The walls of Deloraine District Hospital have been transformed into a display of art to create awareness about Haemochromatosis, the most common genetic disorder in Australia.
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OVERLOAD, a 30 piece exhibition, launched on Friday and would be displayed until the Deloraine Craft Fair finished up in November.
An inherited iron overload disorder, Haemochromatosis causes the body to absorb excess iron which builds up in the organs and joints over many years and eventually becomes toxic.
Curator of the Deloraine exhibition and Haemochromatosis volunteer advocate Sheila Stevenson was diagnosed in 2010.
“I had a lot of pain in my feet and my legs,” Ms Stevenson said.
Comparing the pain to arthritis, she also felt extremely fatigued.
After a series of misdiagnoses, Ms Stevenson’s treatment was six monthly venesection, which is similar to giving blood and unloads the iron.
Sarah Weaver initially launched OVERLOAD in Hobart, after her husband was diagnosed a few years ago.
When Ms Stevenson heard about the exhibition she decided to get involved, curating the Deloraine display for the last two years.
OVERLOAD coincides with Haemochromatosis awareness week which runs from August 8 to 14.
The 24 artists who contributed to the display were asked to express what Haemochromatosis means to them through their work.
Artist Lorraine Weaver has been involved in the Deloraine exhibition both years. Each piece sold donates 30 per cent to Haemochromatosis Australia.
