A Lifetime in 27 Years
The Invisible Disabilities Association is excited to announce their National ID Initiative in this Facebook Live presentation. This has been a passion of mine and Wayne’s for many years!
Facebook frames to bring awarenessI made some new frames for people on Facebook to use on their profile photos to raise awareness about the horrible poaching of our beautiful elephants!
Lots of people are finding them and using them on their profile photos on Facebook and other social media! The awareness is getting out!
Not only are these adults dying, the babies are left orphaned out in the wild!
I cannot believe these majestic, loving, intelligent creatures are being murdered so people can have ivory trinkets. It DISGUSTS ME!
And it is throwing off the whole entire community of elephant living, causing the young male bulls who survive to become threats to villages in Africa, because they were not raised by their mothers and because there are not enough elephants for them to mate with. The villagers are killing them as well.
We can all do something to help stop the poaching of our precious animals! Here are the groups I have supported in the past year. They raise money for conservation, work to stop poaching and/or rescue elephants. I hope you are able to join me in supporting one or more of these great organizations!
The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee
In the past year, I have also supported other animal organizations:
For several years, I have been wanted to design some sort of ID Cards with a Lanyard and Card Holder. I wanted something that I and millions of others living with invisible disabilities could wear to doctor appointments, the grocery store or on the bus.
The card would say, “I Live With An Invisible Disability” on the front. And the cards that could be handed out would share, what is an invisible disability.”
This would give a visual to people living with debilitating conditions, in the hopes that we would be able to get better help in the stores and possibly a seat on the bus when all the seats are taken. It would give us a chance to bring awareness and education to the people we met, without having to expend the energy to explain to people what is an invisible disability.
Finally, I put a pencil to it and showed it to my hubby, Wayne, founder and president of the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA). Wayne loved the idea, but he wanted to go a step further. He suggested instead of just having the badge on the end of the lanyard, to actually have a wallet for the cards.
I thought this was a perfect way to also allow people to carry their insurance card, credit card, cash and pens when they are going to a doctor’s office or grocery store! This way, when I have an appointment, I don’t have to carry my whole purse, I just put my essentials into the ID Wallet and I have my hands free to use my cane or crutches. Voila!
In September 2017, the ID Wallets were launched for the Invisible Disabilities Association’s Invisible Disabilities Week! It was a great addition to the IDA Store, along with Katie Maskey’s new IDA Lapel Pin!
Read more about both items, as well as the Invisible No More Glow-in-the-Dark Wristbands. Order from the IDA Store. All proceeds go to help support IDA’s work around the world!
This year’s 2017 Invisible Disabilities Week was a huge success! The week was founded and declared by the Invisible Disabilities Association in 2014, by my hubby Wayne Connell.
2017 Invisible Disabilities Week Team: Sherri, Cassandra, Suzanne and Katie
Since I live with debilitating illness every day, I decided to volunteer for this week. I create all the activities for the week, with the MEME’s for people to share and participate (I was an art major before I switched to theater).
This year, I also created three Facebook Frames which were extremely popular. Over 6,500 people used the frames on their Facebook Profile Photos and many of them posted these photos on their other social media platforms! It was GREAT to see people so excited to be a part of the week!
I am so thankful to have had a wonderful IDW Team helping me get the word out and interact with the attendees this year! There is no way I could have done this alone. Thank you, Suzanne, Katie and Cassandra!
People from all over the world were sharing their stories, awareness endeavors, fur babies, service dogs, favorite people, places and more on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
There were several posts on the Invisible Disabilities Association’s Facebook Page that had hundreds of comments and on Instagram and Twitter, colleges, groups and businesses were participating in the week!
Wayne Connell, IDA founder and president had two television interviews during Invisible Disabilities Week, where he was able to share about millions living with illness, pain, injury and disability. It was an amazing opportunity to reach the hearts of the audience and bring awareness to friends, family, doctors, neighbors and society at large.
You can see the television interview on KUSA-TV 9, Colorado and Company with Denise Plante:
A second television interview was featured on FOX31 Denver KDVR-TV, Colorado’s Own Channel 2 KWGN-TV, Daybreak with Natalie Tysdal:
Wayne also was a guest speaker for two corporations, bringing education and awareness to their employees. Wayne’s invisible disabilities presentations at Accenture and TIAA were very well received and Wayne was honored and grateful for the invitation and opportunity!
The 2017 IDA Awards Gala,”Laugh Out Loud” in Denver on October 21st was a spectacular evening!
We thoroughly enjoyed our hilarious Comedian, Sam Adams as our Headliner and the sensational, Karyn Buxman, RN, MSN, Neurohumorist and Hall of Fame Speaker as our Master of Ceremonies.
It was truly an evening full of inspiring stories, touching presentations and lighthearted fun, bringing awareness to millions of people living with invisible disabilities. We had the privilege of honoring several incredible individuals and organizations who are making a difference in the world for people living with disabilities. Doctors, nurses, friends and family were walking away saying, “Wow! I didn’t get it until tonight!”
As you may have noticed, we had a 70’s theme for those who dared to get groovy! … And they did! Attendees had a blast dressing in bell-bottoms, mini-skirts and disco shirts! The laughter and fun was contagious, as people mingled, danced and met new friends!
We would like to say thank you to all of our amazing sponsors and attendees who joined us for this wonderful night! We are grateful for your love and compassion for people living with invisible disabilities. And thank you to all of our special guests, chairpersons, gala committee and volunteers for working hard to make this an incredible night, none will soon forget!
All in all, it was a fantastic week of awareness, education, sharing and friendships! See you all next year! www.InvisibleDisabilitiesWeek.org
Hi Everyone!
I have some new MEME’s that are being published by the Invisible Disabilities Association on Social Media! Watch for them on IDA’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
Check them out friends! Like them and share them! Wahoo!
Sherri
MAY IS LYME DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH!
Wow! I am in awe of this most excellent PSA created by the Lyme is Hell campaign! This video illustrates in a very illuminating and impacting way that Lyme devastates and destroys lives for months, years and even decades!
I got Lyme at the age of 14, from a tick bite. I immediately started having chronic headaches and infections. At 19, I started having balance issues and paralysis. By 27, I was paralyzed from the ribs down and so sick I could hardly move. I lost my career, house, horse and most of my friends. I went from singing and dancing in musicals, acting in commercials and working as an accounts manager to being unable to care for my daily needs.
People need to know about Lyme Disease, because most of the time, it is not caught in regular testing when trying to find a person’s diagnosis. For me, it took 14 years for me to get a diagnosis. What’s more, way too often, people are diagnosed with something else, even though they actually have Lyme. Catching it in the early stage is imperative to successful treatment. See this great Lyme Resource Page!
Lyme is Hell PSA:
Watch all of Sherri’s Videos from Silly Sherri Productions!
Read Sherri’s Lyme Story!
Read more about Sherri’s Lyme Awareness!
Have you subscribed to my blog yet? Are you following me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Google+ and Pinterest?
What are you waiting for? Go to the top of the right sidebar to Follow me!
♡ Sherri
Sherri’s Interview with HuffPost LIVE from Huffington Post: Read full story.
Sherri’s Interview with WIRN Internet Radio:
Sherri Speaks at the Invisible Disabilities Association Gala:
Additional Videos from Sherri:
Lyme Disease Movie Trailer, Under Our Skin:
Lyme Disease Awareness Photos from Sherri:
During the 2015 Invisible Disabilities Week, we provided 7 days of activities people from anywhere in the world could participate. What an amazing week of spreading awareness, education and support around the globe on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more!
So many amazing people shared their personal journeys, courageous hearts and thankfulness for people, places and things in their lives that give them strength to keep fighting.
Thank you all for sharing your stories, struggles and triumphs! And thank you to the amazing ID Week Team, Katie, Ali, Mandy, Cassandra, Nikki and Joni!
ID Week is sponsored by the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA). IDA also hosted that week, the Brain IDEAS Symposium which included 9 doctors, practitioners and experts on the brain. That evening was topped off by the 2015 IDA Awards Gala where IDA honored 9 incredible individuals and organizations making a difference.
Derek Amato
Mandy Harvey
The attendees also enjoyed Featured Entertainer, Singer, Composer and Author, Derek Amato. Derek is one of only 30 known “Acquired Savants” in the world after a head injury!
They were also delighted by Special Guest Speaker and IDA Ambassador, Katie Maskey, Mrs. Ohio United States, as well as 2015 IDA Inspiration Award recipient and IDA Ambassador, Mandy Harvey. Mandy lost her hearing in college, but with much perseverance continued her passion for singing and is now an accomplished singer, songwriter and speaker.
Katie Maskey, Mrs. Ohio United States and Kimberly Reece, Mrs. Colorado United States
Although ID Week has passed, IDA continues their work throughout the year! Keep connected with IDA
Invisible Disabilities Association: www.InvisibleDisabilities.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/InvisibleDisabilities
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/InvDisabilities
Instagram: www.Instagram.com/InvisibleDisabilities
YouTube: www.YouTube.com/InvisibleDisability
PLEASE SUPPORT IDA. Proceeds from sales, fundraisers and donations help us to continue our vital work of bringing awareness, education and support around the world to millions living with debilitating illness, pain and injury, as well as loved ones, caregivers, co-workers, doctors and businesses. IDA’s outreach extends through our websites, books, pamphlets, articles, annual award nights, radio and television interviews, videos, special events, Disability.Gov blogs, programs, campaigns, the Invisible Disabilities Week, IDAC online community, social media and so much more!
See you next year! www.InvisibleDisabilitiesWeek.org
I got Lyme at the age of 14, from a tick bite. I immediately started having chronic headaches and infections. At 19, I started having balance issues and paralysis. By 27, I was paralyzed from the ribs down and so sick I could hardly move.
Decades and countless treatments later, I am still unable to care for my own daily, survival needs and am literally fighting for my life! Read the rest of my Lyme Story.
This is one scary disease. I felt as though every ounce of strength had gone from my body… Just turning my head to see the time on the clock was a major operation. I felt as if my life was going in slow motion (18 Celebrities…).
“It can make you wanna die if you’re not dead.” He has also said that the lack of widespread recognition of the severity of chronic Lyme (as opposed to just acute Lyme) is “almost a bad joke” to anyone who actually suffers from it (18 Celebrities…)
Sherri’s Interview with WIRN Internet Radio:
Sherri Speaks at the Invisible Disabilities Association Gala:
Lyme Disease Movie Trailer, Under Our Skin:
Lyme Disease Awareness Photos from Sherri:
Additional Videos from Sherri:
Holy Toledo! How cool is this! HuffPost LIVE by The Huffington Post, produced and broadcast a video segment about my story! The show was titled, “A Tick Bite Changed My Life Forever” which was hosted by Nancy Redd.
Immediately, my video segment got over 119,000 views and it continued to get thousands of view on their website and AOL!
Although I mention Lyme, the interview is really about ALL living with debilitating illness and pain, no matter what their diagnosis. Most of all, it is about helping friends and family better understand.
The Huffington Post wrote:
Sherri Connell, who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis & Lyme Disease, and her husband Wayne Connell, the Founder & President of Invisible Disabilities Association, joined HuffPost Live to tell Nancy Redd Sherri’s story of contracting her illnesses through a tick bite and how they have turned it into a positive thing by founding an organization to help those with disabilities.
“When I was fourteen I was bit by a tick but at the time I didn’t know it,” Connell told Redd. “But, I started feeling chronic pain soon after.”
“I fell in love with her and we got married in ’94. And in ’96 she coined the phrase, “Invisible disabilities,” said her husband Connell.
HuffPost LIVE created this show from the original video interview and article on 12-12-12, with Wayne Connell (my hubby), the founder and president of the Invisible Disabilities Association, our friend, Karyn Buxman, RN, MSN, another guest, Elsa Sjunneson-Henry and me. The show was titled, “Not Handicapped Enough.”
Watch Video Here:
RESOURCES
Ask anyone living with illness or pain and they will probably be eager to share what many people have said to them over the years that they didn’t feel was very encouraging. In fact, many will tell you that they were very hurt by something someone said.
It is true, that some people in this world may say something that is intentionally judgmental or negative. Nonetheless, we believe that in many cases, friends and family really do want to be supportive, but simply don’t know how.
Some people choose to ignore the issue or person; some toss out platitudes like simple fix-its and others share what they feel is the right thing to say with an expectation that it will be met with appreciation for their insight. However, loved ones often they find themselves perplexed or even angry when instead of being elated by the comment, their friend or family member is clearly frustrated by what was said. Sadly, these encounters can lead to the breaking down of communication and the relationship as a whole.
The Invisible Disabilities Association Founder and President, Wayne Connell and his wife, Sherri, know all too well how relationships can suffer or even end. Wayne believes that loved ones need to learn what he calls, “The Language of Invisible Disabilities.” People can learn these communication and support skills by learning what to say and what not to say and why.
When they can discover why a certain comment or suggestion is not well received, they can gain a better understanding of their loved one’s perspective. This allows them to ascertain how and why certain comments may cause their loved one to feel misunderstood, judged or as if their situation, losses and perseverance are being minimized. As a result, they can move on to learning what kinds of interchange and assistance gives hope, encouragement and the strength to keep fighting.
All of these things are addressed in IDA’s book, But You LOOK Good! How to Encourage and Understand People Living with Illness and Pain, written by Wayne and Sherri (all proceeds go to IDA).
This book gives practical tips on what to say, what not to say and how to help. It also gives insight into why, we as humans, often respond the way we do to debilitating conditions that are not readily obvious. It shares how we may protect ourselves and try to protect our loved one with denial. And it explains how a loved one may appear as if they do not care, when in fact they do. Yet, they just find it too painful to acknowledge the situation, because they don’t want to see their loved one suffer. These points not only help friends and family, but they also help those living with illness or pain better grasp where their loved one is coming from as well. These are the first steps to restoring relationships.
The video below is from the Online Seminar, What to Say, What Not to Say and How to Help People Living with Illness and Pain with Wayne and Sherri Connell. It was presented during the 2012 National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week (NICIAW), founded by Lisa Copen. Wayne and Sherri were Special Guests for the NICIAW Seminar, Invisible Disabilities and the Husband as Caregiver in 2010 that was also featured in 2011. IDA has been involved in the NICIAW week since it’s inception in 2002.
This article first appeared on the Invisible Disabilities Association Website.
RELATED ARTICLES
Chronic Illness Tips: 263 ways to more than “just get by.” Available to download for FREE! Tips adapted from IDA’s booklet, But You LOOK Good! into a collaborative project by NICIAW Founder, Lisa Copen.
FREE Chronic Illness Tips eBook with IDA Founder. Chronic Illness Tips: 263 ways to do more than “just get by.” Lisa Copen and Friends. Rest Ministries.
IDA Founder Guest Speaker for National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week. IDA Press Release. July 15, 2012.
Invisible Disabilities and the Husband as Caregiver. IDA Founder and President, Wayne Connell. Interviewed by Lisa Copen on BlogTalk Radio. National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week Online Seminar. September 16, 2010. Featured again September 2011. Listen Here
What to Say, What Not to Say and How to Help with Wayne and Sherri Connell. Online Conference Guest Speakers for the National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week. Founded by Lisa Copen of Rest Ministries. Video.