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7 Realities of the Invisible Becoming Visible with Wayne Connell: IDA Video Seminar

January 7, 2013 by Wayne Connell Leave a Comment

Invisible Disabilities Association Founder and President, Wayne Connell shares 7 points about invisible disabilities and how to be a source of support to those who live with them.

This video is an excerpt from his seminar of the same name that he has given to various groups and organizations.

Wayne’s wife, Sherri lives with debilitating Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Late Lyme Disease and Chemical Injury.

7 Realities of the Invisible Becoming V-I-S-I-B-L-E

V = Vast
I = Invisible
S = Society
I = Individual
B = Believe
L = Love
E = Everyone

Wayne Connell, Founder and President
Invisible Disabilities Association
http://www.InvisibleDisabilities.org

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

About Wayne

Wayne is the Founder & President of the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA). His inspiration for IDA is His wife, Sherri, who lives with Multiple Sclerosis, Lyme Disease, Neurological Chemical Intolerance, Traumatic Brain Injury and Anaphylaxis Food Allergies. Wayne is the Author of the booklet, But You LOOK Good! How to Encourage and Understand People Living with Illness and Pain. He has spoken at seminars, conferences, health fairs and banquets to create awareness, education and support. His personal experience includes that of a professional, multi-tasking husband caregiver with an extensive background in management, media and technology. This man on a mission quickly launched IDA into a world-wide outreach for millions living with invisible disabilities. Wayne and the IDA Executive and Advisory Teams reach out to others living with illness, pain and injury around the world. They bring encouragement and awareness about invisible disabilities to friends, family, co-workers and businesses through websites, projects, articles, pamphlets, seminars, events, videos, radio and social networks.

Filed Under: Becoming Visible, Invisible No More Tagged With: advocate, author, awareness, caregiver, disability, doctors and nurses, helpful tips, illness, injury, invisible disabilities, Invisible No More!, loved ones, outreach, pain, personal story, seminar, speaker, spreading the word, support, video

But You LOOK Good! on Disability.gov

Looks Can Be Deceiving

January 6, 2013 by KatheSkinner 2 Comments

By Wayne Connell, Founder & President, Invisible Disabilities Association and IDA Executive Board Member, Kathe Skinner, LMFT

Why believe? Why believe someone is ill and in pain when their appearance and circumstances may indicate otherwise? Perhaps their body is crying out in pain, the brain fog comes and goes and they alternate between moments of brilliance and a loss for words. How can we determine the extent of someone’s injuries and illness just by looking at them?

The reason the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) was founded is for this exact purpose – to help those with invisible disabilities and chronic pain whose friends, family members, coworkers and perfect strangers may not “believe” that they are sick or in pain.

We BELIEVE people who live with invisible disabilities such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Dyslexia, Lyme Disease, Dysautonomia, Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Autism, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Agoraphobia, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), Cancer, Diabetes, Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue and thousands of others. We believe them when these people tell us what they can and can’t do each day.

Sometimes we have our own ideas about how much a person with illness or disability should be able to accomplish for their condition to be “real.” Yet, how many songs, books, movies and works of art have been created by people throughout history who have experienced pain and illness? Each person with illness and pain has different symptoms and therefore has varying levels of ability and disability. It’s also important to remember that for some people, these symptoms may come and go throughout their day to day lives.

Kathe Skinner, an Invisible Disabilities Association Advisor, shares her story of belief below.

Most of us with invisible disabilities walk the line between trying not to look disabled and really BEING disabled.

While my multiple sclerosis (MS) is more visible than it used to be, I’m still a bit prickly when someone says “Here, let me do that,” as if I’m incapable of doing it for myself. Back in April, though, I wish someone had said just that.

My first day of a Palm Springs vacation was unusually hot (105 degrees), so pushing my rollator, which helps with my mobility, out to my rental car took a lot out of me. When I saw what was waiting for me – a black car with black interior that had been soaking up the California sun for several hours – I decided I needed to try to switch to a different vehicle.

I went back to the terminal where, bypassing the line (shocking for me), I rolled up to the rental counter and told the man behind it, “I have MS, so if you put me in a black car with a black interior on a hot day, you might as well sign my death warrant.”

Switching to a light-colored car was easy, but that third walk through powerful heat was hard on my body. My left foot dropped and dragged, dropped and dragged, and messages about lifting my legs didn’t coincide with the messages in my brain telling me to push with my arms. I looked like an inch worm in mid inch.

Safety was up ahead in the form of a silver car, and it wasn’t a mirage; I could see it there in the far right outfield of the parking lot (if it was Little League, nobody could’ve hit a ball that far). Like a wayfarer lost in the desert, I pushed as fast as I could, and dragged more with every yard covered until – Hallelujah and kiss the cat – I was finally there!

Imagine the moment of deliverance from need.

Then you can imagine how I felt, looking at that car and noticing it had black interior.

Here’s some trivia for you: A closed car’s interior temperature rises 30 degrees in 20 minutes – think about all the warnings you hear regarding why it’s important not to leave babies and animals in locked cars during heat waves. Combined with an outdoor temperature of 105 degrees, that car had to be at least 135 degrees inside.

Get in? No way. But did I have any choice? Nope.

Suddenly, I had a loss in cognitive and physical functioning. Talking to myself, I said, “If I fall down, I won’t be able to get up. No one will see me. I hate looking so helpless! Nobody’s fooled anymore; you don’t look or act normal. Get in the car. Do it NOW.”

I don’t remember how I got from the car to sitting on the ground once I drove back to the terminal. Or how people helped me inside where it was cooler. “Are you okay?” people asked. “No. No!” I said. “I have multiple sclerosis. I have a bad headache, and no feeling in my arms or legs except heaviness. I’m sick to my stomach, and I can’t see very well. I’m hot – so hot, so hot.” I was trying to call my husband David, but I couldn’t remember the number. I remember thinking I must have mascara and snot all over my face from crying.

Bet I didn’t look so good then.

Amazingly, no one called 911. Finally, the police came and asked (a cognitively impaired) me if I wanted to go to the hospital. For the next five hours, I cooled down in the emergency room, had my requisite 10 minutes with the doctor and waited an hour for a cab back to the terminal to complete what I’d begun that morning – renting a car.

I didn’t have any fun and yet my first day of vacation had cost over $1,600! Physically and emotionally, I paid, too. I slept for two days and endured a massive panic attack, followed by 24 hours of mania culminating in emotional immobility. Four days after I got to town, I went outside for the first time.

Here’s what I’d like to see change: that service providers’ awareness is better on several fronts. First, heat is no joke for anyone, but especially the elderly, very young and those with chronic health conditions. Next, especially in a town rich with senior tourists, there’s a need to acquire knowledge about invisible disabilities. Finally, I’d like to see a mandate to act on behalf of someone as clearly incapacitated as I was. The rental company also agrees something was missed somewhere that day.

My take away? Not to assume people know what MS does to me; to act courageously to acknowledge my limitations, especially when they don’t show; and to take care of myself instead of giving control away. It’s no one else’s job except mine to stay safe.

Remember that fine line? Should I look more disabled – get rid of the make-up, look pathetic? I admit I might occasionally stoop that low. The straighter path is to educate others about the “presto-change-o” element of invisible disability. Widening that fine line shows others that disability isn’t pathetic and doesn’t look that way, either. Feeling that way myself is a journey I haven’t yet completed.

IDA will never stop believing people like Kathe and we hope others will do the same. Our goal is not to judge the cause or extent of illness and pain, but to lend a helping hand, a listening ear and an understanding heart. Let us love first! Let us not be deceived by what we see or think we see or what we don’t see. IDA envisions a world where people living with illness, pain and disability will be INVISIBLE NO MORE! Won’t you join us, please?

This article was first published on Disability.Blog by Disability.gov. July 25, 2012.

RELATED ARTICLES:

Being Truly Thankful

Don’t Judge by Appearances on Disability.gov

IDA Makes the “Top 10 Guest blogs of 2012″ on Disability.gov

Learning the Language of Invisible Disabilities

Join the Expedition

Looks Can Be Deceiving

The Visible Invisible Disability (coming soon)

What’s So Funny About …

About Kathe Skinner

Kathe Skinner is a Marriage & Family Therapist turned Relationship Coach in private practice. She conducts Couples Retreats in fabulous places, offers webinars and holds Couples Communication Classes along the Front Range of Colorado. She and her husband David live in Colorado Springs with two hooligan cats. She has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis for over 30 years.

Filed Under: Becoming Visible, Invisible No More, Personal Stories Tagged With: advocate, awareness, caregiver, disability, doctors and nurses, helpful tips, illness, injury, invisible disabilities, Invisible No More!, loved ones, multiple sclerosis, pain, personal story, spreading the word, support

IDA Makes the “Top 10 Guest Blogs of 2012″ on Disability.gov

January 3, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

Press Release

IDA Makes the “Top 10 Guest Blogs of 2012″ on Disability.gov

Parker, CO – January 03, 2012. IDA Founder, Wayne Connell is a regular Guest Blogger on Disability.blog by Disability.gov. We are elated to announce that IDA Made the “Top 10 Guest Blogs of 2012″ on Disability.Blog by Disability.Gov. We are thrilled to receive this recognition and to be given the opportunity to bring about more awareness and education about Invisible Disabilities!

Disability.Blog wrote:

2012 was an exciting year for Disability.Blog! We expanded existing partnerships and began dynamic new ones with leading disability organizations, such as the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA). IDA President and Founder Wayne Connell and IDA ambassadors, including Kathe Skinner and Jeff Vankooten, wrote thoughtful posts throughout the year to let our readers know about the importance of recognizing and understanding invisible disabilities, and to offer people living with chronic illness and pain an opportunity to tell their personal stories.

Read full story.

Thank you to all of our guest CO-authors and readers who have commented and liked our blogs, showing your support for what IDA is doing!

The IDA Team

ABOUT THE INVISIBLE DISABILITIES ASSOCIATION

The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) is a non-profit organization that has been encouraging, educating and connecting people and organizations touched by invisible disabilities around the world since 1997. IDA provides awareness, articles, pamphlets, booklets, radio interviews, videos, seminars, events, resources, an online social network and much more.

Contact the IDA Team: Go to the Contact Page on the Invisible Disabilities Association website. Visit the Invisible Disabilities Association at: www.InvisibleDisabilities.org

RELATED ARTICLES:

Learning the Language of Invisible Disabilities

Join the Expedition

Looks Can Be Deceiving on Disability.gov

What’s So Funny About on Disability.gov

About

The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) encourages, educates and connects people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Formerly known as The Invisible Disabilities Advocate, IDA was founded in 1997 and incorporated in 2004 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. IDA reaches out through our websites, projects, articles, pamphlets, booklet, social network, resources, videos, radio interviews, seminars, events and more! Get the word out! Share a link to our articles and pages with Google Plus, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and through Email by clicking on the Share link. Leave a comment!

Filed Under: IDA in the News, Invisible Disabilities Assoc. Awareness Tagged With: accessible parking, advocate, author, awareness, caregiver, depression, disability, doctors and nurses, environmental illness, helpful tips, humor, illness, injury, inspiration, invisible disabilities, Invisible No More!, loved ones, mental illness, multiple sclerosis, news, non-profit, outreach, pain, personal story, press release, speaker, spreading the word, support, traumatic brain injury

Join the Expedition

November 26, 2012 by Wayne Connell 5 Comments

By Wayne Connell, Founder & President, Invisible Disabilities Association.

Article Excerpt: See what an amazing difference IDA is making with our Annual Honor Awards Banquets. Not only is this an amazing night for attendees, but we share our videos from the evening and article about the Award Recipients to increase awareness, education and support around the world!

In recognition of National Disabilities Month, every October for the past five years, the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) has hosted an awards banquet in Lone Tree, Colorado. This year’s banquet will take place on October 14^th. This event allows IDA to honor amazing individuals and organizations from around the nation who are making a difference in the lives of people touched by illness, pain and disability. We also feature incredible keynote speakers such as National Speaker Hall of Fame Inductee Karyn Buxman, RN, MSN, CSP, CPAE; New York Times bestselling author Capt. Luis Carlos Montalván and New York Met’s World Series Champion Ed Hearn. This year we invite you to “Join the Expedition.”

Dictionary.com defines an expedition as, “an organized journey or voyage for a specific purpose.” Much time and planning goes into preparing for an expedition. Sometimes it requires learning a new language; sometimes it forges ahead into difficult places. An expedition often requires a map, unless the territory is unknown and uncharted. And of course lots and lots of cool equipment and tools are needed. Finally, an expedition usually requires a partner or a team to go with you, and a group back home cheering you on.

The problem with the expedition of caregiving or living daily with illness and pain is that you rarely have the opportunity to prepare or pre-plan. It just happens! IDA wants to help people to become “expedition ready” even in the midst of the journey.

IDA’s 5^th annual banquet will feature Antarctic Mike (Pierce) and his wife, Angela, as keynote speakers. Mike and Angela have been on a very long expedition. Mike is a professional speaker, executive recruiter, avid adventure athlete, world record holder and a husband. Angela Pierce is a wife, a blogger and someone who lives daily with disability and has done so most of her life. Together, they are an amazing team!

Mike has completed marathons in some of the world’s coldest climates including the Canadian Arctic, Siberia and twice in the Antarctic. He has set world records in endurance swimming and cycling as well. Adventure sports have changed Mike’s life in many ways, including teaching him the importance of being mentally focused and conditioned to run the most challenging, important and worthwhile expedition, that of helping Angela manage her lifetime disability. Read more of their story on Disability.Blog.

The good news is there are a group of people and organizations from around the nation who are journeying alongside people touched by illness, pain and disability. IDA will be honoring them on this great evening. IDA honorees include:

2012 Advocacy Award Honoree: Suzanne Mintz has been chosen based on her passion and advocacy as the founder of the National Family Caregivers Association. She has set the example for others by caregiving for her husband, Steven, who is living with Multiple Sclerosis. She has used her experience to inspire and advocate for other caregivers.

2012 Caregiver Award Honoree: John O’Brien has been chosen based on his passion and commitment to personally care for his wife and her journey with illness. This passion for people living with illness and pain also moved John to co-found Central Coast Senior Services, a home care agency which provides professional and compassionate caregiving.

2012 Corporate Award Honoree: Debbie Marriott Harrison has been chosen for her personal journey as a caregiver and champion of those living with invisible disabilities, including her own children. In addition, Debbie is an example for others in her role as Senior Vice President of the Marriott Corporation, a company that is leading the way with a disability-friendly atmosphere for both their guests and employees.

2012 Founders Award Honoree: Dick Layton has been chosen based on his personal involvement with IDA’s founder Wayne Connell as a mentor and as a strategic advisor to the entire IDA organization. Dick uses his passion to help others by making a difference in their lives and their organizations and therefore multiplying his impact and reach. Dick Layton is a currently a Managing Partner at Kenton Talent Management.

2012 Healthcare Award Honoree: Kermit Crawford has been chosen based on his leadership role at Walgreen’s as the President of the Pharmacy, Health and Wellness Services and Solutions and his focus on the wellbeing and health of all Americans. Kermit has led Walgreens in the development of programs and services such as the Take Care Clinics, Health Corner TV, Health Screening Tours and the Walk with Walgreens initiative.

2012 Impact Award Honoree: Jan Chambers has been chosen based on her desire and passion to positively impact people living with fibromyalgia and pain through her work as the President of the National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association.

2012 Inspiration Award Honoree: Bob Woodruff has been chosen because as a traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor he inspires others with TBI to keep fighting and to use their challenges and triumphs to help encourage others. Bob founded the Bob Woodruff Foundation to honor and encourage veterans, as well as service men and women living with invisible disabilities. Bob is an amazing inspiration and is making a difference in the lives of others.

2012 Invisible Hero Award Honoree: Anna Bigham has been chosen based on her work as the founder and executive director of the nonprofit organization Hidden Wounds. After enduring the tragic loss of her brother, Anna has dedicated her life to serving military personnel living with invisible disabilities by bringing them hope and inspiration.

2012 Medical Award Honoree: Dr. Marshall Thomas has been chosen based on his passion to provide exceptional clinical care and research for patients living with mental health disorders through his leadership as the Executive Director of the University of Colorado’s Depression Center. Under his guidance, the Depression Center has become a recognized leader in research and treatment of depression, as well as a much needed community resource for health professionals and the public about mood disorders.

2012 Perseverance Award Honoree: Angela Pierce has been chosen based on her amazing perseverance as she lives each day with illness from childhood, ongoing long term pain and life threatening injuries caused by a major climbing accident 27 years ago. In addition, despite her circumstances, Angela shares her story, as well as her struggles and triumphs, in order to encourage others in person and through the internet.

2012 Research Award Honoree: Envoy Medical Corporation has been chosen based on its cutting edge research, and the creation of the Esteem®, an implantable, invisible, prosthetic hearing restoration device.

2012 Volunteer Award Honoree: Frances Owens has been chosen based on her lifelong, passionate volunteerism with multiple charities serving people living daily with illness and disability, as well as for those recovering from tragedy. Frances’ current work with Developmental Pathways and the HeartLight Center is inspiring. Her volunteerism with Anchor Center for the Blind, Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, The Children’s Hospital, The Colorado Autism Society, women’s heart health and Denver Health’s Newborns in Need is an example to be followed.

In addition, check out our great expert chats on the first ever Online True Help® Disability Web Expo sponsored by Allsup, which will be held on September 27^th. Register today for this free event. Topics include:

“Be Expedition Ready – Learn about preparing for the journey of care giving” by Antarctic Mike
“Ready, Set, Thrive – Nine new rules for engaging change and managing stress” by Jeff Vankooten
“7 Realities of the Invisible Becoming Visible” by Wayne Connell, IDA Founder and President
“Communication Do’s and Don’ts for People with Disabilities” by Kathe Skinner, MA, LMFT
“Humor for Health & Well-Being” by Karyn Buxman, RN, MSN, CSP, CPAE
“Your Changing Brain – The owner’s manual to your mind” by Rick Watson

We hope you “Join the Expedition” with us this year in Denver. We believe we all need each other, and even though the journey can be difficult and lengthy, it can be endured with the help of others. IDA will continue to take the lead and provide support and guidance along the way. To register or learn more about the banquet, please go to www.JoinTheExpedition.org.

This article was first published on Disability.Blog by Disability.gov. September 19, 2012.

RELATED ARTICLES:

Learning the Language of Invisible Disabilities

Looks Can Be Deceiving on Disability.gov

What’s So Funny About on Disability.gov

About Wayne

Filed Under: Becoming Visible, Celebrities, Invisible No More, Personal Stories Tagged With: advocate, awards, awareness, banquet, caregiver, celebrity, disability, doctors and nurses, event, fundraiser, helpful tips, illness, injury, inspiration, invisible disabilities, Invisible No More!, loved ones, news, non-profit, outreach, pain, personal story, speaker, spreading the word, support

2012 IDA Honor Awards Banquet with Keynote Speakers, Antarctic Mike and Angela Pierce

Learning the Language of Invisible Disabilities

September 18, 2012 by AntarcticMike 5 Comments

By Wayne Connell, Founder & President, Invisible Disabilities Association and Antarctic Mike Pierce, IDA Ambassador.

Have you ever shared details about your chronic illness and pain and the difficulties you experience daily, and had a person say in response, “Well, but you LOOK good?” Many people have experienced this situation and heard similar phrases that seem harmless, unless you are the one who would give up “looking good” any day to have moments of feeling good.

Do you ask a friend or family member living with chronic illness or pain how they are “feeling” every time you see them or talk to them? It tends to place your loved one in a difficult spot. They either lie to you and say they are “feeling fine,” or they tell you the truth. They feel sick and in pain, day after day. How about asking them how they are “doing” instead? Maybe they are “doing” okay, even though they are in pain.

As my wife, Sherri, explains “Sometimes it’s what people say that hurts more than the illness.” Most people do not say mean things on purpose, yet the things they say can come across as uncaring to a person journeying with illness and pain. Living daily with illness, pain and disability truly is a lifelong expedition. As with any expedition, we need to learn the language of the place we will be visiting. We need to learn what to say and what not to say in order to make sure we don’t end up lost or accidentally insulting someone.

In order to address and teach this new language of invisible disabilities, I wrote a booklet called, “But You LOOK Good, How to Encourage and Understand People Living with Illness and Pain.” It includes many ideas gleaned from my wife’s journal. It will help you to learn how to converse in your relationships with people touched by illness, pain and disability.

Invisible Disabilities Association Ambassador Mike Pierce (AKA Antarctic Mike) has learned this language of invisible disabilities. Here is his story.

“Angela and I have been married for almost 21 years. To most people, she is a very ‘normal’ looking young lady. Of course, I think she’s much prettier than average (ha ha). She drives a car, reads, has friends, is not missing any limbs, is not in a wheelchair and seems able to perform the functions of daily living, like most of us. If you were in a conversation with her or sitting next to her, you’d probably see her like any other woman her age.

Because she looks healthy, you’d likely think she was a working professional; probably a mom; someone who enjoys traveling, sports and other activities in which most people participate.

However, looks can be deceiving. You see, the truth is that Angela survived a 125 foot freefall in a rock climbing accident, breaking her bones in 168 places and requiring more than 40 surgeries. She has hepatitis C from a blood transfusion, a pituitary mass in her brain, Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD), kidney failure, has been on dialysis and the organ transplant list and takes more medication than most households do. On the outside, Angela looks just fine.

On the inside, she’s challenged beyond description. The difficulty is that her disabilities are completely invisible, unless you see her compound fracture scars and the skin graph on her legs.

One thing I’ve learned during our 21 years together is that she has different needs and communicates about what those needs are in a very different way than I would have ever expected. During the early years of our marriage, we would fight loudly more often than I’d care to remember or admit. She would get very upset at me over things that I had not done and things I did not understand. I took those comments personally and took my shots back at her, fueling the fire further. I’ve thrown telephones, cereal boxes and other things across the room in anger. One night in a parking lot outside a bowling alley in Denver, a police officer overheard our arguing and came up to ask us if we were okay. We calmed down quickly after that.

What both of us learned after many of these arguments is that what Angela was initially upset about was not the real issue. It was something else that was related to the difficulty of living with various invisible disabilities. It was not me, anything I said or did, but what she was going through. We did not realize that we needed to grow in our ability to speak and understand a different language. I’m talking about the language of invisible disabilities.

It’s not an easy language to understand, as you have to think, be very patient, not take comments personally, listen more and not try to answer questions and solve problems immediately. Often, people with disabilities or chronic pain just want to talk in order to express themselves and let out the pressure that builds up inside them. Questions they ask, comments they make and issues that seem to bother them are not necessarily the genesis of the problem. That’s okay. I’ve learned to just let Angela get it out without me interrupting her, fixing her or commenting. This takes tremendous patience and self confidence on my part, as the knee jerk reaction is to take things too personally, wondering what I did or said wrong.”

The expedition will be long and tough, yet rewarding, as Mike has shared. The language will sometimes be somewhat familiar and other times very different. The best teachers of this language of invisible disabilities are those like Angela and my wife, Sherri, who live daily in the land of illness and pain. Learning the language is the first step to becoming expedition ready. Join the expedition!

This article was first published on Disability.Blog by Disability.gov. March 14, 2012.

MEET ANTARCTIC MIKE AND ANGELA! Don’t miss Antarctic Mike and Angela at the 2012 IDA Honor Awards Banquet on October 14th! They will be sharing their story and key things they have learned – For him as a caregiver, for her as a survivor and for them as a couple. Come join us! Be inspired! Be encouraged!

MORE INFORMATION:

Antarctic Mike’s Website

Antarctic Mike, IDA Ambassador

Angela Pierce’s Blogs on IDA

Angela Pierce’s Website – Falling Off the Mountain

RELATED ARTICLES:

But You LOOK Good! on Disability.gov

Looks Can Be Deceiving on Disability.gov

What’s So Funny About on Disability.gov

About Mike Pierce

Antarctic Mike (Mike Pierce) is a professional speaker, managing partner in a recruiting company, an avid adventure athlete, and a husband to Angela, who lives daily with disability due to a rock climbing accident. Mike has completed marathons in some of the world’s coldest climates including the Canadian Arctic, Siberia and twice in the Antarctic. He has set world records in endurance swimming and cycling as well. Adventure sports have changed Mike’s life in many ways, including teaching him the importance of being mentally focused and conditioned to run the most challenging and important marathon, that of helping Angela manage her lifetime disability.

Filed Under: Becoming Visible, Invisible No More, Personal Stories Tagged With: advocate, author, awareness, but you look good, caregiver, disability, helpful tips, illness, injury, inspiration, invisible disabilities, Invisible No More!, kidney disease, language of inviisble disabilities, loved ones, marriage, pain, personal story, ptsd, speaker, spreading the word, support, traumatic brain injury

Woman’s Disability Inspires Husband to Reach Out to Others

Invisible No More

July 6, 2012 by Wayne Connell 6 Comments

Invisible No More!

Shining a Light on the Incredible Perseverance and Courage of Those
Living with Illness and Pain.

It all came crashing down in 1991. First, her legs became paralyzed and then, she received a diagnosis of primary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), followed by a 10 day hospital stay. She slowly regained the use of her legs, yet the bone-crushing pain, fatigue and cognitive impairments did not dissipate.

We met in 1992. Sherri was a customer of mine at an electronics store I was managing. Wow, was I smitten. We met again at a singles group at her church; all of the guys were surrounding her. Did I even have a chance? Afterwards, everyone went out together to a local restaurant. I, of course, sat across from her. All of the other guys who had been interested in her disappeared when they heard the words, “MS” and “Disabled.” Sherri figured she would tell me the truth right away, and maybe save her the pain of another relationship lost.

I was not deterred. I was falling head over heels in love. She had been a model, a beauty queen, an actress, a singer with the voice of an angel, a cheerleader and someone everyone liked and looked up to. To me, she was still all of these and more. She was funny and intelligent, earning three college degrees, drop dead gorgeous and caring and loving of others.

Shortly after we started dating in 1992, Sherri was also diagnosed with Late Stage Chronic Lyme Disease, which was traced back to when she was bitten by a tick while visiting Arkansas at the age of 14. She had been sick on and off since then, but no one knew why. She was still active, passionate and hard working until her body finally gave out when she was 27 years old in 1991.

We were married on September 4, 1994. We were in love. She started writing about her journey in pamphlets. She wrote about MS to help explain to family and friends about her illness. She wrote about how people didn’t understand why someone who appeared normal was allowed to park in disabled parking. She wrote about how appearances do not always tell the story on the inside. In 1996, she finally thought of a label that described her condition – she had an, “Invisible Disability.” I thought, “Wow! Your description really makes since!” Soon thereafter, I took some of her writings and posted them on a website, called The Invisible Disabilities Advocate.

Therefore, in 1997, the Invisible Disabilities Association (which was originally called The Invisible Disabilities Advocate) was launched. I had no idea that hundreds of thousands of people from around the world were dealing with their illnesses and pain, and how people did not understand and in many circumstances, believe that they had a disability because of the invisible nature of their symptoms.

Along with my wife, I wrote the booklet, “But You LOOK Good – How to Encourage and Understand People Living with Illness and Pain.” IDA has sent more than 21,000 copies worldwide. Our organization continues to grow and support people from around the world with a message of understanding and encouragement; and IDA comforts those living with illness and pain by letting them know that they are not alone. IDA is also educating families, friends, co-workers and caregivers that even though a person’s symptoms may not be visible, they are very real.

IDA reaches around the globe with stories of suffering and triumph. We created www.InvisibleDisabilitiesCommunity.org as a supportive place to share the difficulties and to encourage people touched by illness, pain and disability. Our organization recently launched our second YouTube channel, www.InvisibleNoMore.TV, which brings to life the journeys of many living with invisible disabilities.

We also recently held IDA’s fourth annual Honor Awards Banquet in Denver, and you can see the stories of the very special guest speakers on our IDA YouTube Channel.

Learn about Matt Barrett’s amazing story of lifelong battles with 11 types of cancer with more than 1,700 surgeries, as well as his struggles with homelessness throughout much of his adult life.
Listen to Lori Frisher, a cancer survivor who was once hearing impaired and through cutting-edge technology, is becoming INVISIBLE NO MORE(SM) as she hears the sounds we take for granted.
Be moved by the story of former Captain Luis Carlos Montalván and his service dog, Tuesday and their journey together with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
Be inspired by former World Series Champion Ed Hearn as he shares about his life after three kidney transplants and skin cancer.
Read about Angela Pierce who survived a 130 foot free fall in a climbing accident, as she shares about living with a Mountain of pain.

These stories and many more are chronicled, as well, on www.InvisibleDisabilities.org

“Believing a loved one when they say they are sick or in pain is the most important thing we can do. Just because we can’t see from the outside, what they are battling on the inside doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Belief, validation and support can give a friend or family member the strength they need to continue the fight!”

Take the time in this New Year to encourage and believe a loved one living with illness and pain. Do not allow them to live in isolation anymore. As a society, we need to love first. Join IDA in envisioning a world where people living with illness, pain and disability will be INVISIBLE NO MORE(SM).

This article was first published on Disability.Blog by Disability.gov. January 4, 2012.

JOIN US IN DENVER ON OCTOBER 14, 2012. IDA wants you to “Join the Expedition.” Don’t miss Antarctic Mike and Angela at the 2012 IDA Honor Awards Banquet on October 14th! They will be sharing their story and key things they have learned – For him as a caregiver, for her as a survivor and for them as a couple. Come join us! Be inspired! Be encouraged!

ABOUT THE INVISIBLE DISABILITIES ASSOCIATION

RELATED ARTICLES:

About IDA

2011 IDA Brings Awareness and Support Around the World

2010 About the Invisible Disabilities Association – IDA Founder and President, Wayne Connell

IDA’s Invisible No More on Disability.gov

IDA’s It’s All in Your Head on Disability.gov

IDA’s But You LOOK Good on Disability.gov

About Wayne

Filed Under: Becoming Visible, Invisible No More Tagged With: advocate, awareness, disability, illness, injury, inspiration, invisible disabilities, Invisible No More!, loved ones, non-profit, outreach, pain, personal story, spreading the word, support

IDA Executive Board Member – Jeff Vankooten

IDA on Disability.gov – It’s All in Your Head

May 31, 2012 by admin 4 Comments

IDA Founder, Wayne Connell continues to be a very popular Guest Blogger on Disability.blog by Disability.gov.

This article, It’s All in Your Head, was Co-Authored by Jeff Vankooten. Jeff is an author and speaker who shares his battles and lessons learned from living with bipolar disorder. Jeff is also an IDA Executive Board Member.

Article Excerpt: “It’s all in your head!” What a familiar refrain for those living with chronic illness, pain or disability. Doctors, friends, co-workers and family often make this statement when they can’t “see” what you are going through or find a diagnosis. The invisible nature of many illnesses and disabilities creates an atmosphere of suspicion or disbelief, even by those who are closest to you. People may say, “It’s all in your head” to imply that the person is just making up or exaggerating his or her condition. … Read the entire blog here at Disability.gov

Leave your comments on the article and share it with your friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and by email below.

RELATED ARTICLES:

Jeff Vankooten’s Website

IDA’s But You LOOK Good on Disability.gov

IDA’s Invisible No More on Disability.gov

IDA’s It’s All in Your Head on Disability.gov

IDA’s Looks Can Be Deceiving on Disability.gov

About

Filed Under: IDA in the News, Invisible Disabilities Assoc. Awareness Tagged With: advocate, author, awareness, disability, illness, inspiration, invisible disabilities, Invisible No More!, jeff vankooten, loved ones, personal story, speaker, spreading the word

CEO of MasTec Helps Employee with Fibromyalgia on Undercover Boss

May 19, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

Jose Mas CEO MasTec Screenshot from CBS Undercover Boss

Jose Mas, CEO of MasTec, Inc. helped an employee with Fibromyalgia on the Undercover Boss show, which aired on May 11, 2012.

Jose found out one of his employees, Wendy, lives with Fibromyalgia. Wendy told Jose when he was under cover that she felt like she had lost her smile, due to damage from medications she uses for Fibromyalgia. Jose not only gave her the time off to get her teeth fixed, but said he was also willing to pay the full costs to get them fixed, no matter if it totaled $20 – $25,000.

Wendy’s husband also works for MasTec and she had shared with Jose that they are struggling with $30 – $35,000 in debt. So, Jose gave them $30,000 to pay off their current debts.

Jose told Wendy, “I am going to give you $30,000 so you can feel good about having your teeth done and don’t have to feel that is taking away from something else.”

Clip from Undercover Boss. Watch Full Episode.

About

Filed Under: Celebrities, Invisible No More Tagged With: awareness, celebrity, fibromyalgia, illness, Invisible No More!, Jose Mas, MasTec, personal story, television, Undercover Boss, video

CEO of FastSigns Helps Families Battling Illness on Undercover Boss

May 10, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

Catherine Monson, CEO FASTSIGNS. Screenshot CBS Undercover Boss Video

Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS was very generous to her employees on Undercover Boss, which aired on May 5, 2012.

One of FASTSIGN’s employes, Sheldon, is engaged to be married. His fiance, Michelle has battled cancer, a collapsed lung and has undergone radiation and chemo. Sheldon shared when Catherine was undercover that they are struggling financially to afford a wedding and to pay her medical bills.

At the end of the show, when Catherine revealed her identity, she told Sheldon she wanted them to have the “Honeymoon of your dreams.” She gave them $10,000. Catherine brought up Sheldon’s loyalty to Michelle and he said, “That’s what you sign up for. For better or for worse.”

Catherine told him that she wanted to also give him $50,000 to pay their medical bills. She said, “It would be my dream that I could sometime in my future find a man who would stand by me, like you’ve stood by Michelle.” Sheldon replied, “Well, everyone should have somebody like that.”

Catherine also gave $15,000 to one of her employees, Scott, so that he and his wife, Julie can spend more time at home with Julie, who has Multiple Sclerosis and their daughter Maya. She also gave them $10,000 to help with future college expenses for Maya.

Catherine’s brother, Charles Monson, was in a surfing accident when he was 16 years old, which resulted in a broken neck and paralysis from the shoulders down. Charles is the Founder of Wheels of Mercy, a non-profit organization that provides wheelchairs and walkers to those who need them!

Thank you, Catherine, for being so giving to your employees! And, thank you, Charles, for reaching out to help others in need!

Clip from Undercover Boss. Watch full episode here.

About

Filed Under: Celebrities, Invisible No More Tagged With: Catherine Monson, celebrity, charles monson, disability, FastSigns, illness, invisible disabilities, Invisible No More!, multiple sclerosis, non-profit, outreach, personal story, television, Undercover Boss, video, Wheels of Mercy

Melville Boy Gets a Lift from ‘Celebrity Apprentice.’

Teresa Giudice Wins 60K in Honor of Child with Kidney Disease

April 12, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

Screenshot from Celebrity Apprentice Interview

New York Times best-selling author and reality TV star, Teresa Giudice, is now a contestant on ‘Celebrity Apprentice,’ Season 5. Teresa appeared on Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” reality television show and is the author of “Skinny Italian” (Hyperion) and “Fabulicious!“

Teresa is there to raise money for her charity, The NephCure Foundation (NFC), which researches the cause, improved treatment and cure for the potentially debilitating kidney disease Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and Nephrotic Syndrome.

“Teresa first encountered The NephCure at a charity event when she met a young boy who was suffering from an incurable kidney disease. As a mother herself, Teresa was emotionally affected by this boy’s story and was shocked to learn that the cause of many kidney diseases is still unknown” (Celebrity Apprentice).

The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) has had direct experience with two amazing men battling FSGS, Ed Hearn and Jason Graham.

Ed is a NY Mets World Series Champion, Author, Speaker and NCF Ambassador. Ed was the Keynote Speaker for the 2010 IDA Honor Awards Banquet. He was also the recipient of the 2010 IDA Perseverance Award. Ed’s message was extremely inspirational, as Ed has had three kidney transplants and several bouts with cancer. Read more about Ed and watch his incredible keynote, “Keep Swingin” right here on IDA.

Jason was the recipient of the 2010 IDA Inspiration Award. Jason battled kidney disease that led to a kidney transplant that failed. He was in need of another, when his health quickly diminished. Jason put up an amazing fight for many years. Tragically, he lost his life in 2011, when he also developed a rare cancerous brain tumor. Read more about Jason and watch his very touching award acceptance speech right here on IDA.

On the April episode of Celebrity Apprentice, Teresa became the Project Manager. The task was for the two teams to create a a 60 second commercial for Entertainment.com. She won $20,000 from Celebrity Apprentice and $30,000 from Entertainment.com.

Other celebrities who have participated in Season 5: Adam Carolla, Arsenio Hall, Aubrey O’Day, Cheryl Tiegs, Clay Aiken, Dayana Mendoza, Debbie Gibson, Dee Snider, George Takei, Lisa Lampanelli, Lou Ferrigno, Michael Andretti, Patricia Velasquez, Paul Teutul, Sr., Penn Jillette, Teresa Giudice, Tia Carrere, Victoria Gotti.

UPDATE 5/6/12 – Clay Aiken makes it into the Final Three of Celebrity Apprentice. Clay and project manager, Lisa Lampanelli won the last task. On the other team, with Arsenio Hall and Aubrey O’Day, Teresa Giudice was their project manager and was sent home. The four remaining contestants were immediately sent into one on one interviews with former Celebrity Apprentice contestants Country Singer John Rich (Season 4 Winner) and Actress Marlee Matlin (Season 4 Runner Up). When the final four returned to the boardroom, Lisa Lampanelli was fired.

Teresa talks about her charity, The NephCure Foundation

A clip from the task that Teresa took on as Project Manager

ARTICLE RESOURCES

Celebrity Apprentice. NBC.com

Teresa Giudice’s Charity. Celebrity Apprentice. NBC.com. Season 5.

RELATED STORIES ON IDA

Actress Marlee Matlin Raises a Million Dollars for the Starkey Hearing Foundation

Clay Aiken Wins 50K for His Charity for Kids with Disabilities

Former Professional Baseball Player, Ed Hearn, Battles Kidney Disease

George Clooney Battles Pain, Insomnia and Bouts of Loneliness

Hit Country Singer, Trace Adkins, Brings Awareness to Food Allergies

IDA Keynote Speaker, Luis Carlos Montalván on David Letterman

Kathy Buckley, Comedian, Actress, Motivational Speaker

Tim Tebow Makes a Difference for Youth Living with Illness and Injury

About

Filed Under: Celebrities, Invisible No More Tagged With: Aresenio Hall, author, awareness, celebrity, celebrity apprentice, Clay Aiken, ed hearn, illness, invisible disabilities, Invisible No More!, jason graham, kidney disease, non-profit, real housewives of new jersey, spreading the word, Teresa Giudice, The NephCure Foundation, video

National Inclusion Project

Celebrity Apprentice: Clay Aiken is Runner Up

March 30, 2012 by admin 7 Comments

Clay Aiken Screenshot from NBC Celebrity Apprentice Video

Clay Aiken was not chosen by Donald Trump to be this season’s Celebrity Apprentice.

May 20, 2012. Clay Aiken and Arsenio Hall, along with their teams, were asked to create a celebrity variety show and a 30-second public service announcement (PSA). Clay and his team took on a carnival theme for their room and their show consisted of singing from Clay, Aubrey O’Day, Debbie Gibson and Dee Snider. Penn Jillette also did a magic act, alongside of his guest, Teller. The PSA was a very impacting spot about his charity, the National Inclusion Project (NIP). Clay and his team raised and impressive $301,000 for the NIP.

Although Arsenio and his team raised less than Clay’s ($167,000), Donald Trump chose Arsenio to be the Celebrity Apprentice. Earlier in the season, Arsenio raised $105,000 versus $60,000 for Clay.

Arsenio’s charity, the Magic Johnson F oundation not only received what he raised during his task, but also the $250,000 prize for winning. Congratulations Arsenio and MJF!

Clay’s PSA for the National Inclusion Project.

UPDATE 5/13/12 – Clay Aiken makes it into the Finals of Celebrity Apprentice. Aubrey O’Day is fired, leaving Clay Aiken and Arsenio Hall to battle it out in the finals. Clay and Arsenio are giving their tasks to raise money for their charities by planning, producing and starring in a fundraising event. They were given the opportunity to choose from a group of former Celebrity Apprentice contestants.

Clay’s Team: Aubrey O’Day, Debbie Gibson, Dee Snider and Penn Jillette.

Arsenio’s Team: Adam Carolla, Lisa Lampanelli, Paul Teutul, Sr. and Teresa Giudice.

Clay Aiken Screenshot Celebrity Apprentice Video

Clay Aiken on the Celebrity Apprentice for Kids with Disabilities

March 30, 2012. Clay Aiken, first runner up on ‘American Idol’ Season 2 in 2003 is now a contestant on ‘Celebrity Apprentice,’ Season 5. He is there to raise money for his charity, the National Inclusion Project.

Clay shared:

The National Inclusion Project is an organization that I helped start about eight years ago. I used to see kids with disabilities get kicked out of programs or not be allowed to go to a summer camp that I was working at because they had Autism or a little boy or girl had Cerebral Palsy and they didn’t have the ability to work with them at the summer camp. In our social settings. We do segregate. We don’t include individuals with disabilities in workplaces oftentimes and almost always, unfortunately, in extra-curricular programs. So we work with university to help create a curriculum that teaches people how to include kids with disabilities and without disabilities in service learning projects. So, inclusive groups of kids, teenagers, will work together to do stuff in their community. We are sort of a service organization that serves other non-profits in a way (Video: Clay Aiken’s Charity).

For his first task as Project Manager ,the show that aired on March 25th, the teams were asked to throw a party for Crystal Light’s new “mocktail” beverages. For the men’s team, Unanimous, Clay volunteered to be Project Manager. For the women’s team, Forte, Aubrey O’Day was the Project Manager.

Clay and his team chose to highlight the Peach Bellini flavor and use the tagline, “Life’s a Peach.” Their party had a beach-theme, complete with sand, island music and tikki-bars. Special guests, Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb showed up to the party and when the Crystal Light Executives arrived, Clay sang, “Under the Boardwalk.”

Although the contest seemed to be close, Team Unanimous was chosen as the winners. As their reward, Clay’s charity was to be given $20,000 from the show. As an added bonus, Crystal Light also contributed $30,000, making Clay’s contribution to his charity, $50,000.

Clay Aiken’s Charity

Life’s a Peach

ARTICLE RESOURCES

Video: Life’s a Peach. Celebrity Apprentice. Season 5. 2012.

Video: Clay Aiken’s Charity. Celebrity Apprentice. Season 5. 2012.

RELATED STORIES ON IDA

Actress Marlee Matlin Raises a Million Dollars for the Starkey Hearing Foundation

Former Professional Baseball Player, Ed Hearn, Battles Kidney Disease

George Clooney Battles Pain, Insomnia and Bouts of Loneliness

Hit Country Singer, Trace Adkins, Brings Awareness to Food Allergies

IDA Keynote Speaker, Luis Carlos Montalván on David Letterman

Kathy Buckley, Comedian, Actress, Motivational Speaker

Teresa Giudice Wins 60K in Honor of Child with Kidney Disease

Tim Tebow Makes a Difference for Youth Living with Illness and Injury

About

Filed Under: Becoming Visible, Celebrities, Invisible No More Tagged With: advocate, autism, awareness, celebrity, celebrity apprentice, cerebral palsy, Clay Aiken, disability, Invisible No More!, National Inclusion Project, news, non-profit, outreach, personal story, singer, spreading the word, video

Actress Marlee Matlin Raises a Million Dollars for the Starkey Hearing Foundation

George Clooney Battles Pain, Insomnia and Bouts of Loneliness

February 23, 2012 by admin 6 Comments

George Clooney Actors Guild Awards - dreamstime.com

Most of us can only imagine what it would be like to be famous; to have no worries about money, the best medical care, pampering at the spa, lots of vacations, lots of friends and a beautiful home with a cook and a housekeeper. So, what could a star possibly have to complain about?

Turns out, as successful as George Clooney is, he is still human. A few days ago, The Hollywood Reporter published that Clooney revealed he is battling pain, insomnia and bouts of loneliness.

LifelineLIVE wrote, “The suave star, 50, shares — in an in-depth profile — that, for all his fame and fortune, he’s got his fears and troubles, including battling Bell’s palsy at age 14 and still coping with pain from a back accident on 2005′s Syriana.”

According to HollyscoopTV,“The actor has spoken before about the pain he suffered in 2005 from a leak in his spinal cord that was so intense he contemplated suicide.”

When talking about his insomnia, Clooney said:

‘Turning off the television causes me to think, and once I start that vision roaring, I have a very tough time getting to sleep.’ With the flickering screen, ‘I’m able to numb out.’ Even then, ‘Without question, I wake every night five times’ (The Hollywood Reporter).

One thing we noticed about some of the comments made about Clooney by reporters and readers, they often asked why he did not just use Tylenol PM or alternative treatments such as acupuncture. Therefore, it appears even celebrities, who have access to all kinds of doctors and treatments, still have people assuming they have not tried anything or done anything about their condition. Most likely Clooney has tried these things and more. Nevertheless, as many with chronic conditions quickly discover, some things work for some people, but not for others.

George Clooney Reveals His Secret Pain from HollyscoopTV

ARTICLE RESOURCES

George Clooney: The Private Life of a Superstar. Stephen Galloway. The Hollywood Reporter. February 12, 2012.

George Clooney: Lonely, can’t sleep, battling chronic pain. Ann Oldenburg. LifelineLIVE. USAToday. February 17, 2012.

Video. George Clooney Reveals His Secret Pain. Stephanie Bauer. HollyscoopTV. February 17, 2012.

Photo of George Clooney. LOS ANGELES – JAN 29: George Clooney arrives at the 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at Shrine Auditorium on January 29, 2012 in Los Angeles, CA. Copyright dreamstime.com.

RELATED STORIES ON IDA

Former Professional Baseball Player, Ed Hearn, Battles Kidney Disease

George Clooney Battles Pain, Insomnia and Bouts of Loneliness

Hit Country Singer, Trace Adkins, Brings Awareness to Food Allergies

IDA Keynote Speaker, Luis Carlos Montalván on David Letterman

Kathy Buckley, Comedian, Actress, Motivational Speaker

Tim Tebow Makes a Difference for Youth Living with Illness and Injury

About

Filed Under: Celebrities, Invisible No More Tagged With: actor, awareness, celebrity, george clooney, insomnia, Invisible No More!, news, pain, personal story, video

Invisible No More: Suzanne Stewart

February 16, 2012 by admin 3 Comments

Through the project, Invisible No More! the Invisible Disabilities Association is bringing awareness, compassion and belief to millions living with debilitating conditions, shining a light on the “invisible” and making these valuable, incredible people Invisible No More!

This video features the story of Suzanne Stewart, who lives with RSD / CRPS, Traumatic Brain Injury and other complications after a car accident. Suzanne used to be an Interpreter for the Deaf. She is a Chemo-Angel and makes awareness jewelry when she is able. She has written a book that has not yet been published, “Butterfly Tears: A Journey from Darkness Into Life” and keeps a blog, You ‘N Me and a Cuppa Tea.

Learn More About Invisible No More TV	Go to Invisible No More TV Channel
Join Invisible No More TV on Facebook	Submit Your Invisible No More Story
Order Invisible No More T-Shirts and More	Order Invisible No More Wristbands

About

Filed Under: Invisible No More, Personal Stories Tagged With: accident, awareness, Dysautonomia, illness, injury, invisible disabilities, Invisible No More!, RSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Invisible No More: Sarah Friedner

February 6, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

This video features the story of Sarah Friedner, who lives with POTS, NCS, Endometriosis and Mastocytosis. Sarah is a mom of two young children and she reaches out to others living with POTS and chronic illness through her YouTube Channel, A Mom’s Journey with POTS.

Learn More About Invisible No More TV	Go to Invisible No More TV Channel
Join Invisible No More TV on Facebook	Submit Your Invisible No More Story
Order Invisible No More T-Shirts and More	Order Invisible No More Wristbands

About

Filed Under: Invisible No More, Personal Stories Tagged With: awareness, disability, illness, invisible disabilities, Invisible No More!, parenting, personal story, POTS, video

‘American Idol’ Official Website

Shelby Tweten, Teen with Bipolar on ‘American Idol’

January 26, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

Photo courtesy of Shelby Tweten Facebook Page

Latest Updates and Videos of Shelby!

17 year old, Shelby Tweten from North Mankato, Minnesota auditioned for ‘American Idol’ in Denver, Colorado. Shelby and several of the contestants from Denver were invited to travel and stay in Aspen, Colorado for the round of auditions that were recorded for television.

Shelby was also chosen to have a back-story about her life to be presented during the airing of the auditions on January 25th.

In this video package, Shelby and her mom share a little bit about Shelby’s challenging journey. Just last year, Shelby was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. However, she says she has battled depression since the fourth grade.

Shelby said,

“American Idol’ has given me a reason to stay on my meds.” Shelby continued, “I wasn’t focusing on staying with them, cuz I really didn’t care. When I’m off my meds, I’m incoherent and I’m not myself.” Her mom added, “She doesn’t have the light in her.”

Shelby opened up with,

“There’s been times when I’ve had hypo-manic episodes. I’ll be shaking, I will stutter, I can’t control my body and my mom will be like, ‘Well, let’s sing together!’ And I’ll sing and it really helps!”

After Shelby’s audition, all three judges, Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler agreed to send her to Hollywood for the next rounds!

UPDATE 2/23/12 – See more news on the Top 24! Click here: ‘American Idol’ Contestant, Heejun Han Loves Working with Special Needs Children

UPDATE 2/23/2012 – Shelby did not make it into the Top 24. We are sad to see you go home, Shelby! But we are proud of you! Keep singing and go back next year!

The Top 24 going into the Semi-Finals are Aaron Marcellus, Adam Brock, Baylie Brown, Brielle Von Hugel, Case Likens, Chelsea Sorrell, Colton Dixon, Creighton Fraker, Deandre Brackensick, Eben Franckewitz, Elise Teston, Erika Van Pelt, Haley Johnsen, Hallie Day, Heejun Han, Hollie Cavanagh, Jen Hirsh, Jeremy Rosado, Jessica Sanchez, Joshua Ledet, Phillip Phillips, Reed Grimm, Shannon Magrane, Skylar Laine.

On Tuesday February 28th, they will be announcing a Surprise Save, as they add another boy into the Semi-Finals who was previously sent home.

UPDATE 2/16/12 – Shelby moved on to the next rounds as the contestants went from 70 to 42.

UPDATE 2/15/12 – Shelby survives Hollywood week and moved on to Las Vegas!

UPDATE 2/15/12 – Shelby made it through group rounds!

97 other contestants joined her, including Jennifer Malsh, Cari Quoyeser, Reed Grimm, Nick Boddingtom, Creighton Fraker, Aaron Marcellus, Jen Hirsh, Shannon Magrane, Joshua Ledet, Brielle Von Hugel, Amber Holcomb, Mathenee Treco, Ariel Sprague, Eben Franckewitz, David Leathers, Jr., Jeremy Rosado, Gabi Carrubba, Johnny Keyser, Heejun Han, Jairon Jackson, Richie Law, Phillip Phillips, Colton Dixon, Adam Brock, Skylar Laine and many more.

VIDEOS:

Shelby with her group singing, Great Balls of Fire in Las Vegas

Recap of Hollywood Week – Group Night

Hollywood Week – Round 1

Shelby’s Audition in Aspen, CO and back-story package about her.

‘American Idol’ Aspen Auditions – ‘American Idol’

ARTICLE RESOURCES:

Photo Courtesy of Shelby Tweten Facebook Page

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Bipolar Disorder Does Not Define Shelby Tweten on ‘American Idol.’ Video from MTV.com

Shelby Tweten – “Temporary Home” – Idol2012TV

ADDITIONAL STORIES on IDA:

‘American Idol’ Contestant, Heejun Han Loves Working with Special Needs Children

Shelby Tweten, Teen with Bipolar on ‘American Idol.’

Living with Asperger’s and Tourette’s: James Durbin Contestant on ‘American Idol.’

Living with TBI: ‘American Idol’ Contestant, Chris Medina, Stands by Fiance

About

Filed Under: Celebrities, Invisible No More, Personal Stories Tagged With: american idol, awareness, behavioral disorders, bipolar disorder, celebrity, depression, disability, illness, inspiration, invisible disabilities, Invisible No More!, jennifer lopez, news, personal story, randy jackson, ryan seacrest, singer, spreading the word, steven tyler, video

2010 Inspiration Award – Jason Graham

Tim Tebow Makes a Difference for Youth Living with Illness and Injury

January 17, 2012 by admin 6 Comments

Screenshot of CBS Sports Interview, A different side of Tim Tebow with James Brown

Tim Tebow, quarterback for the Denver Broncos, has been a hot topic in the media for the past few months, otherwise known as “Tebow-Mania.” People are talking about both his skills and future as a quarterback, as well as his faith that he has never tried to hide. It seems that with all the fanfare, some people are really crazy about him and some people are really not.

All of that aside, we would like to talk about Tebow’s heart to reach out to kids through his organization the Tim Tebow Foundation which strives to “… inspire and make a difference in peoples lives throughout the world.” The foundation focuses on youth “…needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need” (Tim Tebow Foundation).

Tebow isn’t a stranger to giving his time to children, as he has been a part of several charities and organizations since college. He also volunteers for the Daniel Graham Foundation, founded by former Bronco, Daniel Graham. Recently, through Tebow’s foundation he has been inviting a young person with a serious medical condition to the Broncos game, at their expense.

Bailey Knaub’s Story:

16 year old Bailey Knaub was invited to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. When James Brown of NFL Today interviewed Tebow and Knaub, Bailey told him she met Tebow as a result of a letter Bailey’s cousin sent in about her story. Bailey says she has been a Tebow fan since he played in college.

Bailey was diagnosed with Wegener’s granulomatosis at the age of seven. She has had 73 surgeries in the past 10 years, including the removal of a lung. Brown asked Bailey how she has dealt with all her health struggles and she answered,

It’s been difficult, but I’ve learned to deal with it. I’ve it since I was little, so I just try to stay positive through it all. And Tim just gave me somebody to look up to and was my hero and gave me the confidence to continue on.

Tebow responded,

For me to at least be able to encourage her, just be part of her life, that’s exciting for me. …. I know she’s said that I’m her hero, but that’s not true. She really gives me inspiration. She’s my hero. Ultimately, that’s what matters at the end of the day. Being able to have a relationship with someone like Bailey and be able to try to make an impact on peoples’ lives and that’s what it’s all about for me.

Zack McLeod’s Story:

20 year old Zack McLeod sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) while playing football his junior year of high school. Zack’s mother, Tammy said, “I just thought, ‘Zack and Tim have so much in common. I wonder if these two will ever meet?” She was referring to both Zack’s love for football and his strong faith.

Through Tebow’s foundation, Zack was invited to be Tebow’s special guest for the playoffs game in New England against the Patriots, where Zack lives in Boston. Zack had Zack and his family were elated about the opportunity to meet Tebow and his story appeared on USA Today the day before the game.

ARTICLE RESOURCES

A different side of Tim Tebow. NFL Today. CBS Sports. Playoffs Interview with James Brown. January 14, 2012

Daniel Graham Foundation

Fan with Brain Injury Gets to Attend Big Game Courtesy of Tim Tebow. CBS Denver. January 14, 2012.

Tim Tebow Foundation

Article photo screenshot of CBS Sports interview, A different side of Tim Tebow with James Brown, January 14, 2012

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Bronco Fan with Disease Recounts ‘Unreal’ Experience Meeting Tebow

Tebow: The man behind the mania

RELATED STORIES ON IDA

Actress Marlee Matlin Raises a Million Dollars for the Starkey Hearing Foundation

Former Professional Baseball Player, Ed Hearn, Battles Kidney Disease

George Clooney Battles Pain, Insomnia and Bouts of Loneliness

Hit Country Singer, Trace Adkins, Brings Awareness to Food Allergies

IDA Keynote Speaker, Luis Carlos Montalván on David Letterman

Kathy Buckley, Comedian, Actress, Motivational Speaker

Tim Tebow Makes a Difference for Youth Living with Illness and Injury

About

Filed Under: Celebrities, Invisible No More, Personal Stories Tagged With: advocate, awareness, Bailey Knaub, CBS, celebrity, daniel graham, daniel graham foundation, denver, denver broncos, disability, encouragement, football, illness, injury, inspiration, invisible disabilities, Invisible No More!, James Brown, NFL Today, non-profit, personal story, sports, support, Tim Tebow, Tim Tebow Foundation, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), USA Today, Wegener’s granulomatosis, youth, Zack McLeod

2011 IDA Award Recipients

Invisible No More: 2011 IDA Awards Night

January 11, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

Learn more about the Invisible Disabilities Association and our new campaign, Invisible No More!

Hear from the Invisible Disabilities Association’s Founder and President, Wayne Connell and his passion to bring to light the challenges of living with debilitating conditions as well as the incredible courage and perseverance these people have.

Listen to Karyn Buxman, RN, MSN tell her whimsical, invisible story that paints a picture of how things are not always what they may seem. Karyn Buxman is a Nurse, Hall of Fame Speaker, Author and Humorist

Meet Special Guests Lori Frisher and Matt Barrett!

Lori is an Honor Student, two time cancer survivor and Emmy Nominee. She was also the first candidate in the world to receive the Esteem Implant, along with the Cochlear Implant she already had. Lori shares her journey of life with moderate to severe hearing impairment with her message, “Imagine.”

Matt has lived a life of amazing perseverance and courage. Since the age of 2, Matt has battled 11 types of cancer and has had over 1,700 surgeries. He has also been homeless on and off for much of his adult life. In addition to horrendous pain and fatigue, Matt has endured incredible discrimination. Because of the extensive surgeries and scaring on his face, Matt often gets stares, dirty looks and even called horrible names. Despite all of this, Matt’s friends will tell you he is one of the kindest people you will ever know.

Also in this video: Master of Ceremonies, DJ Rick Crandall of KEZW Radio

The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) encourages, educates and connects people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe.

Invisible Disabilities Association: http://www.InvisibleDisabilities.org

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A Lifelong Journey with Special Guest, Matt Barrett

Finding Humor in Difficult Times with Karyn Buxman, RN, MSN

IDA Honor Award Banquets

Imagine with IDA Special Guest, Lori Frisher

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Filed Under: Becoming Visible, Invisible No More Tagged With: advocate, awards, awareness, banquet, caregiver, disability, doctors and nurses, event, illness, injury, inspiration, invisible disabilities, Invisible No More!, loved ones, outreach, pain, speaker, spreading the word, support, video

Toxic Mold Uproots Family’s Health and Home

Invisible No More: Andrea Fabry

December 5, 2011 by admin 5 Comments

This video features the story of Andrea Fabry and her family who experienced severe mold toxicity from their home. Andrea now strives to help others facing the same issues as well as those who are healthy, by sharing their journey and what they have learned. She is the author of two websites: Our Health Journey and momsAWARE.

ADDITIONAL ARTICLES

Cleaner Indoor Air Campaign

Learn More About Invisible No More TV	Go to Invisible No More TV Channel
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Filed Under: Becoming Visible, Invisible No More, Personal Stories Tagged With: advocate, author, awareness, disability, environmental illness, helpful tips, illness, injury, invisible disabilities, Invisible No More!, mold injury, multiple chemical sensitivities, personal story, video

Invisible No More: Jodie Akers

November 21, 2011 by admin 1 Comment

This video features the story of Jodie Akers, a young lady in the United Kingdom who lives with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). In the midst of her challenges, Jodie loves to encourage and educate others through her YouTube Channel and her website, POTS Awareness.

UPDATE: Jodie’s story was published in the Derby Telegraph on November 28, 2011. Jodie wants to make people aware of her life-altering and rare illness.

Learn More About Invisible No More TV	Go to Invisible No More TV Channel
Join Invisible No More TV on Facebook	Submit Your Invisible No More Story
Order Invisible No More T-Shirts and More	Order Invisible No More Wristbands

About

Filed Under: Becoming Visible, Invisible No More, Personal Stories Tagged With: awareness, illness, invisible disabilities, Invisible No More!, personal story, POTS, spreading the word, support, video