Autoimmune – Dignity by Design

Diversity

“I have an autoimmune disease…..

I just wish more people understood . . . what I have is not a cold or the flu. I will never get better. A nap won’t help. I’m on meds to keep me alive because my cells attack all cells thinking all cells are bad – but this kills good cells which are in the body to help me.

Please, in honor of someone who is fighting Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Sarcoidosis, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Hepatitis, Diabetes, Celiac, Lupus, PBC, CIDP, UC, Crones, Hashimotos . . . (copy, and paste).” -author unknown

In RESPONSE: At Dignity by Design*, I work with ALL of the diseases that are mentioned above – and many, many more.

It is true – people are not aware of – nor cannot truly empathize with – the inner struggles associated with individual disabilities (nor outer struggles for that matter). It’s difficult for anyone dealing with a disability to be patronized, or awkwardly sympathized with, or to have to “describe” or “qualify” one’s self over and over, day in – day out. When the world doesn’t see a “cookie-cutter” human – they often turn away or literally act incapable of natural human interaction – simply due to their personal discomfort.

Here is my advice: GET OVER IT! Deal with all humans with respect and actual INTEREST in them as human beings – not diseases. Get to know the PERSON – not the disability….. then all else will fall into place. Maybe… a new friendship, maybe…. Better understanding of your partner or child or parent.