http://www.sbwire.com/news/view/20924
Invisible Illness Awareness Week Unites Thousands Who Get it
Posted: Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Living with an invisible illness can cause heartache and bitterness when one
feels no one understands the significance of the illness. Invisible Illness
Week provides that validation that people with invisible diseases often
seek.
San Diego, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/27/2008 -- While we assume that most people
are generally healthy, you may be surprised to find out that an alarming
nearly 1 in 2 people in the United States live with a chronic illness. So
why is it that most of us don't even know when a friend or co-worker is
dealing with diabetes, heart disease, lupus, or chronic fatigue syndrome?
Because, according to the U.S. Census, about 96% of people have invisible
illnesses.
National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week is being held this year,
September 8-14, 2008. It's a secular event sponsored by Rest Ministries, the
largest Christian organization that serves the chronically ill. Visit the
invisible illness awareness campaign's web site at
www.invisibleillnessblog.org . You can be encouraged through dozens of
articles, including daily guest bloggers, find ideas to get involved in the
outreach, and goodies to help promote awareness, from silicone bracelets to
brochures. Tired of those looks when you park in a handicapped spot? Be sure
to pick up a license plate or bumper sticker.
The focal point of the awareness campaign is September 8-12 (M-F) during
which 20 telephone seminars will be held on a variety of topics and are open
to anyone. Topics may also be of interest to those with loved-ones who have
an illness. Some seminars include:
- Assess Yourself: Find the Job You Desire and Can Do Despite Illness
Limitations
- The Civil Rights of Patients with Invisible Chronic Illnesses
- Overcoming Self-Defeating Behaviors
- Secrets of Paying for Medical Care
How to Get Paid to Blog
- After the Diagnosis: The Journey Beyond
The theme this year is "Hope Can Grow From The Soil of Illness."
Lisa Copen, 39, began National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week in
2002 as she continuously witnessed hundreds of people emotionally hurting
just because they felt as though no one "got it." Lisa has lived with
rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia for fifteen years and understands how
validating it can be to just have one friend who you don't have to explain
everything to.
"Though there are hundreds of illnesses represented, and large differences in symptoms and pain levels, none of that matters more than feeling like someone understands you. When our best friends and family members are skeptical about our disease, it can be that last straw that sets us off into a spiraling depression."
She says, "We plan to unite the millions of people who live with chronic
pain and illness by offering an oasis of hope and understanding, as well as
helpful information and practical tools to live the best life possible."
Through the guest bloggers of Invisible Illness Week, to 20 seminars that
supply tools to ensure that one is cared for--both body and soul--National
Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week is succeeding in meeting that goal.
Find out more information and receive daily updates at
http://www.invisibleillnessblog.org
Media Relations Contact
Lisa Copen
Director
National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week
888-751-7378
http://www.invisibleillness.com
Related Links
Action Web Link Description
Visit National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week's Press Room
http://www.restministries.org/invisibleillness/invisibleillnesshome.htm
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