While I was looking for a video about using a terrible word that it now a common word, used by many, I found this video which I had seen on television before. This is a video made by a woman who has Autism and is unable to speak. Her video says so much though. It is about how people with disabilities as viewed as “non-persons”.

Amanda is able to tell us how she feels in a way that can only make us want to become advocates if we are not already. She is proud, intelligent and able to educate us by her “voice” that is so strong and powerful.

Please take the time to view the video in it’s entirety.

The sad passing of Bernie Mac who was not only a man who made people laugh in stand up comedy, on TV, especially on the Bernie Mac show and was an acclaimed actor in movies such as Oceans Eleven, Head of State and Transformers made people aware of a chronic illness called Sarcoidosis.

This disease usually begins in the lungs or lymph nodes. It is an inflammatory disease which causes tiny lumps of cells or granulomas to form. These can grow along with other granulomas in various organs of the body and damage the organs.

Besides the lungs and lymph nodes, the eyes, skin, liver, heart and spleen can be damaged. The disease can be mild, even stop producing symptoms or can get worse in time and permanently damage organs.

There is no known cause but the belief is that it is an autoimmune reaction to chemicals, pollen or other inhaled substances. It can also be genetic.

Diagnosis is determined by locating the lumps or granulomas. This is done by x-ray, MRI, PET Scan or other means. Treatment is usually Prednisone, immune suppressants and/or treatments for the organs that are damaged such as eye drops or inhalers.

Unless it affects the skin, Sarcoidosis is an invisible chronic illness. Although Bernie Mac’s publicist denies that this was the cause of his death, the knowledge of this disease can help others.

Learning about a rare invisible chronic illness makes it important for us to be involved with Invisible Illness Week being held on September 8 – 14. Even if you are not affected by a chronic illness, nearly 1 in 2 Americans live with a chronic condition and 96% of illness is invisible. Blog about it and then take part in the activities for this important week.

When I’ve been in the hospital or have been sick for a long time, especially when I’m stuck at home I love to get small gifts even if it’s a card in the mail. The mail brightens my day. It’s something to look forward to. Receiving a card or letter, instead of bills makes me happy.

People often wonder what to buy someone who’s sick or hospitalized. It depends. If they are able to read, a book is a good choice. If you know them well, you’ll know what they enjoy reading, if not a quick read, especially something funny is perfect. Some people enjoy puzzle books like sudoku, word finds or crossword puzzles. When I was zonked out on pain meds I craved coloring books and a new box of crayons. The smell of the crayons had me dreaming of being a child again and I could handle coloring but not reading.

Females may want to feel that their special someone still thinks of them in a romantic way even if they aren’t looking their best. Why not surprise her with a beautifully wrapped gold anklet? Flowers and a card can do the trick too. I found out about awesome huge roses that are 5-6 feet tall and are very unique. Maybe not a good idea for the hospital but for home, perfect!

Remember to think of what your friend or family member likes and go with that. You may have to tweek the idea a bit but that’s where the understanding and empathy come in.

With multiple chronic illnesses, complications from them, many doctor appointments, blood test and other lab appointments, medications that sometimes make me sick or sleepier than normal and times of flare ups, I am not able to work outside my home.

In fact I am not able to keep a job that has time constraints. There are times when I’m not able to work at all. When I look at job descriptions the one thing that works the best for me is blogging.

I can work at my own pace, work when I’m able and use my creativity. I feel like I’m doing something important and it makes me content. Stay tuned while I keep on blogging.

photo credit: salendron

There are different types of aids available to help people with vision impairment. Depending on the severity of their vision loss, people require various accessories to assist them with their daily activities.

For people who are blind, they may have learned to read using Braille. Many items such as stoves, rulers, calendars and phones have been made with Braille.

For people who are legally blind or have low vision there are magnifiers for reading, low vision clocks and talking watches.

Computers are now accessible for people with vision problems. There are screen magnifiers, keyboards with large print and even programs where you can speak and the computer types for you.

A great deal of progress has been made for people with vision problems, but there’s always more needed.

I am an overcomer. I don’t feel like it most of the time, but I am. I get hit by new diagnoses, bad news and tons of health crud. Sometimes I want to crawl under my bed (unfortunately I can’t!), run away, maybe to visit some las vegas hotels or yell and scream.

But with God’s mercy and grace I overcome. I feel God’s love. I feel my family and friend’s love and can rely on their support. I know that God doesn’t give me more than I can handle.

I go on.