awareness Archives - Sherri Connell

I Am A Champion – You’re Gonna Hear Me Roar!

July 25, 2018 By Sherri

“I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire! Cuz I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar!” Cover tune, “Roar.”

Living with a chronic illness can bring out so much judgment and assumptions towards us from family, friends, doctors and even strangers. Often these things can cause us to want to retreat or avoid speaking up for ourselves.

Now, I am a “peacemaker” and I do not like negative confrontations. I would rather let what people say bounce off of me … but it doesn’t. I tend to internalize what they have said and it eats me up inside!

Therefore, I do not think we have to resort to being unkind, but we need to believe in ourselves and stand firm on the ground that we are valuable, have purpose and our illnesses do not mean we are weak, lesser, nor do they mean we are at fault.

So, let’s stand up for ourselves! Let’s stand strong! We can be heard with kindness, but let’s be heard and let’s fight for our relationships, care and lives!

Be sure to watch the video below! I love this version, because I am Safari Sherri! Enjoy!

Alex Boye, featuring the Ft Mom Bloggers United sing the Africanized version of cover tune, “Roar,” by Katy Perry.

Let’s ROAR!!!!!!

Safari Sherri

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Invisible Disabilities Facebook Frames Are A Hit

November 20, 2017 By Sherri

The new Invisible Disabilities Facebook Frames I designed are out!

The ones I made for the 2017 Invisible Disabilities Week were a hit! Over 6,500 people used them on their Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Check it out! I made one for friends and family, too! http://FBFrames.MyIDA.org

Details: https://invisibledisabilities.org/ida-getting-the-word-out-about-invisible-disabilities/ida-facebook-frames

Follow the Invisible Disabilities Association on Facebook!

My New ID Wallet Helping Others with Invisible Disabilities

November 5, 2017 By Sherri

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.

The Invisible No More ID Wallets Were Born

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!

2017 Invisible Disabilities Week Was A Huge Success

November 5, 2017 By Sherri

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.

Making a Difference for Others Living with Debilitating Conditions

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!

Invisible Disabilities Week Gets Worldwide Coverage

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!

IDA’s Wayne Connell Brings Awareness to Invisible Disabilities

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!

Invisible Disabilities Week Concludes with “Laugh Out Loud” IDA Awards Gala

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

Mandy Harvey’s Amazing Journey on America’s Got Talent

September 13, 2017 By Sherri

Mandy on America’s Got Talent

I am SO excited to see my friend, Mandy Harvey on America’s Got Talent! I have been to several of her concerts and events through the Invisible Disabilities Association. She is AMAZING! Her voice gives me chills, with her incredible, unique tone.

I have been so blessed to spend time with her over the years, not only because of her voice, but because of who she is as a person. Mandy has a passion to encourage people to never give up, keep trying and believe in yourself.

She is simply has it all. She has a spectacular voice, story of perserverance, inspirational message, adorable personality and exquisit beauty.

Be sure to follow Mandy on #AGT on NBC throughout the Summer! #Vote4Mandy! Visit Mandy’s website: www.MandyHarveyMusic.com

I am so very proud of you, Mandy! You are going to take this world by storm!I love you, Miss Mandy!

About Mandy Harvey

Mandy lost her hearing due to a connective tissue disorder when she was 18. She was a music major, so this loss was devastating! Mandy wasn’t sure what to do next, but her father encouraged her to pursue her singing career anyway. Today, she works very hard every day to keep her voice in shape and in tune. Mandy has produced three CD’s and has performed for many prestigious venues.

Mandy Harvey Received the 2015 IDA Inspiration Award

Mandy Received the 2015 IDA Inspiration Award

Did you know that Mandy was the recipient of the 2015 IDA Inspiration Award, the 2016 Special Guest Entertainment for the IDA Awards Gala and an IDA Ambassador?

Mandy Writes a Song for People Living with Illness, Pain and Injury

What’s more, Mandy and Pete Ohlin just released their new single, “Together!” This song was first debuted at the IDA Awards Gala and released to the public in 2017.

This ballad was created to bring awareness, encouragement and hope to millions who live with illness, pain and injury around the world, in honor of the Invisible Disabilities Association‘s program, Invisible No More!®. Nonetheless, “Together” inspires us all to be more empathetic and supportive with one another.

Download the single, “Together” Today! A portion of the proceeds go to IDA when you download it here!

Watch Mandy in Concert at the IDA Awards Gala, in national interviews and on America’s Got Talent on YouTube!

Mandy Finishes at Number Four on AGT

9/20/2017 Finale: Before hearing the results of the Finale, the contestants enjoyed sharing performances with celebrities. Marlee Matlin, Actress, introduced Mandy and Shania Twain who performed a moving duet of, “You’re Still the One.”

Later, the contestants were pared down from 10 to the Winner and Mandy placed forth. She was very gracious and grateful for the opportunity, experience and fans. Landing in third was Light Balance, second Angelica Hale and the 2017 AGT Winner was Darci Lynne Farmer. Congratulations to all the contestants who made it into the Finals! That is quite an honor!

Congratulations, Mandy! We are so proud of you!

9/19/2017 Finals Show: In Mandy’s pre-performance package, she shared the sorrow of losing her hearing and the day she decided to “get back up” and how she encourages others to keep fighting and never give up! After the film, Mandy shared a newer original song, “This Time.” Mandy choked back some tears in the beginning, after such an emotional film beforehand. Nevertheless, this easy going song wrapped up her passion to keep “moving on” and chase her dreams.

She WOWS the Audience and Judges

9/12/2017 2nd Semi-Finals Show: Mandy Harvey you were AMAZING! I just knew you were going to sing, “Release Me!” It was absolutely STUNNING! I am so thrilled that Simon gets it and he put it all into words so beautifully. It is obvious he loves your story and your incredible perseverance, but he made it a point that his comments were based solely on your voice and performance! Wow! That is exactly what you wanted to hear!

The world now knows what I have known for many years! Your voice is INCREDIBLE! You have that once in a lifetime sound! What’s more, people are learning about the beauty of feeling the music. You are changing hearts around the world and inspiring us all to be better people, with your message to never give up and to love others. You are a class act! #Vote4Mandy #AGT

Mandy Honors Her Fans With a Video

9/8/2017 Mandy’s Fan Video: Mandy Harvey published her video compilation of #Vote4Mandy fan posts and videos! Of course, when Mandy asked her fans to take pictures with #Vote4Mandy #AGT, I jumped on it! And so did my kids! Tee hee!

This is another reason why I love this girl so much! She is not just in this for herself. She is not only inspiring people to “Try,” she strives to share her journey and show her #gratefulness for her family, friends and fans!

Don’t forget to watch on America’s Got Talent on September 12th and #Vote4Mandy on #AGT! Let’s make sure she gets in the finals! Thank you for being YOU, Mandy! We are cheering you on, every step of the way!

9/7/2017 #Vote4Mandy Facebook Frame: Mandy Harvey Fans! Check out this super cool Facebook Frame I made that you can add to your profile photo! Simply click here to add this frame to your Facebook profile photo! Don’t worry, the copyright will not appear on the actual frame! I’m so excited they are being used on Facebook! See below!

We are cheering for you every step of the way, Mandy Harvey! Love you! #VoteMandyHarvey #AGT

: Mandy Harvey

: Mandy Harvey

: Mandy Harvey

: Mark Atteberry, Author

: Wayne and Sherri

: Wayne and Sherri

: Markian Macke

: Cassandra Perkins, Behind the Mask Radio

Mandy Featured at a Block Party

9/27/2017 Outdoor Concert: We were so excited to see our friend, Mandy Harvey, at an outdoor concert! Wowee! What a fun block party with Mandy! I only made it through half her concert (I have MS and Late-Lyme Disease). I also had a major reaction to heat and air fresheners inside the building. Still, it was such a treat to see her again! I got to hear two of my favorites, “Cry Me a River” and her original, “Release Me!”

But don’t tell anyone … but we got to go backstage and get hugs! I have missed you so much, Mandy! More Details.

She Makes It Into the Quarter Finals

8/22/2017 Quarter Finals: Mandy has an unique, angelic voice that was born out of talent, perseverance and hard work. The performance of her original song, “Mara’s song” was ethereal, haunting and beautiful! There is no denying, she is gorgeous inside and out. And her inspirational message of hope encourages everyone to make a difference in someone else’s life. She has it all!

6/7/2017 AGT Audition: We are so proud of Mandy Harvey! Mandy made her debut on America’s Got Talent last night with her original song, “Try.” This song was inspired by Mandy’s struggle to start writing and singing again after losing her hearing. She was afraid. Nonetheless, with the encouragement of her parents and Eric Weihenmayer of No Barriers, Mandy decided to “Try.” And now she encourages others to “Try” despite their fears of failure.

Order TRY buttons from Mandy

Mandy’s beautiful voice, spirit and message to never give up came beaming right through the hearts of people around the world. The judges and audience were on their feet cheering for Mandy and Simon Cowell gave her the #goldenbuzzer! Simon had sworn he would not use his golden buzzer right away, but he knew Mandy was the one! He was so taken back by her amazing story, but he was most impressed by the incredible tone of her voice! As a result, she is #1 trending on YouTube with over 2,000,000 views and soaring!

Mandy’s Audition Goes Viral

I told you that you were going to take this world by storm with your gorgeous voice and beauty inside and out, Mandy Harvey! Your message to “Never Give Up!” is ringing loud and clear across the globe! I am so proud of you, my friend! You have over 9 million views and counting! I love you Mandy Girl!

Mandy Harvey’s America’s Got Talent Audition gets Golden Buzzer from Simon Cowell

An Outdoor Concert with Mandy Harvey

September 1, 2017 By Sherri

Wayne and Sherri Excited to See Mandy

Mandy Harvey Concert

We were so excited to go to this Mandy Harvey Concert! We hadn’t seen her since last December. I have missed my sweet Mandy Girl! Wowee! What a fun block party with Mandy!

I only made it through half her concert (I have MS and Late-Lyme Disease). I also had a major reaction to heat and air fresheners inside the building.

But what a treat it was to see her again! I got to hear two of my favorites, “Cry Me a River” and her original, “Release Me!” And don’t tell anyone … but we got to go backstage and get hugs! I have missed you so much, Mandy!

Who is Mandy Harvey?

You have probably seen Mandy on America’s Got Talent! She auditioned with her original song, “Try” and got the Golden Buzzer from Simon Cowell! When she returned to the LIVE Quarter Finals, she sang another original, “Mara’s Song.” She was voted into the Semi-Finals starting September 5th. We are so excited for you, Mandy!

Mandy lost her hearing in college while studying music. She was devastated! Her life was all about music and she watched her dream vanish! Her father encouraged her to try to sing without being able to hear. Mandy was able to sing through muscle memory to hit the note and of course, she could read music. She went on to work very hard daily to practice feeling the notes in her vocal cords, throat and head, she uses a piano tuner to keep her pitch and she feels the music from the band through her feet and body.

We are cheering for you, Mandy! The world is discovering what we have known for years. You are an incredible vocalist and songwriter with amazing perseverance and message for us all to never give up and “TRY!”

More About Mandy!

Watch lots of great videos of Mandy singing at the IDA Gala, America’s Got Talent, interviews and more: HERE! Download Mandy’s Music: HERE! Visit Mandy’s Website.

Thank you for the amazing day and for being a blessing in my life, Mandy!

We love you!

Sherri

Watch for My New MEME’s

June 23, 2017 By Sherri

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

My Favorite Documentary About Elephants, Jenny and Shirley

January 12, 2017 By Sherri

Shirley and Jenny. Elephant Sanctuary. www.Elephants.com

I love The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee! I have been supporting them for many years and this year, I am sponsoring Shirley!

I own “The Urban Elephant” documentary from 2001 and have been sharing this video with anyone who is willing to watch it. My brother wasn’t too thrilled about sitting through it when I brought it up. But after he saw it, he told me he was so glad I made him watch it and really, REALLY enjoyed it!

“On July 6, 1999, Shirley became the fourth resident of The Elephant Sanctuary, joining Tarra, Jenny, and Barbara. At The Sanctuary, Shirley experienced a very loving reunion with Jenny. Research showed the two elephants had been in the same circus 23 years earlier! This memorable event is the subject of an Emmy-winning National Geographic documentary, ‘The Urban Elephant'” writes The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.

Watch the 12 minute trailer! You will love this story!

Other rescues and sanctuaries I support:

Goats of Anarchy
Save the Elephants
African Wildlife Foundation
Wildlife SOS
The Wild Animal Sanctuary

We Finally Have a Christmas Tree!

December 5, 2016 By Sherri

I am SO EXCITED about our new tree!!! Wayne surprised me and set it up yesterday!

We have only had two trees in 22 years of marriage. The first we had at our old house in the sun-room. The next we had here in the living room.

I have never really liked fake trees, but fresh are always so much work to get, decorate and keep watered. What’s worse, I had a bad reaction to the chemicals on the last one. Yes, chemicals on a fresh tree! We got it at a big box store and would not be surprised if it were sprayed with pesticides and probably even pine scented chemicals!

It’s true! Some places are spraying trees and flowers with scents these days. Our world is so inundated with strong, neuro-toxic chemical fragrances that people are losing their sense of smell, which leads to adding more toxic scents to everything from cleaning products to laundry to soaps, lotions, shampoos and deodorants. You don’t EVEN want me to elaborate on that! … But if you do, go to my blog.

Anyway … back to my story. We had been looking for several years, but I wanted something different than the average wide tree with lights and a green, plastic trunk. I wanted pine cones and berries! We walked into Hobby Lobby two years ago after Christmas and there it was! Wayne went to get an employee to help find the box, because there was only one left. So, I stood there and waited.

Another customer came up behind me and started to grab the tree! I turned to him and said, “Oh I am so sorry, but my husband and I are buying this tree. He just went to get the box.” He was quite upset, but thankfully he didn’t want to fight about it. The employee who helped us get the box, made a call and found the other customer another store where he could get the tree. So, it all worked out. But boy was that close!

Happy ending? Almost there. Hang on! Since fake trees are made of plastics, paints and glues, we really had no idea if I would even be able to have it in the house. What we did know, was that we would have to out-gas it for at least a year before we even tried. So, Wayne put it downstairs and didn’t bring it back up for almost two years.

After all of that, I am elated to say that he was able to set it up in our living room without any problems! Wahoo!

Long story short, when you live with debilitating illness and have to think twice about everything you buy, bring into the house, put on your body, wear or eat … the small things like finally having a Christmas Tree is an extra special blessing!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Help Rescue Animals Like Raju the Elephant

November 8, 2016 By Sherri

After a life of shackles for 50 years, Raju was rescued by Wildlife SOS

Raju lived for 50 years in spiked shackles, being fed paper and plastic trash. I am an empathetic person and bawled when I heard his story. I will never understand the cruelty of people!

When the rescuers showed up to take off his shackles and release him, he cried tears down his face! Raju has been free for two years and I now cry tears of joy right along with him!

I am thankful for Wildlife S.O.S for taking a stand and rescuing this incredible creature, who has more compassion, intelligence and love than most humans these days!

It is a very expensive, legal battle to confiscate animals from torturous lives. Please consider donating to them or another rescue or conservation group. Those of us with hearts for what is right, need to give to those who are working so hard to make a huge difference!