project Manager
to thank the families who made personal submissions to
Clare Stuart. Clare returned from maternity leave late last
the PBAC. We were informed your submissions along with
year and her dedication and experience is invaluable. She
ours had a big impact on the PBAC who are responsible
has been the driving force in improving what we do and
for the approval. It is very rewarding to see our advocacy
growing to support the diverse needs of our members.
making a difference for people living with TSC.
Most importantly thank you to all the donors, fundraisers
Educational events are an important part of what we
and business supporters who contributed during this year.
do and our goal of hosting events around the country
Without your generous donations we would not be able
has been very successful. After a successful conference
to do the work we do.
in Perth in early 2013 we hosted an information day in
I look forward to an exciting future for Tuberous Sclerosis
Melbourne. Dr Chris Kingswood, a very experienced
Australia.
nephrologist from the UK who specialises in TSC,
- Debbie Crosby, President
presented along with Dr Simon Harvey from the Royal Childrenís Hospital. These events provide opportunities for families to get the most up to date 3
Improved the TSC knowledge
Supported a new treatment for
of current and future health
facial angiofibromas by funding
professionals by presenting
the extension phase to the
lectures for Epilepsy Action, Sydney
international clinical trial into the
University Genetic Counselling
use of topical rapamycin. Facial
Students and the Queensland Centre
angiofobromas are a disfiguring
for Intellectual Disability.
skin condition experienced by up to 90% of people with TSC and
Encouraged GPs to update their
this new medicine is shrinking
TSC knowledge by completing the
these skin tumours and providing
new BMJ elearning module. Our flyer
an alternative to painful and
was distributed to families to give
expensive laser surgery.
to their primary care doctors and Advocated for the availability
nurses.
of pre-implantation genetic Hosted information events in
diagnosis (PGD) for Tuberous
Sydney, Melbourne and Perth,
Sclerosis and other genetic
attended by more than 50 people.
diseases to the Medicare Services Advisory Committee (MSAC)
Published two issues of Reach
Celebrated the listing
Out, full of valuable information and
of Everolimus on the
stories from people affected by TSC
Pharmaceuitcal Benefits Scheme,
that ease feelings of isolation.
the first treatment specific to Tuberous Sclerosis.
Authored two new information pages: mTOR inhibitor medicines
Strengthened our relationships
and genetic testing. This brings our
with peak organisations to
total collection to 12 pages of high
increase their understanding of
quality information fully reviewed by
the complex care needs of people
health professionals.
with Tuberous Sclerosis.
Sent nine email newsletters to more than 250 subscribers, TSA works closely with
providing families and interested health professionals with accurate and up to date TSC information.
6
Research & Advocacy
Info Inf ffo form for o mattion tion
With your help we...
Support
Supported more than 100 families throughout Australia and New Zealand via our phone, email and direct facebook contact services. Hosted six family picnics around Australia in May, plus families connected at educational events during the year. Facilitated peer support through our active facebook discussion group. With more than 275 members and more than
Awareness
280 topics throughout the year.
Raised awareness of Tuberous Sclerosis on facebook to our 375 followers and up to 4000 others each post through shares and likes of our 143 posts. Promoted balanced and accurate understanding of TSC through our website which is visited by 50 people each day. Expanded our reach through local newspaper coverage in Sydney’s Inner West Courier.
7
My biggest concern is his social interactions, in the home, at work and with minimal friends. I worry about what the future holds and whether he will be ever able to independent. I worry that he will be lonely.
Our survey of families living with Tuberous Sclerosis reveals areas of greatest need During 2014 we conducted a survey that aimed to: improve our understanding of people living with TSC in Australia; gather feedback on our activities and services; understand areas of need that we can address; provide a way for people living with TSC to engage with us; identify individuals who are willing to contribute through
There was limited support when I had my son 16 years ago. I felt isolated and overwhelmed‌ I went through his first 5 years living in fear of what the future held. I had limited exposure to other people going through the same journey and my feelings of isolation compounded the grief I felt. The Facebook group has been a godsend in allowing me to get support in a community of people that truly identify with our situation. I also feel that I can contribute to others in the group which gives me a sense of empowerment
volunteering, sharing their story, or fundraising. The 88 responses from around Australia reinforced the need for improved information, support and health services for individuals living with TSC, their parents, families and community. These results will inform the future plans of Tuberous Sclerosis Australia and with your help we can continue improving the lives of families living with this disease and those that are yet to be given this devastating diagnosis. The families who responded told us that: Epilepsy, learning difficulties, autism, intellectual disability, and challenging behaviours had the largest impact on their lives; Worry about the future and barriers to full participation in society are a major concern, particularly for aging parents of dependent adults with TSC; Our current services, such as our website, magazine and phone support are highly valued, with the majority rating these as excellent or very good; They want us to continue our work providing accurate and balanced information about TSC; They want us to expand our work with health professionals and in supporting TSC research.
Thank you to the families that took the time to respond to the survey. The full results of the survey will be published in a report on our website.
4
Financial Overview Tuberous Sclerosis Australia recorded an overall surplus of $13,879.95 in 2013/14, influenced by: 33,908.65 funding provided to the clinical trial of topical rapamycin for facial angiofibromas. $45,000 grants received from Novartis, of which $20,000 is yet to be spent for the 2014 Family Conference in Auckland, New Zealand.
Income and Expenditure Where the money comes from
Investment and other income
17%
Where the money goes to
Fundraising Costs
General donations and membership fees
Administration
28%
23%
22% Education and support
17%
Fundraising events
Grants
40%
15%
Research
38%
Fundraising Growth
Our position We have approximately $206,000 as true reserves.
2011/12
In addition we hold: $5,000 set aside to fund the perpetual Elizabeth Pinkerton memorial award
2012/13
$20,000 set aside to fund the 2014 Family Conference in New Zealand 2013/14
Approximately $25,000 reserved for remaining topical rapamycin research and advocacy work $10,000
$20,000
$30,000
$40,000
$50,000
8
Thank you Our work is made possible by the support of our donors and fundraisers. Major fundraising efforts during this year included: City2Surf runners raised over $5,000 in August 2013 The Place Family TSC Heroes triathlon team raised over $5,000 with more to come in 2014/15 The innaugural Lizzie’s Lunch raised over $5,000 after costs
Our work with pharmaceutical companies During this year, we have collaborated with Novartis Pharmaceuticals in a number of ways: A total of $45,000 received in grants towards imrpovements in our fundraising capabilities and for the Auckland family conference being held in November 2014 Clare Stuart’s travel to the world TSC conferences in Washington, DC, USA was sponsored by TSC International from a grant from Novartis TSA provided a patient and family perspective at the Novartis TSC Renal Advisory Board meeting on 21st February 2014 TSA is a member of the steering committee for the review of the Working Together Guide for patient organisations and pharmaceutical companies. This guide is a joint project of Consumers’ Health Forum and Medicines Australia (a pharmaceutical industry group) and TSA receives a modest sitting fee for this work Clare Stuart volunteered her time as a member of the steering committee for the Health Consumer Advocacy group. Events held by this group are financially supported by a group of six pharmaceuitcal companies. Our team met with Novartis several times to keep up to date on their work with new medicines for TSC. Our Policy on Working with Pharmaceutical Companies describes how we maintains our independence and integrity. This policy can be viewed on our website or provided on request.
9
Financial Statements The accounts for 2013-2014 were reviewed by Rachel Goddard (ACA). A copy of her audit opinion is available on request.
Profit and Loss: Year ended June 2014 June 2014
June 2013
$43,909.45
$32,590.76
$0.00
$435.00
Gold Supporter
$250.00
$100.00
Silver Supporter
$115.00
$45.00
Bronze Supporter
$240.00
$130.00
Income Donations Donation - Rapamycin
Lizzie’s Lunch Event
$4,510.00
$0.00
$659.00
$345.00
Interest Income
$6,648.66
$10,706.90
Grants Received
$45,000.00
$44,584.00
$380.00
$0.00
Promotional Products
$0.00
$150.00
2011 Family Conference Book & DVD
$0.00
$20.00
2012 Brisbane Seminar
$0.00
$161.00
2013 WA Conference Registration
$0.00
$2,715.00
2013 WA Conference Dinner
$0.00
$1,980.00
Committee Sitting Fees
2013 Melbourne Conference Registration
Seminar Day Registration Australian Government Paid Parental Leave Total Income
$510.00
$420.00
$11,197.80
$0.00
$113,419.91
$94,382.66
$52.00
$51.00
$0.00
$500.00
Expenses NSW Fair Trading Fees QLD ACNCS Fee Fees to other Membership Comp
$170.00
$50.00
Everyday Hero Fee
$855.38
$411.84
Conference Registrations
$924.08
$0.00
2013 WA Conference Expenses
$570.00
$9,183.11
2103 Conference Travel/Accommodation Reimbursement
$420.00
$7,870.81
$0.00
$2,486.50
$128.99
$323.15
2013 WA Conference Catering Expense Seminar Day Expenses Melbourne 2013 Conference
$755.00
$0.00
Lizzie’s Lunch Catering
$2,690.00
$0.00
Rapamycin Trial Costs
$33,838.90
$65,913.20
Bank Charges
$650.49
$989.92
Eway Web Active Fees
$554.45
$40.20
$2,063.93
$2,030.93
Insurances PayPal Charges
$0.00
$2.74
Postage
$540.19
$414.75
Printing
$88.76
$663.58
$862.67
$484.30
Office Supplies
10
Profit and Loss: Year ended June 2014 cont. Expenses cont. Computer Programs IT System Maintenance Telephone Other Expenses Travel & Accommodation
June 2014
June 2013
$105.60
$40.70
$3,150.00
$11,297.25
$838.98
$815.39
$50.50
$160.00
$1,019.69
$8,732.54
Gifts & Awards
$303.80
$709.45
Educational Products
$924.55
$0.00
Fundraising Growth
$9,937.09
$0.00
Wages & Salaries
$17,490.48
$15,252.64
Australian Government Paid Parental Leave
$11,197.80
$0.00
$67.90
$0.00
$1,452.16
$1,581.42
$175.00
$175.00
$5,061.43
$5,176.38
Police Checks for Committee Superannuation Workers Compensation Publishing & Printing ReachOut Postage for ReachOut
$713.73
$705.80
$1,886.41
$0.00
Total Expenses
$99,539.96
$136,062.60
Operating Profit/(Loss)
$13,879.95
($41,679.94)
$0.00
$0.00
$13,879.95
($41,679.94)
Publishing and Printing Annual Report
Other Income Net Profit/(Loss)
Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2014 Assets General Cheque Account
$72,483.35
PayPal Account
($19.48)
Investments Macquarie Cash Management Account
$8,084.05
Macquarie Term Deposit - Matures 7/4/2015
$33,646.81
CBA Cash Investment Account
$19,381.95
Term Deposit - E Pinkerton Matures 19/5
$5,000.00
CBA Term Deposit Matures 19/10/14
$118,571.80
Total Assets
$257,148.48
Liabilities Current Liabilites Gold Supporters in Advance
$200.00
Silver Supporter in Advance
$75.00
Bronze Supporter in Advance
$130.00
Total Liabilities
$2405.00
Net Assets
$256,743.48
Equity Retained Earnings
$242,863.53
Current Earnings
$13,879.95
Total Equity
$256,743.48
11
Phone Email Website Facebook Mail
1300 733 435 (within Australia) info@tsa.org.au www.tsa.org.au www.facebook.com/AuTSC Tuberous Sclerosis Australia 17 Linksview Rd, Springwood NSW 2777 Australia ABN 20 681 174 734 Incorporation no. Y 07116-42 Registered Charity CC25313 CFN 13968
Donations of $2 and over are tax deductible
We think all families with TSC should have someone to turn to. Help us make this a reality.
Tuberous Sclerosis Australia