Monday, September 8, 2008

National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week



Okay, so all of you know that I recently did a "mini-series" of sorts on Invisible Illness. Interestingly enough, this week is National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week (Sept 8-14) at www.invisibleillness.com. They are sponsoring 20 free online seminars on Chronic Illness, featuring guest bloggers daily, and have articles to read, among other things. The theme is "Living with chronic illness is a roller coaster. Help a friend hold on!"

As you'll see to the right, there is a new widget that I have added to support this week. As it says, Nearly 1 in 2 Americans has a chronic condition, and 96% of them live with an illness that is invisible. Now, of course, not all illnesses are disabling, but all people need love and support when going through a tough time. Paul J. Donoghue and Mary Siegel, co-sponsors of the week and authors of Sick and Tired of Feeling Sick and Tired: Living With Invisible Chronic Illness say, "Invisible chronic illnesses (ICI) have symptoms that are difficult to see and impossible to measure such as pain and fatigue. So those with ICI frequently encounter not compassion and support but impatience and skepticism from physicians and loved ones."

If you know someone who suffers from or has a loved one who suffers from a chronic illness, be sure to check out the website and pass on the word.

To make you smile...

Tubby

Tubby
Sweet boy

Chloe Bear

Chloe Bear
Chloe as a baby!