ME/CFS Contributing – Because I Can

04/17/2012

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© 2012 TSM
In August of 2000, I was able to celebrate my full return to health by summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania Africa.  It was a personal moment.  When I returned home, I decided that I wanted to show my gratitude by giving back.  The next Spring, I joined the annual Walk for Hunger sponsored by Project Bread.  On the first Sunday of each May, we walk 20 miles to raise money for all the food pantries, food kitchens and food programs throughout the New England region.  This year will be my 12th walk.
 
And each year, with every step, I remember my ME/CFS days when I couldn’t walk across a room without collapsing in a chair.  I remember the darkest bed ridden days.  I remember my anger at the medical profession – which I admittedly still harbor.  I remember the frustration with my snails pace recovery.  But mostly I remember that I am blessed to be well and that there are so many who are still struggling with this cruel disease.

I set up my donation webpage this morning and it is an honor – yes truly – to be able to contribute because now I can.  And I encourage everyone to be a positive influence on those around you and especially on yourself despite your struggle – or a loved ones struggle – with ME/CFS.

Are you able to contribute in any way?  Please COMMENT or Send in your thoughts and I’ll post them.  You can use the Contact Form or send an email to Martha at DefeatCFS dot net.

Look for a weekly posting on Tuesdays.  And consider being part of the conversation.

Be Well Again,

Martha

If you wish to make a donation, here’s a link to my webpage.
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Vacation - a 180 on the Definition

08/23/2011

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© 2011 TSM
My apologies for not posting last week.  I was fully consumed with the multiple tasks required to launch two kids off to college in the same week – one an experienced senior and the other a rookie freshman.  As I scrambled over the hurtles, I often thought that I could never have been successful if such a week had been required of me when I was sick.  And my thoughts sometimes strayed to other friends who were off on vacations enjoying the last weeks of summer.  Not that I resented giving up this time to my kids, I was pleased to be a part of getting them established at school.

The idea of vacation stayed with me enough to eventually look up the entomology of the word.  It’s from the Latin verb vacare – meaning to be free.  So when we take vacations we a free from the normal routine.  This would usually translate as relaxation, rest and for some a bit of adventure.

For those who are struggling with ME/CFS, and who are carefully pacing themselves, meticulously adhering to sleep, avoiding normative activities which would push them into relapse, etc, etc, a vacation would be a one week gift of living completely healthy.  They would joyfully do all the ‘mundane’ tasks that others seek relief from.  To be free from this cruel disease just for a week would be a vacation by their definition.

Although that seems impossible, there are things that someone (or several someone’s) could do for a struggling patient – just for one week – that would make it a close approximation of a vacation.  What are your ideas?  What have you done for a struggling patient?  Please COMMENT or send in your thoughts and I’ll post them.  You can use the Contact Form or send an email to Martha at DefeatCFS dot net.

Look for a weekly posting on Tuesdays.  And consider being part of the conversation.

Be Well Again,

Martha
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