Wednesday’s Workshop Covers Organizing Tips & Parenting When Ill

Wednesday’s program covered 2 topics: “Getting Organized” and “Parenting with Illness.”

Lisa started the show with a bit of a technical glitch but she quickly was able to get her guests through. (And Lisa was dressed today!) Karen Whiting and Marcia Ramsland spoke on organizing and time management. Karen shared one of her best parenting tips, which was to have each child assigned a color and they have everything that is theirs that color, such as a towel, toothbrush, school folders, etc. She said they never passed around the flu in her home, because there was no spread of germs this way. She also shared how helpful it can be to know your “natural energy cycle.” Know what time of day you have more energy of know the seasons that are more difficult for you to get that “spring cleaning” done (it may not be in the Spring at all!)

Marcia Ramsland shared about how the little things can make a huge impact in getting organized, like just doing a “2-minute pickup” when you leave a room or cleaning up a small drawer during the commercials on TV.

Marcia and Karen both have many articles and tips on their web sites, and Marcia also has a free download of a “Time Tracker.”

Next Jill Hart joined Lisa to talk about parenting. Lisa and Jill shared a little about how hard it can be to find the right balance between raising a compassionate kid as well as not wanting them to be the “parent” to an ill parent. Christine Miserandino and Kelly Young joined a few minutes late but Christine shared how the reason was because she’d literally just gotten home from the pediatrician with her daughter who is 3. She spoke about how important it is to have a emergency plan in place for when things like your child becoming ill happens.

Kelly shared about how a child is not like a cake mix (listen to learn more!) and then the women shared a little bit about how they are a mom, someone with an illness, AND a patient advocate online (when do they write and how do they do it all?)

One caller explained how the session had been encouraging as she and her spouse were considering if they should have a child or not. Lisa encouraged her to make the decision from the heart along with her spouse and not to give outside influences too much weight in the choice.

They closed the program with Lisa saying she’d love to have them all back sometime soon for a more in depth time, as they all are an amazing group of women with lots to share.

You can still listen this program any time as it is archived. Either go to www.invisbleillnessconference.com or click in the BlogTalkRadio blue box to the right of this post.

Popularity: 6% [?]

WEDNESDAY’S 9/15 SEMINAR: [1] Getting Organized [2] Parenting

Day #3 of Invisible Illness Week is tomorrow, so be sure to listen September 15 at 10:30 – 12 Pacific time; 12:30-2 PM Central time; or 1:30 PM – 3 PM Eastern time – USA time at http://invisibleillnessconference.com .

Here are 2 area many of us with illness struggle with – getting organized and parenting! Today’s first half of the program we will be joined by organizing and time management professionals who have both dealt with illness in their own households, so these are not empty suggestions. They may say, “make your bed” but they also know sometimes the energy is better spend doing something else (like eating).

Second half, we are excited to have Jill Hart from Christian Work at Home Moms, and “RA Warrior” who has 5 children! And Christine, the “Spoonie” Gal who is now a mom will be joining us to share her tips too.

Karen Whiting, a freelance writer and author of ten Secrets of Success for Women: Time. Her more than 400 articles and devotions have been published in over four-dozen magazines including Brio magazine, Focus on the Family, Today’s Christian Women, Reminisce, and Devo-Zine. Twitter: @KarenHWhiting

Marcia Ramsland, entertaining media guest expert, speaker, and professional organizer, is well known as “The Organizing Pro” for her practical tips and clever solutions in homes and offices. She appears non national radio and TV, and her tips in national magazines like Better Homes and Gardens, Woman’s Day, and Real Simple magazines. Marcia is the author of the popular “Simplify for Success” book series, Simplify Your Life, Simplify Your Time, Simplify Your Space, Simplify Your Holidays Ages and Stages of Getting Children Organized and booklet. Marcia has a daughter that got Fibromyalgia at age 17 and knows well what it’s like to have an invisible illness in the home. Twitter: @OrganizingPro

Jill Hart is the founder of Christian Work at Home Moms and the author of co-author of So You Want To Be a Work-At-Home Mom. She graduated from Grace University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development/Family Studies and Bible. Jill has worked from home since 2000 and started her own home-based business to assist other Christians who desire to work from home while maintaining a godly life. Jill and her husband, Allen of CWAHD.com (Christian Work at Home Dads) reside in Nebraska with their two children. Jill also lives with a chronic illness. Twitter: @cwahm

Kelly Young is the mother five of children, two of whom are severely hearing impaired. She has homeschooled for 17 years, led parenting classes, taught many Bible studies and Adult Sunday School classes, and mentored others. Kelly has lived with autoimmune diseases most of her life and has several diagnoses, including RA. She is author of the website Rheumatoid Arthritis Warrior and the moderator of an uplifting Facebook group with about 5,300 members. Kelly encourages others to fight their disease and trust God for help and hope. Kelly lives on Florida’s Space Coast and is an avid fan of Church liturgy, NASA, and NFL football. Twitter: @RAWarrior

Christine Miserandino is a writer, speaker, patient advocate, wife and mother living in Massapequa Park, NY. Christine is the founder of www.butyoudontlooksick.com, a website that provides resources and useful tips for living life to the fullest with a chronic illness. Her writing which has won various awards has been featured in numerous newspapers, magazines, medical newsletters and television media. She has been living with lupus for over 15 years, and has been volunteering for the Lupus Alliance, Long Island/ Queens Affiliate for 12 years. Twitter: @bydls

Popularity: 2% [?]

Tuesday’s Workshop Panelists Share About Relationships and Chronic Illness

Our seminar today was “Relationships When You Live with a Chronic Illness” and Cheryl Ricker and Pam Farrel joined Lisa Copen to discuss friendship and marriage as they relate to chronic illness. Unfortunately Allison Bottke had an emergency and could not make it.

Lisa opened up by confessing that she was still in her PJs and had not had time to get dressed before the program. (So if you are listening in PJs, you are in good company!)

Cheryl discussed helping a friend with chronic illness and they shared what was done for them that has helped them as they cope with chronic illness. Cheryl shared the story behind her book, Friend in a Storm, of poetry written for a friend going through cancer treatment and how the gift of words is a wonderful gift.

Pam joined Lisa halfway through the program and they discussed the marriage relationship when one person is coping with chronic illness. She explained just what the difference is between men and women and what it is that makes them tick. Lisa asked Pam about the emotions involved when a spouse tells a chronically ill person, “I miss who you used to be…” Pam also shared some other tips from her book The Marriage Code.

You can still listen this program any time as it is archived. Either go to www.invisbleillnessconference.com or click in the BlogTalkRadio blue box to the right of this post.

“I loved the part on marriage and what Pam shared about how to communicate with your spouse when something slips out of your mouth that you should not have said,” shares Kelsey. “Thank you for these wonderful podcasts that I can listen to from my home!”

Related articles by Zemanta

• Talking To Your Spouse About Your Illness: How Much is Too Much? (invisibleillnessweek.com)

Popularity: 2% [?]

If Just One Person… Believes in You

In honor of all of you who have been leaving sticky notes in anonymous little places where someone can find them and be encouraged, we dedicate this song to you.

Thank you for letting someone find a note that let’s them know someone believes in them.

Popularity: 2% [?]

TUESDAY’S 9/14 SEMINAR: Relationships, Friendships, Kids, Parents, Marriage

We’re back for day #2 of Invisible Illness Week, so join us September 14 at 10:30 – 12 Pacific time; 12:30-2 PM Central time; or 1:30 PM – 3 PM Eastern time – USA time at http://invisibleillnessconference.com .

Relationships are one of the biggest struggles we run into when trying to do our best to cope with daily chronic pain–that no one can actually see, and that we cannot “prove.” Join this amazing group of women who talk about marriage, friends, parents and how to set effective boundaries, as well as keep those relationships (especially our marriage) full of joy without getting jaded.

Allison Bottke is the woman behind God Allows U-Turns and now Setting Boundaries. Do you have an adult child who is breaking your heart? An aging parent taking up your whole life? A problem with food? Allison’s resources can help you discover SANITY and take back your life. Between books and support groups around the country, Allison is one who has “been there” and knows it’s hard to set boundaries, but necessary for your own sanity! Twitter @AllisonBottke

Pam Farrel is a relationship specialist, international speaker, and author of over 30 books including best-selling Men are like Waffles, Women are like Spaghetti which she wrote with her husband, Bill. Bill and Pam are frequent guests on radio and television including Focus on the Family, where their interviews with Dr. Dobson were ranked Top 10. She is the founder and President of Seasoned Sisters, a ministry to women 40-65. Twitter: @PamFarrel

Cheryl Ricker is the author of the new book, Friend in the Storm, which is a collection of poems she wrote to a friend who was coping with cancer. She shares about her childhood, “I thought everybody was staring at me through big critical eyes. My self-consciousness affected my confidence which affected my relationships. Insecurity was my gift that kept on giving. So what did I do? I wrote poetry to process the pain of childhood rejection. It was as if some part of my restless brain knew the power of poetry to reach the broken places.” Twitter: @CherylRicker

Popularity: 1% [?]

MONDAY’S 9/13 SEMINAR: Why Illness Hurts, How to Cope

We kick things off at September 13 at 10:30 – 12 Pacific time; 12:30-2 PM Central time; or 1:30 PM – 3 PM Eastern time – USA time at http://invisibleillnessconference.com . Remember, if you miss it… it’s okay! It will be archived for eons!

Have you wondered why the emotional part of coping with a chronic illness can sometimes be more draining than the physical symptoms? Do you not know where to turn to get past hurt feelings or feeling like no one understands? We’e put together a 90-minute time today with three women who we believe can help you find the answers to these questions.

Georgia Shaffer is a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania and a certified life coach. For over 15 years, she has enhanced people’s lives by teaching how to identify: “What needs to grow? What needs to go?” She is also is on the teaching staff of the Christian Leaders, Authors & Speakers Seminar (CLASS) and Personality Plus. She has great insight into why we do what we do, which she has shared in her books and will be sharing with us! Twitter: @GeorgiaShaffer

Author and speaker Maureen Pratt lives with multiple illnesses, including organ-involved lupus, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, hypothyroidism, and chronic back pain. Through her books, including “Peace in the Storm: Meditations on Chronic Pain & Illness,” articles, and talks, she encourages others to deepen their faith and Christian walk in spite of and with living with chronic illness. Twitter: @MaureenPratt

Mary Yerkes is a professional life coach who specializes in working with the chronically ill. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases in 1997, Mary combines years of practical experience with her professional training to help the chronically ill build meaningful and significant lives, of which illness is only a part. She is also an author and speaker. To learn more about Coach Mary and the services she offers, visit www.newlifechristiancoaching.com. Twitter: @newlifeonline

Popularity: 3% [?]

Jason Shares His Outreach For Invisible Illness Week

Some of you are quite amazing in the ways you are grabbing onto Invisible Illness Week and running with it (I know, perhapd an odd expression if you’ve not ‘run’ in many years, but in your own way you ARE running! Thank you!)

One of these people is Jason Reid from sickwithsuccess.com . He also has a free ebook. At the age of 18, after nearly dying of complications from Crohn’s disease, an inflammation of the intestinal system, Jason enrolled in the prestigious journalism program at Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada. Jason now runs Sick with Success™ a company that offers chronic illness coaching and organizational solutions.

He wrote to me and said, “I have decided to use the week of September 13th to do a media blitz on invisible illness awareness and will mention Invisible Illness Awareness Week and yourself wherever I can. I am going to try to hit radio, TV and print across Canada, particularly in the Toronto area.”

Here is the video he did (it’s great to hear a MAN’S side of the story!). Thanks, Jason, for spreading the word and using your difficult experiences to encourage others

Lisa

Related articles

• Invisible Illness Week Bloggers Make an Impact! (invisibleillnessweek.com)
• Press Release – Invisible Illness Week Bloggers Driving Force Behind Awareness Campaign (invisibleillnessweek.com)
• Rest Ministries Sponsors Invisible Illness Week (chronicillnesspaindevotionals.wordpress.com)
• Facebook Brings Those With Chronic Illness Together for Invisible Illness Week (invisibleillnessweek.com)

Popularity: 5% [?]

Your Invisible Illness Week Gift Bag

Well, the week here online has come to and end as our virtual conferences closed just a few minutes ago. But there are still ways to continue to spread the word this weekend and beyond if you would like.

Do you remember going to a party and feeling a little let down as you walked out of the room, trying not to step on the deflated balloons and brushing off the confetti. Always a little sad.

But then you get home and remember, “I have a gift bag!”

Well, we’ve put together a few goodies for you in this little post as our way of saying, “let the party continue.” Sure, some people think we are weird. We’re not actually “celebrating” that we have an illness though. We are simply celebrating LIFE… or maybe you are celebrating that you made in through ONE… MORE… DAY… That’s okay. As Georgia Shaffer said during Monday’s program, “Your good enough is good enough.”

So here are a few things we hope will be helpful:

Rest Ministries is the organization behind National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week. Did you know that Lisa, who hosts all the shows and does the blog, editing, publicity. etc. does it simply out of her passion? She doesn’t have a salary or profit in any way. And Invisible Illness Week does cost money. Unfortunately, this year the expenses are by far more than the donations that came in. Be sure to check out Rest Ministries bookstore, Chronic Illness Books, where there are lots of great books, gifts, and fun items. And here is a coupon code! Sept 16-20 put in the coupon 5off25 and you will receive $5 of your purchase of $25 or more.

But wait, there is more!

If you’ve not yet signed up to receive updates from the Invisible Illness Week website (box at top right of the site) you are missing out, because when you do, you will get an email with a link to download our free ebook of 263 ways to do more than just get by.

Here are some of the other things just for you!

• Georgia Shaffer talked about how to do a self-assessment to know if you are carrying around too much emotional junk. Sign up for her newsletter at GeorgiaShaffer.com and get a free evaluation tool to see if your emotional trash can is overflowing. After all, if we hold on to too much trash, eventually our life starts to get kind of stinky, right? Georgia also has some great articles on dating tips, singles, and you can read a chapter of one of our favorite books of hers, “The Gift of Mourning Glories” (and yes, that’s “mourning.”) You may not know that Georgia was also featured in the movie, Letters to God.
• Maureen Pratt has a new book, “Beyond Pain: Job, Jesus, and Joy” which will be available mid-October. She has lots of plans for the launch! In the meantime, be encouraged by reading a bit of her popular book Peace in the Storm from Google books.
• Mary Yerkes mentioned her new coaching program for those who live with chronic illness at New Life Christian Coaching. Mary has a coaching readiness checklist to see if you are ready for a coaching kind of professional relationship.
• Pam Farrel talked about marriage and she had gobs of goodies to help you in your relationships and marriage. Sign up for her newsletter at PamAndBill.org and you will receive 25 Free or Nearly-Free Date Ideas, Red Hot Romance Ideas, Monthly Ezine and more!
• Many of you said that poet Cheryl Ricker brought you some great comfort. Watch the video about the book Friend in the Storm.
• Lots of you loved hearing from Marcia Ramsland, Organizing Pro, and she has lots of helpful downloads (for free!) at her web site, including the she mentioned on the program, the “168 Hour Time Tracker” Chart. If you want to see how well you can improve how you plan your day, this will help! If you have kids, you also won’t want to miss this Age Level Chart of Getting Children Organized .
• Karen Whiting has lots of great tips on everything from time management to ideas for kids to keep those little hands busy at her web site.
• RA Warrior Kelly Young invites you on over to her site. If you or someone you love has rheumatoid arthritis, you will find encouragement, understanding, but also loads of helpful information that will make you feel much better prepared for your next doctor’s visit!
• Jill Hart has a great book about how to “do the work at home & mommy thing.” You can get an autographed copy of So You Want to Be a Work at Home Mom and if you use the code “50ff” you will get $5 off the book!
• If you are not yet familiar with “The Spoon Theory” of Christine Miserandino of butyoudontlooksick.com and you have an invisible illness… well, let’s just say you are missing out on a great way to share how you are truly feeling without getting too specific. Awhile back Lisa shared on Facebook she was ‘all out of spoons’ and someone suggested to ‘buy plastic.’ Know the lingo and where it originated from.
• Jenny Prokopy from chronicbabe.com has a free eNewsletter (which is literally called a “Goodie Bag.”
• The Invisible Disabilities Association. What can we say? This married couple has taken their difficulties in life with illness and has created a wealth of resources to help you not only be encouraged if you have an illness, but also tools to help you help others understand what you may be going through. We specifically recommend their booklet “But You LOOK Good!“
• Kerri Sparling is the founder of 6 Until Me, one of the largest patient blogs for those with diabetes. She is also a new mom, so even if you don’t have diabetes, but you are a new mom, you may find some incredibly helpful tips at her site, or even just a woman who “gets” what you are going through.
• And if you are in Hilton Head, SC and need a nanny, well, Jennie Krogulski is your gal, the founder of Hilton Head Nannies. (Hey, one never knows, right?)
• Rosalind Joffe, CI Coach, has some downloads for free at her site, including “: “10 Things I Want You to Know About Working”
• Trish Robichaud has a “Business Beyond Chronic Illness” coaching program and you can download her free Optimal Health Kit at ChangingPaces.com.
• Twila Belk has 6 copies of Hope and Comfort For Every Season to give away! Than you, Twila! Leave a comment below if you are interested in a copy of this book. We will randomly choose 6 winners.
  

Popularity: 4% [?]

Can You Still Be Friends If They Think You Are Faking Your Illness?

by Lisa Copen

If you have an invisible chronic illness you may discover that the invisibility factor of the illness can be much more of a challenge than the physical changes your body is undergoing. Most people who are diagnosed with an illness sooner or later accept the illness as being a part of life. In order to have a life filled with joy, one must educate one’s self on the illness and that treatment options available, and then make choices.

But we have no control over our loved ones when they choose not to accept our illness, or sometimes even acknowledge it. Their skepticism can last a lifetime and damage our self-worth and many relationships.

So, what you do when someone important in your life refuses to acknowledge the seriousness of your disease, or accept that the disease even exists? Here are four steps to change your actions and attitudes:

1. Go with it. Though the seriousness of your illness is significant under your roof, it isn’t that important to others. And there’s no magical conversation you can have with the person that will make him change his mind. The most likely way your friend will accept that your illness is real, is by observing you. For example, your invisible illness may begin to have some visible side effects. When he sees you struggle to get up out of a chair, don’t comment; just let him take it all in.

2. Grow with it. This situation can be a perfect time to reflect on your own perceptions of people. Have you ever stood in line at the bank and thought yourself, “No one here understands how difficult it is to just stand in this slow line!” But nearly 1 in two people in the USA have a chronic illness, so the chances are high that someone standing beside you does understand. Remember that 96% of illnesses are invisible, so watch your assumptions. What situations are your friends going through that you don’t fully grasp? The affair of a spouse, a baby born with a disability, and the loss of a job, are all experiences that can alter one’s life in an instant. Chances are that your friends can use your support and even empathy.

3. Get over it. It is easy to obsess over the fact that no one understands what your daily chronic pain is like. Save yourself a lot of grief and don’t do it. We would all like a loved one to be able to slip inside are skin for twenty-four hours, but this level of understanding of our disease will never occur. If you began to resent people who don’t understand, soon all your friendships will be tainted. Do not take a friend’s lack of empathy personally, even though it feels personal. You cannot change someone’s mind; you can only control your own behavior, so make certain you have conversations that you won’t regret.

4. Get on with it. Life is precious and short and no material things in your life can replace friends and family. It is true that the intimacy level in your relationship will not ever be high if your illness is not at least believed to exist. But if you still want a relationship, and it’s a healthy one in other ways, it can happen.

The odds are, at some point in your friend’s life, a health issue will occur and suddenly he will have a glimpse into what your life is like. Allow him to feel comfortable coming to you for support and encouragement and don’t use the opportunity to say, “I told you so.”

Go with it. Grow with it. Get over it. Get on with it.

Is it possible to have relationships with people who don’t understand the seriousness of your illness? Yes. Accept him for what he is able to give, and know when to back off if the relationship becomes destructive to your emotional state. Have reasonable expectations. In time, this may end up being one of your closest friendships.

Lisa Copen is the founder of Rest Ministries and National Invisible Chronic illness Awareness Week, as well as the author of Why Can’t I Make People Understand? Chronic illness doesn’t have to be depressing! Subscribe to receive daily emailed encouragement from the largest Christian outreach for people with illness. Don’t miss Rest Ministries great books and gifts we’ve selected for people coping with illness.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Conf Workshops

ABOUT THE WEEK

• Programs will occur M-F, September 13-17, 10:30 – 12 PACIFIC time; 12:30-2 PM CENTRAL TIME; 1:30 PM – 3 PM EASTERN TIME – Find a time converter here if you do not live in the USA.
• You listen to them live on your computer or can listen later. They will automatically go to itunes too if you wish to download them your ipod of MP3 player.
• To listen, click here InvisibleIllnessConference.com and turn up your speakers. If it is the right time, the program will start playing immediately.

YOUR HOST

Lisa Copen is the founder of Rest Ministries, the largest Christian organization that specifically serves the chronically ill. She has authored nine books, including resources for over 300 HopeKeepers groups, a small group program of Rest Ministries. Through various sources including National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week, which she started in 2002, she seeks to encourage churches to increase an outreach to the chronically ill nearly 1 in 2 people in the U.S. Lisa’s works have been published in a variety of periodicals and books and she has been a guest of radio programs Decision Today, Family Life and Joni and Friends. She is a sought-after speaker who brings joy and humor, as well as hope, to those who are suffering or live with chronic illness.

Lisa resides in San Diego with her husband and 7-year-old son, and has lived with degenerative rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia since 1993. She will be hosting the programs for Invisible Illness Week out of her home office.

MONDAY – SEPTEMBER 13, 2010

LIVING WITH INVISIBLE ILLNESS, WHY IT HURTS, HOW TO COPE

Georgia Shaffer is a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania and a certified life coach. For over 15 years, she has enhanced people’s lives by teaching how to identify: “What needs to grow? What needs to go?” She is also is on the teaching staff of the Christian Leaders, Authors & Speakers Seminar (CLASS) and Personality Plus. She has great insight into why we do what we do, which she has shared in her books and will be sharing with us!

Author and speaker Maureen Pratt lives with multiple illnesses, including organ-involved lupus, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, hypothyroidism, and chronic back pain. Through her books, including “Peace in the Storm: Meditations on Chronic Pain & Illness,” articles, and talks, she encourages others to deepen their faith and Christian walk in spite of and with living with chronic illness.

Mary Yerkes is a professional life coach who specializes in working with the chronically ill. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases in 1997, Mary combines years of practical experience with her professional training to help the chronically ill build meaningful and significant lives, of which illness is only a part. She is also an author and speaker. To learn more about Coach Mary and the services she offers, visit www.newlifechristiancoaching.com .

TUESDAY – SEPTEMBER 14, 2010

RELATIONSHIPS

Allison Bottke is the woman behind God Allows U-Turns and now Setting Boundaries. Do you have an adult child who is breaking your heart? An aging parent taking up your whole life? A problem with food? Allison’s resources can help you discover SANITY and take back your life. Between books and support groups around the country, Allison is one who has “been there” and knows it’s hard to set boundaries, but necessary for your own sanity!

Pam Farrel is a relationship specialist, international speaker, and author of over 30 books including best-selling Men are like Waffles, Women are like Spaghetti which she wrote with her husband, Bill. Bill and Pam are frequent guests on radio and television including Focus on the Family, where their interviews with Dr. Dobson were ranked Top 10.  She is the founder and President of Seasoned Sisters, a ministry to women 40-65.

Cheryl Ricker is the author of the new book, Friend in the Storm, which is a collection of poems she wrote to a friend who was coping with cancer. She shares about her childhood, “I thought everybody was staring at me through big critical eyes. My self-consciousness affected my confidence which affected my relationships. Insecurity was my gift that kept on giving. So what did I do? I wrote poetry to process the pain of childhood rejection. It was as if some part of my restless brain knew the power of poetry to reach the broken places.”

WEDNESDAY – SEPTEMBER 15, 2010

GETTING ORGANIZED AND TIME MANAGEMENT

Karen Whiting, a freelance writer and author of ten Secrets of Success for Women: Time. Her more than 400 articles and devotions have been published in over four-dozen magazines including Brio magazine, Focus on the Family, Today’s Christian Women, Reminisce, and Devo-Zine.

Marcia Ramsland, entertaining media guest expert, speaker, and professional organizer, is well known as “The Organizing Pro” for her practical tips and clever solutions in homes and offices. She appears non national radio and TV, and her tips in national magazines like Better Homes and Gardens, Woman’s Day, and Real Simple magazines. Marcia is the author of the popular “Simplify for Success” book series, Simplify Your Life, Simplify Your Time, Simplify Your Space, Simplify Your Holidays Ages and Stages of Getting Children Organized and booklet. Marcia has a daughter that got Fibromyalgia at age 17 and knows well what it’s like to have an invisible illness in the home.

PARENTING

Jill Hart is the founder of Christian Work at Home Moms and the author of co-author of So You Want To Be a Work-At-Home Mom. She graduated from Grace University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development/Family Studies and Bible. Jill has worked from home since 2000 and started her own home-based business to assist other Christians who desire to work from home while maintaining a godly life. Jill and her husband, Allen of CWAHD.com (Christian Work at Home Dads) reside in Nebraska with their two children. Jill also lives with a chronic illness.

Kelly Young is the mother five of children, two of whom are severely hearing impaired. She has homeschooled for 17 years, led parenting classes, taught many Bible studies and Adult Sunday School classes, and mentored others. Kelly has lived with autoimmune diseases most of her life and has several diagnoses, including RA. She is author of the website Rheumatoid Arthritis Warrior and the moderator of an uplifting Facebook group with about 5,300 members. Kelly encourages others to fight their disease and trust God for help and hope. Kelly lives on Florida’s Space Coast and is an avid fan of Church liturgy, NASA, and NFL football.
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Christine Miserandino is a writer, speaker, patient advocate, wife and mother living in Massapequa Park, NY. Christine is the founder of www.butyoudontlooksick.com, a website that provides resources and useful tips for living life to the fullest with a chronic illness. Her writing which has won various awards has been featured in numerous newspapers, magazines, medical newsletters and television media. She has been living with lupus for over 15 years, and has been volunteering for the Lupus Alliance, Long Island/ Queens Affiliate for 12 years.

THURSDAY – SEPTEMBER 16, 2010

EXPLAINING INVISIBLE ILLNESSES

Wayne Connell is the president of the Invisible Disabilities Association which he founded with his wife Sherri. Wayne’s desire to help others who struggle with disabilities has become a passion for him. He obtained a BA in Television and radio broadcasting in 1990. We will be talking with him about invisible illnesses and also the role he fills as husband and caregiver.

GIRL TALK – HOW CONNECTING WITH OTHERS HELPS US ALL

Jenni Prokopy is founder and editrix of ChronicBabe.com , an online resource for young women with chronic illness. An award-winning writer, speaker, and expert on healthy living, she shares her personal experience – and rallies the expertise of hundreds of others – to help women live beyond their illness and be total Babes.
Her writing has appeared in numerous publications, and she has worked with dozens of organizations large and small, local and multinational, to create compelling messages that empower people to work better, play harder. . .and be their best.

Kerri Sparling is the founder of 6 Until Me, one of the largest patient blogs for those with diabetes. She is married to a “frantically funny, sharp-witted, and brilliant man who is both handsome and caring.” And  on April 15th, 2010, her daughter joined the Sparling family. She is also a freelance writer and patient advocate.
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Christine Miserandino is a writer, speaker, patient advocate, wife and mother living in Massapequa Park, NY. Christine is the founder of www.butyoudontlooksick.com, a website that provides resources and useful tips for living life to the fullest with a chronic illness. Her writing which has won various awards has been featured in numerous newspapers, magazines, medical newsletters and television media. She has been living with lupus for over 15 years.

FRIDAY – SEPTEMBER 17, 2010

CAREER, WORKING, STARTING OWN BIZ

Rosalind Joffe built on her own experience of living with chronic illnesses for 30 years, including multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis, when she founded cicoach.com. This career coaching firm is dedicated to helping professionals with chronic illness develop the skills they need to succeed in their careers. Rosalind Joffe is a recognized national expert on chronic illness and its impact on career. She is the co-author of Women, Work and Autoimmune Disease: Keep Working, Girlfriend!

Jennie Krogulski is the founder of Hilton Head Nannies. Despite living with a chronic illness, she has started a successful business and will share some of her best tips.
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Trish Robichaud is a Maximum Life & Healthy Business Coach who lives with multiple sclerosis & major depression.  She teaches women living with chronic illness or disability how to honour and accommodate their health while striving to achieving work/life balance and entrepreneurial success through her “Business Beyond Chronic Illness” coaching program.  Download her free Optimal Health Kit at ChangingPaces.com.

ChangingPaces.com.

IN CLOSING

LISA AND TWILA FOR THE LAST HALF HOUR – CALL WITH YOUR COMMENTS!

Twila Belk is the “Gotta Tell Somebody Gal” and her family has experienced its share of invisible illnesses. Her energetic, passionate joy in life is sure to encourage you as we sign off for the week.

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