I am Living with Chronic Illness: Thriving with Chronic Illness: Support, Stories, and Resources for a Healthier Life
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I am Living with Chronic Illness: Thriving with Chronic Illness: Support, Stories, and Resources for a Healthier Life
I had some labs come back from my new doctor that do not look good. Fortunately, our team is coming up with solutions to my chronic illness so that I can do all the things I need to do, like continue to build Iconic Marriages to empower you. I have disabilities stemming from my time in service and more that I juggle each day through the support of my husband and family. While living with a chronic illness is not easy there are many support groups, orgs and people who help us get the care and support we need.
Welcome to Our Iconic Community!
Hello Icons! We're excited to share this weeks's newsletter, dedicated to supporting those who are helping in their community and elevating those voices doing the work at their local level. Today’s post is about those living with chronic illnesses and those assisting them. We'll highlight organizations, books, and areas that offer assistance, as well as share inspiring stories from individuals who have bravely shared their journeys.
If you know of someone living with a chronic illness or work with orgs that are helping, remember to let us know in the comments. Remember, you can sponsor with us to get your brand or org promoted in our newsletter.
Organizations Offering Support
The EPIC Foundation: Empowering People with Invisible Chronic Illness (EPIC) provides resources, support groups, and advocacy for those with chronic illnesses. They offer a safe space for individuals to connect and find support1.
Center for Chronic Illness (CCI): CCI promotes well-being and decreases isolation through support groups and educational events. They offer virtual support groups facilitated by licensed mental health professionals2.
MyGoodDays.org: This national non-profit organization provides assistance, advocacy, and awareness for those with chronic illnesses. They focus on helping individuals access life-saving treatments3.
Books for Inspiration and Guidance
Sometimes you need to do research on your own or pick up a book written by others that are going through what you have been through. These titles should help.
"How to Be Sick" by Toni Bernhard: This book offers practical advice and mindfulness techniques to help individuals cope with chronic illness.
"Peace Is Every Step" by Thich Nhat Hanh: A guide to mindfulness and finding peace in everyday life, which can be especially helpful for those dealing with chronic pain4.
"The Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health" by Ellen J. Langer: This book explores how mindfulness and positive thinking can improve health and well-being6.
Support Areas and Resources
Support Groups: Joining a support group can provide emotional support and practical advice from others who understand what you're going through. Organizations like the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic offer resources to find the right support group for you7.
Health Education Events: Participating in health education events can provide valuable information on managing symptoms, nutrition, and mental health.
Online Communities: Online forums and communities can offer a sense of connection and support, even when you can't attend in-person meetings.
Inspiring Stories
Toni Bernhard: Author of "How to Be Sick," Toni has shared her personal journey with chronic illness and offers insights and advice for others facing similar challenges.
Clorinda Walley: A contributor to MyGoodDays.org, Clorinda shares her experiences and provides hope and encouragement to others through her writing.
Jennifer A.: A reader of "How to Be Sick," Jennifer found solace and practical advice in Toni Bernhard's book, which helped her change her perspective on living with chronic illness.
We hope this newsletter provides you with valuable resources and inspiration. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Stay strong and take care of yourself!
Join Our Thanksgiving Fundraiser and Empower Marriages This November!
As the season of gratitude and giving approaches, we are excited to announce our Thanksgiving Fundraiser for the month of November! At Iconic Marriages, we are dedicated to empowering couples to build strong, thriving relationships. This Thanksgiving, we invite you to join us in this mission by participating in our special fundraiser.
What’s on Offer?
We are giving away 100 copies of our highly anticipated eBook, “Iconic Formula for Marriage Success,” when it drops. But that's not all! We have a range of donation tiers to thank you for your generous support when we hit $2500, our fundraising goal:
$10 Donation: Copy of “Mrs. Pinky Thoughts eBook”
$25 Donation: Receive the eBook “Iconic Formula for Marriage Success.”
$40 Donation: Get the print hardback copy of the eBook.
$50 Donation: Enjoy the eBook, print hardback copy, plus access to Iconic Plus.
$100 Donation: Gain access to the Iconic eCourse.
$150 Donation: Receive all 5 eBooks in paperback print.
$250 Donation: Get all 7 eBooks in print.
Why Participate?
Your contributions will directly support our mission to restore, reignite, and revitalize the institution of marriage. By empowering men and women to create thriving social empires, we aim to foster thousands of iconic marriages over the next 25 years. Your donation helps us provide online tools, advice, and live discussions to ensure couples have the resources they need to succeed.
How to Join?
Simply choose your donation tier and make a contribution. Every bit helps, and your support means the world to us. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of countless couples, helping them build strong, lasting marriages.
The Center for Chronic Illness (CCI) is a nonprofit organization based in Seattle, Washington. Their mission is to promote well-being and decrease isolation for those impacted by chronic illness through support and education1.
Key Programs and Services:
Support Groups: CCI offers ongoing, virtual support groups facilitated by licensed mental health professionals. These groups provide a safe space for individuals to connect, share experiences, and receive guidance2.
Health Education Events: CCI hosts events on various topics such as self-care, mental health, nutrition, symptom management, and social and financial resources. These events are designed to help individuals manage their chronic illnesses more effectively2.
Community Building: CCI focuses on bringing together individuals with chronic illnesses to foster a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation. Their programs encourage relationship building and sharing of personal stories and experiences1.
Leadership and Mission:
Allison Fine, MSW, LICSW: Executive Director and Founder. Allison has a lifelong passion for supporting those living with chronic illness and brings over a decade of experience in social work and counseling3.
Jake Johnston: Board President. Jake co-founded ConnecT1D and has a background in nonprofit growth and advocacy.
Emily Woitas: Board Vice President & Treasurer. Emily brings personal experience from her own chronic illness journey and a passion for community and universal accessibility.
Aditi Agarwal, MHA, RPh: Board Secretary. Aditi is a pharmacist with diverse experience in the healthcare industry and a focus on improving clinical outcomes.
How to Get Involved:
You can visit their website to learn more about their programs, join their support groups, and participate in their health education events. They also offer opportunities to volunteer and become a board member.
Would you like more information on any specific aspect of CCI or their programs?
The Center for Chronic Illness (CCI) offers a variety of programs designed to support individuals living with chronic illnesses. Here are some of their key programs:
Support Groups
Living with Chronic Illness: General support group for anyone impacted by chronic illness.
Living with Chronic Illness (for Washington state residents): Specific to residents of Washington state.
Creativity and Chronic Illness: Focuses on using creativity as a coping mechanism.
Body Image and Chronic Illness: Addresses body image issues related to chronic illness.
Living Mindfully with Chronic Illness: Incorporates mindfulness techniques.
COVID-19 Long-Haulers: Support for those experiencing long-term effects of COVID-19.
Teens Living with Chronic Illness: Support group for teenagers.
Living with Postpartum Chronic Illness: Support for new mothers with chronic illnesses.
Living with Migraines: Focuses on managing chronic migraines.
Living with Chronic Pain: Support for those dealing with chronic pain.
BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ Support Groups: Specific support for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Supporting Loved Ones: Groups for spouses, partners, parents, and friends of those with chronic illnesses.
Supporting Loved Ones Living with Cystinosis: For loved ones of those with cystinosis.
Supporting Loved Ones Living with Thyroid Eye Disease: For loved ones of those with thyroid eye disease.
Health Education Events
Self-Care: Techniques and strategies for self-care.
Mental Health: Education on managing mental health with chronic illness.
Nutrition: Guidance on healthy eating and managing dietary needs.
Symptom Management: Tips for managing symptoms of chronic illnesses.
Social and Financial Resources: Information on accessing social and financial support.
Community Building
Relationship Building: Encourages forming deep relationships among participants.
Personal Story Sharing: Opportunities to share personal experiences and stories.
Educational Programs: Workshops and presentations on various health-related topics.
These programs are designed to provide emotional support, education, and community for those living with chronic illnesses. They are facilitated by licensed mental health professionals and are free of cost.
Conclusion
"Thriving with Chronic Illness: Support, Stories, and Resources for a Healthier Life"
Living with chronic illness can be incredibly challenging, but together we can create a supportive and understanding community. We’d love to hear from you in the comments section. Share your experiences, struggles, and victories. Your stories can inspire and provide comfort to others facing similar journeys. Let’s support each other and build a stronger, more resilient community! 💪✨
Feel free to chime in below! 🌟
Introducing Our New Sponsorship Packages: Promote Your Brand with Iconic Marriages! 🌟
Hello Icons,
We have some exciting news to share with you! Iconic Marriages is now offering Sponsorship packages designed to help you promote your brand, non-profit, personal business, or content creation website. We believe in building strong partnerships and helping our community thrive.
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