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Sherri Connell

A Lifetime in 27 Years

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You are here: Home / Archives for invisible disabilities

IDA’s National Disability ID Initiative

November 20, 2018 By Sherri

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!

Filed Under: Awareness, In the Media, Making a Difference Tagged With: accessible parking, chronic illness and pain, department of motor vehicles, disability, disabled, dmv, driver's license, handicapped parking, illness, injury, invisible disabilities, invisible disabilities association, national id, pain, parking

2018 “Be the Voice” on Facebook LIVE

October 19, 2018 By Sherri

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

Filed Under: Awareness, Making a Difference Tagged With: biff gore, colorado and company, denise plante, fundraiser, gala, illness, injury, invisible disabilities, invisible disabilities association, pain, the voice, wayne connell

Let’s Shake It Off Together!

August 16, 2018 By Sherri

Most of you have probably already heard this song by Taylor Swift! But I love this Africanized version by Alex Boye! Not all the words apply, but after I listen to this the chorus helps me remember to Shake It Off!

Whether it is a person saying something ridiculous or a frustrating phone call with an insurance company, I am too good at internalizing the pain and anguish, which turns into increased physical pain! So, I must learn to Shake It Off!

Listen and sing with me! Listen enough times that it comes up during the day when you need it most!


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♡ Sherri

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Filed Under: Fighting for My Life, Relationships, The Truth Tagged With: alex boye, bullies, chronic illness and pain, friends and family, haters, invisible disabilities, just for fun, mean girls, music, personal story, players, relationships, shake it off, taylor swift, video

My Mom Chosen Senior of the Month

August 1, 2018 By Sherri

 

My mom, Carole Mitchell, was chosen as Elderlink Home Care, Inc.‘s senior of the month for July! They are choosing one person a month to celebrate their 30 years in business. We were so elated to get this news! My mom certainly deserves recognition for her years of service in business and devotion to friends and family! And it included a $300 grant!

Thank you, Elderlink! And thank you, Shannon U, for telling me about the nominations for this!


Hi Friends! Have you subscribed to my blog yet? Are you following me on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest? What are you waiting for?

Simply go to the top right side-bar to follow me!

♡ Sherri

Filed Under: Thoughts for the Day Tagged With: award, counting my blessings, friends and family, fun, invisible disabilities, mom, mother, personal story, relationships, senior

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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Filed Under: But I LOOK Good, Fighting for My Life, Relationships, The Truth Tagged With: alex boye, awareness, chronic illness and pain, doctors, fighter, friends and family, ft mom bloggers united, invisible disabilities, katy perry, relationships, roar, speak out, speak up, video

I Got a Gift in the Mail!

May 10, 2018 By Sherri

LOOK at what we got from my BFF Patti for Mother’s Day! Yes, I am a mom! I am a mom to the 2 most amazing “kids” ever!

 

Filed Under: Thoughts for the Day Tagged With: animals, counting my blessings, family, friends and family, invisible disabilities, just for fun, personal story

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!



Filed Under: Awareness, Making a Difference Tagged With: awareness, chronic illness and pain, Facebook, facebook frames, hidden illness, invisible disabilities, invisible illness, profile photo, social media

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!

Filed Under: Awareness, In the Media, Making a Difference, Reaching Out to Others Tagged With: awareness, chronic illness and pain, education, environmental illness, i live with an invisible disability, id card, invisible disabilities, invisible disabilities association, invisible disabilities week, invisible no more, lanyard, personal story, support, wallet

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

Filed Under: Awareness, In the Media, Making a Difference, Reaching Out to Others Tagged With: awards, awareness, carolyn strauss, channel 2, channel 9, chronic illness and pain, colorado and company, daybreak, denise plante, education, friends and family, gala, humor, IDA awards gala, invisible disabilities, invisible disabilities association, invisible disabilities week, karyn buxman, natalie tysdal, relationships, sam adams, television, video

Happy Place? I Found Mine! Where’s Yours?

September 19, 2017 By Sherri

Here’s My Happy Place!

My happy place is an outdoor pool! I feel free and relaxed when I am in the water! I can even get some exercise in the water, whereas it is virtually impossible for me on land. Pools are fairly available, compared to let’s say trying to travel somewhere to get to a beach. But I feel like I am at a resort when I am at an outdoor pool! And that makes them awesome!

Here Are Some More of Mine:

Outside with my animals (but not heat).
Spending time with friends and family
Disneyland or Disney World (someday again I hope)
At a wildlife preserve or conscientious zoo (rare)
Beach (only been a few times)
Going out to eat
Watching movies
Playing cards
Playing games
Watching fun videos online
Playing Scrabble online
Playing Solitaire online

So, Where is YOUR Happy Place?

Don’t have one? Keep searching, because we all need not just one, but many! We need ones that are rare, as well as ones that are very accessible. It could be anything from the beach to a restaurant to sitting on your couch watching a movie. List as many as you can think of and use them as refuge from the stress of this life!

Remember! We have to be intentional every day about finding joy and laughter, amidst the battles! We can’t just wait for them to fall onto our laps! It’s imperative!

Filed Under: Counting My Blessings, Humor and Fun, Living My Life Tagged With: animals, chronic illness and pain, counting my blessings, dinner, friends and family, games, goats, humor, invisible disabilities, just for fun, movies, personal story, pets, pool, relationships, sunshine, swimming, therapy animal, video, water therapy

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About Me

About Me

I am a singer, dancer, actress, model. ... Oh wait! That was my life BEFORE Lyme Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Traumatic Brain Injury and Chemical Injury. Join me on my pursuit to find joy in the midst of loss and pain! The one thing I certainly still have in this life is my humor! I hope you enjoy my blog full of information about living with disabling illness, pain and loss, as well as counting my blessings and just being plain silly!

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In the Media with Sherri

In the Media with Sherri

TELEVISION: Tick Bite Changed My Life Forever
PARENT MAGAZINE: Living w/ Invisible Disability
FORBES MAGAZINE: Break Down the Barriers
AUDIO: Living with Late-Chronic Lyme Disease
AUDIO: Marriage with Chronic Illness
AUDIO: Reaching Out to Others
VIDEO: What to Say, Not to Say, How to Help

Tick Bite Changed My Life

Living with Debilitating Illness and Pain

We Can All Make a Difference

Friendship Over Fragrances

MCS with Pluto and Minnie

MCS Can Be Lonely

Snickers the Amazing Alert Dog

Show Someone You Love Them

The Adventures of Pumpkin and Cookie

The Adventures of Pumpkin and Cookie

The Adventures of Pumpkin and Cookie
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube

Pumpkin Plots Mission Impossible

Pumpkin and Cookie Litter-box Trained

Pumpkin and Cookie Jump and Slide

Additional Favorite Websites

Calvary Chapel Aurora - Ed Taylor
Cleaner Indoor Air Campaign
Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA)
Invisible Disabilities Community
IDA on Facebook
IDA on YouTube
Where Is God Ministries

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