We are proud to announce that Australia and New Zealand now have their own adapted versions, updated to reflect the experiences and healthcare context of our local ITP community.

This project has been made possible thanks to the dedicated work of Dr Melanie Jackson, who carefully reviewed and updated the content to ensure it meets the needs of Australian and New Zealand patients. The book is now available to order through the ITPANZ Shop, free of charge, with only postage costs to cover.

Why This Book Matters

Although the title suggests it is for teens, the ITP & Me: Teen Book is a resource that reaches far beyond its intended audience. It helps:

• Tweens, teens and young adults understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and how to manage daily life with ITP.
• Siblings and friends gain insight into what living with ITP means, helping them provide empathy and support.
• Parents and carers find guidance on how to talk about ITP, manage uncertainty, and support their child’s wellbeing.
• The wider community, including teachers, coaches, and extended family, learn how to respond with understanding and care.

By breaking down complex medical information into clear, relatable language, the book empowers young people and those around them to feel informed and confident. It covers everything from platelet counts and hospital visits to emotional well-being, friendships, and planning for the future.

The Origin Story

The ITP & Me: Teen Book was first created in the UK by Mervyn Morgan, Alice Hart, and Professor Nichola Cooper, who recognised the need for a resource written specifically for young people living with ITP. Their collaboration brought together patient voices, clinical expertise, and community support.

You can hear more about the origin story of the book and its co-creators on the Beyond the Count Podcast.

Official Launch at Queensland Children’s Hospital

We held an official launch of the ITP & Me: Teen Book at the Queensland Children’s Hospital on Thurs, 20 November 2025.

This event showcased the new resource to some young people and their families, as well as to our frontline healthcare professionals, highlighting the importance of supporting young people and families living with ITP.

Special Thanks

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr Melanie Jackson for her expertise and commitment in adapting the book for our community. We also acknowledge the generous support of the Courier Mail Children’s Fund, whose financial contribution ensured this resource could be printed and distributed across Australia and New Zealand.

We are deeply grateful to Mervyn, Alice, and Nichola, as well as to the UK ITP Support Association, for their permission and collaboration, which made this adaptation possible.

Living with ITP can feel overwhelming, especially for young people. The ITP & Me: Teen Book provides clarity, reassurance, and practical guidance, helping teens and their families feel less alone on the journey. We are proud to bring this adapted edition to our community and look forward to seeing the difference it makes in the lives of patients and carers across Australia and New Zealand.

This project would not have been possible without the support of