National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week

Kicking Off Invisible Illness Week

Lisa Copen, founder of National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week, founder and director of Rest Ministries, author, Editor of HopeKeepers Magazine

Lisa Copen is the founder and executive director of Rest Ministries, Inc., an organization for people who live with chronic illness or pain which was incorporated in 1998. She is editor of HopeKeepers Magazine which she began in 2004. Rest Ministries is the sponsor of National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week.

Despite being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis is 1993, at the age of 24, she's never let it hold her back. In fact, rather than getting depressed about her diagnosis, she eagerly anticipated how God was going to use it! Her illness has continued to be active and degenerative and joint replacements are in her near future. But she feels blessed to have discovered God's purpose in the pain by reaching out to others who are hurting, as well as providing tools for churches who want to increase their awarness of chronic illness. She has authored about eight books including, Beyond Casseroles: 505 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend (2005), Why Can't I Make People Understand? Discovering the validation those with chronic illness seek and why (2004), Mosaic Moments: Devotionals for the chronically ill (2002) and materials for churches like Bible studies and support group materials. She's a contributor to various books and a member of CLASS (Christian Leaders, Authors & Speakers) and AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association). She lives with her husband and 4-year old son in San Diego, CA. In her spare time she is working on a Christian "mom lit" book and has began a special scrapbook option for those who have adopted children called Amusement Parts.

Visit her web sites:
Rest Ministries, Inc. | HopeKeepers Magazine | Rest Ministries Publishers Invisible Illness Week | The Christian Illness-Disability-Healthcare-Caregiver Ministry Network (founder) | Scrapbook My Adoption

Christine Miserandino, founder
www.butyoudontlooksick.com

From the age of fifteen, Christine Miserandino has been diagnosed with a myriad of illnesses from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to Epstein Barr, and finally, many years later to a determination of Lupus. Though battling a shopping list of symptoms, Christine has consistently been told, by both well-wishers and doctors alike, “But you don't look sick.” as if that was some kind of compensation for being chronically ill. Many times, being pretty or not sickly looking, made it harder to validate an illness you cannot see. Christine started out life with dreams of being a dancer on Broadway. She was classically trained for years and studied at The High School of Performing Arts in New York City.

She enjoyed acting, modeling and dancing. Just when a dancing career was on the brink, she was told that dancing would not be a good career choice for someone with joint pain. Her limitless career was cut short due to complications with her illness. She was forced to leave school because a flare with Lupus was out of control. Plagued with heart and breathing problems, as well as pain and debilitating fatigue, Christine was left with no other choice but to take a medical leave from both school and her job. While most young adults are concentrating on their future careers, salaries, or a love life, Christine was worrying about medications, hospital stays and how to pay her bills.

Christine spends her time writing, volunteering, and taking care of her new puppy, Sparky. She enjoys speaking, writing and being a patient advocate. She started this website called www.butyoudontlooksick.com to help others. Christine's writing has been featured in numerous publications and media.

Visit her website

Kicking Off Invisible Illness Week

Host_Mary_Shep --- Welcome to the National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week seminar. My name is Mary (a.k.a. "shep" to many of you), and I'll be your host for this hour. We will open in prayer; then our guest will present the topic, after which there will be a question and answer period, then I will close in prayer. If you have a question or a comment for either me or the speaker, please use the Ask box. You may do this during the talks, as they will not show on the screen to other viewers. Later, during Question and Answer time, the speaker will respond to questions, as time permits. Please do not use the Send box during the seminar. Thank you.

Host_Mary_Shep --- Lisa Copen is the founder and executive director of Rest Ministries, Inc., an organization for people who live with chronic illness or pain which was incorporated in 1998. She is editor of Hopekeepers Magazine which she began in 2004. Rest Ministries is the sponsor of National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week.

She has authored about eight books including, Beyond Casseroles: 505 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend (2005), Why Can't I Make People Understand? Discovering the validation those with chronic illness seek and why (2004), Mosaic Moments: Devotionals for the chronically ill (2002) and materials for churches like Bible studies and support group materials.

She lives with her husband and 4-year old son in San Diego, Ca. In her spare time she is working on a Christian "mom lit" book and has began a special scrapbook option for those who have adopted children called Amusement Parts. But before we begin, let's ask the Lord's blessing upon our time and our speaker.

Father, we thank you for being a loving and caring Father. We trust that this day, you have gathered those who you wanted to be here – no accidents, just your infinite plan. We pray for those who are hurting today Lord, those who hurt physically, emotionally and spiritually. Comfort them as they come to hear words of encouragement and love. Bless our speaker today Lord, guide the words that are spoken so that when we are done here, we will know that we have been in Your Presence. Give us open hearts and ears to hear, comfort where there is pain, and most of all, touch our hearts with Your Hand and fill us with Your Love. In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen.

GUEST_LisaCopen --- Thank you, Mary... And thanks to All of you who have gone to so much work to make this week happen. I Really could not have done it without you--especially all of these chat room technicalities.

Thank you so much. I'd like to introduce you to another special guest who is joining us. Christine is the founder of www.butyoudontlooksick.com . I asked her to join me because she has really done a lot of patient advocacy for the invisible illness factor. She is also a relatively new wife and is actually holding her new baby with one arm today and trying to type with the other. I remember doing this and the challenge! She is listed in the room as bydls. Welcome Christine!

[bydls] Thank you Lisa for inviting me!

GUEST_LisaCopen --- We're just kind of kicking things off this morning to let people become familiar w/ the chatroom, etc. I am impressed that ya'll made it in (myself included.) I'd like to ask Christine some questions and Christine... if it's too much typing just holler!

[bydls] No Problem!

GUEST_LisaCopen --- There has been some people online, etc. (and last year on the radio) who made fun of the fact that people with illnesses who are invisible think they "need one more week." That acknowledging invisible illness is kind of a "joke" because living with a visible illness is hard too. That we should be grateful our illnesses Are invisible.

[bydls] I know- I get that often.

GUEST_LisaCopen --- What led you to feel like invisible illness was a particular cause to bring more light to, rather than focusing your efforts on your own illness, lupus, Cfs and others, like most people tend to?

[bydls] especially when parking in a handicap spot, or when asking for help lifting or carrying.... it's as if hey do not "believe" your pain is real. I think that if we act collectively (all invisible illnesses) as a group- we can reach more people, and bring a greater awareness.

GUEST_LisaCopen --- I agree. With my ministry I saw the same emotions and spiritual issues among everyone, regardless of their illness.

[bydls] The more people who understand, that just because you don't see something doesn't make it not real- the more it benefits everyone. Many of our emotional issues connected to our illnesses are the same. We all feel the same hurt, isolation, depression, etc

GUEST_LisaCopen --- Yes, in fact some people who were editors and posting stuff about invisible illness wrote to me and said, "I didn't even think about it, but I have diabetes pretty badly which is an invisible illness." Being able to share some of the things we experience with others can help us know that we aren't so alone.

I'd like to open it up for a question. So just blurt out an answer-

[bydls] Also, through running my website and message boards, I found that not only the emotional issues... but health issues like doctors, medications, insurance... etc were the same regardless of illness.

GUEST_LisaCopen --- Can You Share an experience in 1-2 sentences about when you felt like the invisibility of your illness caused you some kind of emotional pain? Anyone can answer...

[bydls] many medications, treatments etc are used for many illnesses.. we can offer tips to help each other.

[Clarisse] After surgery I needed to use the electric wheelchair at a store. They looked at me as though I were only lazy.

[bydls] Just yesterday, when I couldn't push the baby stroller up a hill in the park.... I got looked at with weird faces.... I felt as though they were looking at me as if I was a bad mother- even though I knew I was in pain and exhausted

[psalm121] when I didn't need my w/c 24/7 every thought I was "cured" even though I still had many problems... it got frustrating trying to explain I was "still sick"

[cj(Q)] What do you do when those you talk to (church especially) don't seem interested at all in invisible illness challenges?

[bydls(A)] I have 2 options. I either choose to spend my heart and energy on the people who do seem interested and care. or 2) I try new and innovative ways to get through to them. That is why I wrote "the spoon theory" to try to reach people who wouldn't normally understand.

[PCMoore(Q)] Not being able to play with my kids when I'm hurting causes a lot of emotional pain

GUEST_LisaCopen(A) --- Yes! I try not to say "Mommy is tired" too often. I don't know if it's better to say "tired" or "has an owie all over" so I try to vary my explanations/

[CC_--] i also was made fun of in walmart riding a cart

GUEST_LisaCopen --- Does having others who you are able to share your hurts with help? Do you? Or do you tend to keep it inside?

[JannyW] Cc that's terrible!

[PCMoore(Q)] My problem is I have not gotten a diagnosis. Many MD's and nobody can figure it out yet..it's hard to tell people I'm sick and not have something to explain it..Any ideas on this?

[bydls(A)] Well, first of good luck in your quest for answers. Sometimes it takes years unfortunately. I also want to say that I think we are too focused on getting the "name" or diagnosis right- like we need that to get the right care.

Try to focus on treating the symptoms and not worry so much about having the right "title".

In the past when facing the "nameless" illness issue- i would just respond... they are looking into X-- lupus, cfs, etc

[sleepingbeauty] my sister and i both have Cfs and sometimes its harder because we know exactly what each other are going through and sometimes one of us is sicker than the other

GUEST_LisaCopen --- A lot of times it's really hard to say anything to the person making the comment or the "look" -- or it's just inappropriate or not worth it. But it can be really helpful to have Someone to share your experience with and how you felt about it.

[Sabine] Yes, yes, and yes, Lisa. I only share with family and close friends and through my blog.

[LRae] People don't see my chronic illness as a struggle and often ask, "what do you do All day?"

[p.j] it was embarrassing when neighbor brought over 5 ups bags of meds last week the ups guy had to leave w someone- looked like a was a drug dealer

[Lynnette(C)] Even the doctors treat me differently if I go in on a day when my pain is more "visible" (I am more pale, it shows more on my face, etc).

[new] I hate when people say I must be healthy because I have nice color in my cheeks....that actually means I am flaring.

[bydls] Sometimes I think we spend so much energy on "what others think of our illness"... it is good to have groups and forums like this to share experiences and feeling with those who understand.

Host_Mary_Shep --- Please refrain from using the Send box -- please use the Ask box and I will forward your questions to our speakers so we don't get too many at one time, also, only send it one time -- I will get it :)

[JannyW] My partner & I both have Fms and a host of other invisible chronic illnesses ... it really does get tiring hearing everyone say "geez, you look great!" when you hurt so much you can barely move

[Maureen_Pratt(Q)] One man hit my car with his fist because he didn't think I had "any business" waiting for a handicap parking space!

GUEST_LisaCopen(A) --- Ack! He hit your car?? I have a friend who's convertible had the windshield smashed with a note left behind, as if someone with an illness couldn't have a convertible. He was in his 40s and a walking miracle with cystic fibrosis.

[Laura_Beth(C)] I can remember when I was still functional without a wheelchair. I could no longer push a heavily filled grocery cart and had to have someone go with me to lift the bags and push the cart, and I was talked about by many ladies in the neighbor hood. It hurt.

[varnold(C)] The people in my life that "really care" I send them info to educate them about my illnesses. They read it and try to learn if they really care.

[Godsgrace] I got your book Maureen and i read it in there...wow

[Lynnette(C)] When I have a "good day" people think I'm suddenly well, then on a bad day it's like I'm "faking it"

[bluefinch(C)] I have multiple illnesses and have small family, coworkers don't understand or care, I keep it inside mostly. I just smile and pretend I am ok.

[River(Q)] I tend to keep it inside. My husband does so much in the way of caring for me and I don't want to burden him further. And my mother, like LRae says, asks "What do you do all day?"

[bydls(A)] I know it sounds silly... but sometimes I find that humor helps.when asked what i do all day- sometimes I have answered I am a profesional patient! By the time I take my meds, and take care of myself , doc appointments etc- It is 5 oclcock!

I hate to sound "cheesy" and "plug" my own essay-- but to be perfectly honest- that is why i wrote it. I STILL after all these years- send the link to family and friends once a year.

http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/the_spoon_theory/

[Alice(C)] My family and children don't seem to accept the fact that i am sick - because i look fine.

GUEST_LisaCopen --- I think we all can agree that when total strangers doubt our illness it hurts. But when those we love the most doubt it, it Really hurts. People aren't perfect and not every spouse is willing to go to counseling or talk to someone about it.

Host_Mary_Shep --- we have plenty of questions for our speakers, please hold your questions until we open the Ask box again Thank You

[Joanna(Q)] What have you done about friends who don't believe you when your pain fluctuates or who give you a hard time about cancelling plans, have you tried to explain your situation to them, or just move on and be thankful for the people who are supportive?

[craftingrama(Q)] alot of times I bring my cane with me even if I don't need it just to shut people up

[bydls(A)] I have done that too- as if LOOKING sicker will stop people from judging. sad but true. You know the expression- we are our worst critics.... well I do think that is true. I think we focus on things that many others may not. I had a lupus rash once on my face and I had someone say to me how good I looked with such rosey cheeks!

GUEST_LisaCopen --- It can be helpful to take a friend or a spouse to a doctor's appointment with you sometimes. I know my husband didn't go to an appointment with me for about 10 years until I had surgery and he had to drive me there for a followup since I had a cast on. It opened up his eyes a little more just to meet the doctor and see where I went and what I dealt with. How the treatment really is this Big plan to create a life that is acceptable while juggling the medications.

[Hope(Q)] Don't you think that sometimes we feel like people are looking at us and criticizing us when they actually are not? I know when I had to use a wheelchair at a class reunion, I felt like I had a blazing zit on the end of my nose.

[bbaynham1(Q)] others comments don't hurt much, but when my husband doesn't understand, it kills my spirit

GUEST_LisaCopen(A) --- I think the words "kills my spirit" is exactly the right way to describe it. My heart goes out to you. If there is anyway to encourage him to attend a support group with you or go to the doctor with you... that could help. When I led a HopeKeepers group it tended to be a lot of women who were ill, but spouses came and had their own prayer time and they needed to be together longer than we did. I think especially for men.... they don't talk about that kind of thing at the water cooler at work like women may.

[bydls] I think men often want to Fix things- and if they can't fix our pain- they eel lost and helpless.

[sharon_stobbe(Q)] i lose my job because i'm sick.what can i do ?

[bydls(A)] Are you in the US? have you looked into disability? or other services?

[new(Q)] My church said no HopeKeepers til maybe February. How do I convince them some people desperately need this NOW, not 6 months from now.

[bydls(A)] Just brainstorming here..... but, Maybe there is a way to gather a list of people who want it. Without being pushy or invading people's privacy. But that way maybe if the church sees a need... they will be quicker to act on it. Like if 20 people want it as opposed to 5. etc

Host_Mary_Shep --- If you have a question or a comment for either me or the speaker, please use the Ask box. We have about 15 minutes left

[bydls] Another funny thing- about invisible illnesses- I find that even when I feel good, or fine-- it really isn't comparable to others who might feel Great on good days.... my good- is not the same as others good, etc

[oceansdreams(Q)] I've tried to explain cfs to my friends and family using the spoon theory but they still don't get it and think thier life is worse. and it just makes me feel even worse i'd give up everything to be healthy again and start crossing things off my "to do list". I can block out the comments when it's a stranger but not when it's a loved one, how can I, i block their comments out too???

GUEST_LisaCopen(A) --- Well... I'm plugging my book now... but I wrote "Why Can't I Make People Understand? Discovering the Validation Those with Chronic Illness Seek and Why." to address this area where I saw so many people struggling. It's completely a Christian-based book, however, so know that in advance. Overall, I think that we just CAN'T make people understand, and that's what we have to come to terms with. Because we can't change other people. I think it's important to note that we don't understand what others are going through either, we just learn how to empathize and give what we can (listening, prayer, calls to encouage, etc.) If you have a relationship with the Lord, it's good to be grounded in that - He'll always listen. And after that I think it's important to seek out others who have an illness who can kind of be a friend or a mentor. It only takes one person who "gets it" to really mkae a difference. Make sure it's someone who can "build you up" though and that "you can encourage," not someone who will bring you down. Find someone mature in his or her illness who is willing to walk alongside you. Having these 2 things will make the other comments less important. Sometimes you also just have to set healthy boundaries and learn to keep the most valuable friendships; you can't be all things to all people any more. And you may even have to limit some of the family activities if people are hurtful for you. A counselor can help you decide what boundaries are healthy and how to approach certain situations.

[bydls] I couldn't agree more Lisa. We all need to set boundaries of the healthy, positive people in our lives- and those who aren't. It is hard to make those choices- but very necessary.

GUEST_LisaCopen --- New: (about Hk group) I don't see why you couldn't just get a group of "friends" together privately and have some time together... we also have community Hopekeepers groups. You may not want to set it up with that and burn any bridges with the church though. Churches run like a business a lot of times (especially the large ones) and it can be frustrating because they have seasons for certain curriculum such as when new groups start. I wouldn't see any problem with just having people get together anywhere and talk about what they even want from a group. You could call it a planning/preparation time so that you make sure you are meeting the needs when the group "officially" starts. Holidays can be a hard time, so you're right--who needs to wait?

[psalm121(Q)] Christine, I just read your spoon theory and it brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for putting it in words for others to understand, I can so relate.

[bydls(A)] Wow. Thank you so much for the kind words. it is amazing what positive, creative things can sometimes come out of pain. I remember writing it when I was so lonely and feeling like no one understood me. Now thousands of others use my writing to help their families and friends... it has been a HUGE blessing.

[Maureen_Pratt(C)] When I was first diagnosed, I lost a lot of relationships. The ones that remain, and the new ones, are so wonderful because at least they try to understand. It can be very stressful to always try to hide how we're really feeling, especially if we're in a terrible flare.

GUEST_LisaCopen(A) --- True! We had the men meet with us too and then break off for a separate prayer time.

[Alice(Q)] Lisa, with my HopeKeepers group, it helped to have the "caregivers" in the same room as when we studied, comments others made about their illness help the caregivers to know "they weren't the only ones going through so much."

[Lynnette(Q)] I can SO relate to that bydls....most people would think my BEST days were miserable days to them

[bydls(A)] It is all relative. On my husbands good days he is superman and can do a thousand things- on my good days- I can get out of bed and take care of the baby and maybe write for my site.

[River(Q)] Looking sicker doesn't help if it means you're pasty-faced and tired. Then people just move away from me and stare as if "how dare I go out in public when I'm sick".

GUEST_LisaCopen(A) --- Good point! When my face swelled up so my eyes were shut from a lupus-like flare" I tried to cover it with my hair at the waiting room at ER. I felt like I would scare small children. Having those moments CAN make us appreciate the invisible factor huh?

[Godsgrace(Q)] Where do you fit in with an illness? I know I am having a pretty tough time finding good people to be around.

[bydls(A)] Ya know, it is funny but the more we talk and communicate with others around us- the more we find we have smething in common. wether it is movies or tv, or hobbies like scrapbooking etc.... but also- once I start talking about my lupus, fibro, etc-- I find most people have something invisible that they are dealing with either themselves or a close family member... it is a smaller world then we realize sometimes.

Host_Mary_Shep --- Please hold all questions, our speakers are going to have a few more minutes to answer the ones they have already got in queue -- thank you for your questions

[QuietSoul51(Q)] I've thought about asking our church to put out a survey asking the church members to indicate if they have chronic illnesses just to see what kind of numbers we have in the church.

GUEST_LisaCopen(A) --- perfect idea! See other ideas here in an article I wrote about 6 Ways your church Can Let Those with Chronic Illness Know They Care
http://www.faithwriters.com/article-details.php?id=44192 I think that's the right link - if not just put the title into google.

[horseladyjane(C)] I honestly don't think I'll be on my deathbed wishing I kept a cleaner house but It does bother me

[bbaynham1(Q)] how can i get a HopeKeepers group started

GUEST_LisaCopen(A) --- See http://www.restministries.org/pro-hk_start.htm

[inspiredbyfaith(Q)] i just wanted to let you know that when i read the spoon theory last week; it was the best example of explaining things i have ever heard. i shared it with my daughter who shares this chronic illness with me; she absolutely loved it. she said mom this explains what everyone else doesnt get perfectly! she is age 14 and was touched by it to the point of tears

[bydls(A)] Again, thank you so much! I think the reason why the story is so relatable to young and old- is that it is simple to understand when you use something basic- like a spoon. and when you make it something tangable- when they are taken away. I actually wrote the story in college so I was pretty young at the time- I think that helps it relate to younger people too. When I hear from people that the story, or my website have helped people- it makes me feel that maybe there was a greater purpose to my getting sick....

[new(Q)] The thing is the church seem so focused on making it perfect. And they have too many other projects going on right now they said. I offered to help run it, and I was asked What makes me qualified to do such a thing. I told them because I live it, but that wasn't a good enough answer I guess.

GUEST_LisaCopen(A) --- Email me privately if you want later at rest@restministries.org - a lot of churches respond this way. We might be able to help with some ideas/answers

[heal(Q)] Is there a hopekeepers meeting that can be done online - like this is being done

GUEST_LisaCopen(A) --- Yes, there is one! See http://www.restministries.org/pro-hkonline.htm

[JannyW(C)] wonderful ideas, Lisa :)

[new(Q)] What do you say when someone from church emails you asking for you to sign up to provide a meal for a family who is adopting, when meanwhile you can't even handle making your own meals cause you are on chemo. I guess cause I have all my hair my treatments ain't real. Seriously, I was asked the other day. Perhaps I should just shave my head, lol

[bydls(A)] Honestly may be the best policy. I have had this happen to me when my church, school and even family has asked me to participate in different projects etc. I have simply responde. Thank you for asking me to help. i normally would love to, but right now due to my lupus, cancer, arthritis etc, I am finding it difficult to keep up with my own responsibilities. I wish you great success, and I will let you know when I am well enough to participate.

Host_Mary_Shep --- Well, our hour has come to an end -- let's thank our speakers, Lisa and Christine for a wonderful hour with such great ideas and suggestions -- and for the wonderful reading material as well! our guest will be closing with a couple more thoughts

[craftingrama(Q)] how do you handle the churchs that don't like to have handicapped ppl period in their church as it shows a lack of faith

GUEST_LisaCopen(A) --- I wish I had more time to answer this... but to be honest, it has to start from the top. Leadership has to see it as some kind of priority. Sometimes an individual can make a significant difference in a church, but sometimes it's like hitting your head on a wall. Joni and Friends www.joniandfriends.org has some great ways (and people who will go the church) and start communication too.

Host_Mary_Shep --- please hold your applause :)

[bydls] This was wonderful. Thank you for the opportunity. It was an honor to be apart of this project. Good luck with the rest of the week!!! For anyone who did not get a chance to have their questions answered etc- please feel free to contact me through my site, butyoudontlooksick.com- I would be happy to answer anything I can. Lisa- you are an amazing woman! Keep up the great work and have a wonderful, successful week!

[heal] Thank you so much - this has been sorely needed!

Host_Mary_Shep --- (I will be staying after to go over how the room works for anyone who is a visitor and would like a little more information)

[p.j(Q)] how or what could we all do- in our churches-- to get our needs known , or to be a blessing to others that are probably in the same boat and we don't even know it? Ask pastor if we could start a chronic illness support group?

GUEST_LisaCopen(A) --- I would start with the article I mentioned above. There is also a great article for women's ministries I just wrote for Jennifer Rothschild's ezine and we've had a lot of women very excited. You may want to email the women's ministry leaders a copy. see www.womensministry.net, on the far right, ezine#375

[Hope(C)] Many years ago, I was involved in a support group for caregivers of elderly parents. This was a tremendous blessing to each of us, and I know it made us better caregivers of our parents. We found in this group that many of the folks we thought we "knew" everything about grappled with problems that were "invisible" to the rest of us.

GUEST_LisaCopen --- Wow :) Whew!

Host_Mary_Shep --- while I think our speakers are finishing up on any last questions, we would like to thank all who came out this afternoon for the session --
Transcripts will be available in 2-3 weeks.
Next Speaker: Carmen Leal, "How To Shamelessly Get What You Need When No One Seems To Care"; beginning at 4pm Eastern.

Lisa and Christine, Thank You for your time today it was very informative and helpful!

GUEST_LisaCopen --- Thank you all so much for coming and O hope we were able to address some topics about invisible illness and answer some of your questions. I am really excited about the guests we have this week, especially Scott Davis tonight, who is an attorney.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this week already and all it's preparation. our newest Ezine Update is at
http://www.mychronicillness.com/invisibleillness/update2.htm
it was sent out yesterday, but we "overflowed" on our mail allowed, so there are about 2000 people it will be going out to in the next hour.

I wish I could stay longer. I have to pick up my son at preschool in about 10 minutes. Christine, I don't know How you typed like that with 1 hand. Thank you for being a part of this too. I couldn't have done it without you!

[bydls] anytime Lisa!!!!

Host_Mary_Shep --- thank you both!