Sherri Connell

A Lifetime in 27 Years

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Celebrating the Life of My Mom, Carole!

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Let’s celebrate my amazing mom’s life! Not only was she a great mom, but an incredible business and people person who reached out to others with love and a caring heart!

Carole loved music! She was dancing in the crib, before she could walk, earning her the nickname, “Paddlefoot” from her Daddy. She danced around the house, doing her chores and even wore her tap shoes to school! She went to Cahokia High School in Illinois, where she played the French horn in the band and was the Prom Queen her Senior year. Carole went to college at Southern Illinois University, where Carole the dancer met Ron the musician.  Carole and Ron were married in 1955 and had three children.

Later, my mom, brother, sister and I moved to Colorado. My mom was a wonderful, loving mother who was always there for her children. She was also “Mom” to all of our friends and everyone in the neighborhood! My mom worked very hard to give her three children a good life. She was a successful clothing merchandiser, model, radio advertising salesperson and retail manager in a man’s world. What’s more, my mom had a passion for people and reached out to make a difference in the lives of others, no matter where she went.

When she retired, she used her business and people skills when she founded a very successful organization called, The Breakfast Club Singles 50+. Her personal touch set the groundwork for the popularity and reputation of this club, as she talked to countless single, widowed and divorced people for many hours on the TBC phone line, inviting them to the breakfasts and greeting them at the door with a giant smile and hug! With the help of her amazing TBC team, it grew to over 700 members and even more chapters opened up in Colorado, adding more and more events and activities!

Mom was also on the Executive Board of the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA). She was their biggest champion, lending wonderful ideas, inspiration and excitement to the board. She loved to share their message of awareness, education and support for millions living with illness, pain and disability to everyone she met, right up until the last weeks of her life.

Though Mom was very successful in her career and her non-profit work, Carole’s family, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were her most cherished accomplishments!

Mom fought a very long, difficult and painful battle with cancer for eight and a half years. Yet, even when she was ill and struggling, she was known for taking someone’s hand and thanking them for caring for her, followed by blowing them a big kiss on their way out the door!

Despite her loving, giving, selfless demeanor, she was the most tenacious and determined person we have ever known, far surpassing any prognosis ever given. Her faith remained strong and she would be the first to tell you that “only by the grace of God” could she do it. Mom may not be with us physically on this earth anymore, but she will always be in our hearts, encouraging us all to by example to reach out to others, no matter where you are in life.

My mom graduated from this life to a glorious one with God in Heaven with my brother, Jim, her parents, sister, niece and precious doggy, Mopsy. She passed on 09-09-2019 at 09:09 AM.

We would like to extend a SPECIAL THANK YOU for making the “Celebrate Life” services spectacular!  Thank you, The Ambassador of Soul, Biff Gore, Chaplain Jeff Vankooten, Soquel Ross, the Invisible Disabilities Association, The Breakfast Club Singles 50+, Highline Community Church, Hefelbower Funeral Services and Porter Hospice Residences, as well as all of the incredible friends and family who attended our celebration, sent cards and/or donations to the Invisible Disabilities Association In Memory of Carole Mitchell! 

Mom, I already miss you beyond words! But you fought an incredible fight and have suffered so long. Fly free my precious best friend! I love you to infinity and BEYOND! Forever and ever and ever!

Sherri

MORE VIDEOS BELOW!

VIDEO CREDITS: All rights and credits for videos belong to Sherri Connell. All rights and credits for music in the videos belong to the songwriters and artists given on each video description on YouTube. Videos were created for the sole purpose of celebrating Carole’s life.

 

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Thank you, everyone!

IDA’s National Disability ID Initiative

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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!

Invisible Disabilities Association launches new ID identifier for ID's and Driver's Licenses!
Invisible Disabilities Association launches new National Disability ID identifier
for ID’s and Driver’s Licenses!

2018 “Be the Voice” on Facebook LIVE

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Hi Friends! We have exciting news! IDA will be broadcasting the 2018 “Be the Voice” Awards Gala tonight, LIVE! Right here on Facebook, October 19th at 6:45 PT / 9:45 ET.

We understand that for most people living with invisible disabilities, travelling to this event is not possible. So, IDA is bringing the evening to you!

Since 2008, the IDA Team has provided videos of the Award Galas on YouTube so that people around the globe could watch and share in the evening’s awareness, awards, special guest speakers and entertainment! IDA has also provided partner tickets (as available) to many people living with invisible disabilities, who otherwise would not be able to attend!

However, for the first time this year, IDA is extremely excited to bring the evening LIVE to you, for all to enjoy!

Come as our guests! Compliments of IDA! Read more in the IDA post! See you there!

Be the Voice Part One: https://www.facebook.com/InvisibleDisabilities/videos/331493710731521/

<3 Sherri

My New ID Wallet Helping Others with Invisible Disabilities

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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

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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

Hubby on the Air with Cassandra Perkins and Mandy Harvey

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On the Air Cassandra Perkins Mandy Harvey 4-19-2016

 

 

Behind The Mask with Cassandra Perkins 95.3 FM 1220 AM KLDC with Radio Host and IDA Ambassador, Cassandra Perkins.

Special Guests: Founder, President and CEO Wayne Connell with Invisible Disabilities Association and IDA Ambassador, Mandy Harvey. Mandy is an award winning singer, songwriter and motivational speaker who just happens to have an invisible disability. Mandy lost her residual hearing in 2006-2007 at age eighteen due to a neurological disorder.

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♡ Sherri
www.SherriConnell.com

Sherri Connell’s Social Media:
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The Adventures of Pumpkin and Cookie:
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Who Do You #ResolveToBelieve?

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I Resolve to Believe You

The hardest part about living with a debilitating condition, is the lack of understanding and belief among friends and family.

Do you know someone living with illness, pain or injury? #ResolveToBelieve them today! Your belief in them will give them strength to keep fighting!

Read my hubby’s blog, “I Resolve to Believe!”

Spreading Awareness During Invisible Disabilities Week

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ID Week Battle SherriConnell.comDuring 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.

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Derek Amato

Mandy Harvey Speaking

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.

Mrs Ohio and Mrs Colorado United States

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

Speaking at the Invisible Disabilities Association Awards Night!

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The moment you all have been waiting for!! OK maybe not, but here it is! The video of me speaking at the 2013 Invisible Disabilities Association Awards Night. Special thanks to CBS4 Ed Greene for helping me out!

Snickers the Mighty Alert Dog

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Snickers is not only my pet. She is my precious baby and she alerts me when I have anxiety, stress,  blood pressure, heart rate and sugar changes. She paws me, nudges me, sits on me and licks me until I calm down. When I am on the ground and need help, she barks and goes to get my hubby. She also alerts me when there are gas leaks or other smells in the house. Most importantly (tee hee), she barks (relentlessly) when she is out of water or food. Good thing! Cuz I’m doing good to remember mine!

An Alert Dog is just one type of Service Dog, which is trained to assist a person with a disability, by performing tasks that mitigate their disability. There are many specific requirements and qualifications for being a Service Dog.

Alert Dogs help many with PTSD, TBI, Diabetes, Autism, anxiety disorders and more. Many can even remind people to take their medicines, wake them up from nightmares, retrieve items and even call 9-1-1.

Although Snickers can perform several tasks for me, I do not take her to restaurants and such. She does not at this time have the proper behavioral training required to stay focused on me. However, we did take her on our latest trip out of town, in which she was a huge help in keeping me calm and watching out for me in the car and where we stayed.

Therapy Animals and Emotional Support Pets are not the same as Service Dogs and are not granted entrance into public places. However, Therapy Dogs that have had specific training can receive permission to enter such places as hospitals, long-term care centers and schools for therapy purposes.

Read about Service Dog guidelines and requirements from the Invisible Disabilities Association.

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NOTICE! I do my best to relay information, despite my severe cognitive dysfunctions. Yet, I may not always convey what I intended to say. Please remember that I am not a medical or legal professional! Seek legal or medical advice from an expert. Thanks!

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