Sandy Halperin DDS – Persevering with Dementia – A Journey from the Clinic to National Advocacy In a moving episode of the InVisible InCourage Show, Wayne Connell, founder of the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA), sat down with Sandy Halperin to discuss a life transformed by a series of profound, yet invisible, health challenges. Sandy’s story […]
One Tough Cookie: The Story of Isabella Sementilli Isabella Sementilli‘s life was changed in an instant in the fifth grade when a bully yanked her chair out from under her. The fall left her with a concussion, a fractured tailbone, and neck and back injuries. This incident marked the beginning of what she describes as […]
Emily Cram’s Journey of Courage and Advocacy Living with ERBIN In a world where many illnesses and disabilities are invisible, Emily Cram stands as a beacon of strength and advocacy. As the only woman in the United States diagnosed with ERBIN, a rare connective tissue disorder, Emily’s journey is one of profound challenges, unwavering resilience, […]
Resolve to Believe Even Though You Might Wonder How Someone Who Looks So Good Can Be So Sick Resolve to believe. As yet another year dawns and, of course, I need to make at least one resolution. The good news is that I know I can keep this one. I resolve to believe you! I […]
I broke my arm and … was diagnosed with PTSD and a brain injury, walking around like a zombie in ‘The Walking Dead,’ Jim Stanek recently told TheBlaze. I was isolating myself. I didn’t want to socialize with people … I couldn’t remember things. For me, being a vet with PTSD, I’ve been called a […]
“You’re lucky you don’t have to work!” “You’re just giving up!” “You need to get out more!” When we break a leg, are we better off hopping on it or using crutches? Right after having major surgery, would we recover better if we went hiking or if we rested a bit in the hospital? We […]
This past week Mike and I went to see my kidney doctor, as we do about every 4 months. The purpose of the visit is to monitor my kidneys and how they are doing. It’s always like sitting on pins and needles until he reads the numbers from the blood test, which tell you everything. […]
Today is Valentine’s Day. Many people will celebrate it with the one they love. I asked my friend, relationship expert and New York Times best-selling author of 1001 Ways to Be Romantic, Greg Godek, for his thoughts on “love.” This is what he shared. “It’s all about love (just consult the Bible or The Beatles). […]
Have you ever seen someone get out of a car parked in a space reserved for people with disabilities, who did not LOOK disabled? Did it make you feel very uncomfortable or even upset? Did you let them know of your disapproval by giving them a dirty look or yelling at them? Well, you are […]
Seminar with IDA Board Member, Jeff Vankooten, Speaker and Trainer. Jeff also lives with Bipolar Disorder. Join Jeff for some insightful tips on thriving in life! Wayne Connell, Founder and President Invisible Disabilities Association http://www.InvisibleDisabilities.org ADDITIONAL RESOURCES http://www.InvisibleDisabilitiesCommunity.org http://www.Facebook.com/InvisibleDisabilities http://www.InvisibleNoMore.TV http://www.Facebook.com/InvisibleNoMoreTV http://www.YouTube.com/InvisibleDisability http://www.Twitter.com/INVDisabilities http://www.InvisibleHero.org http://www.CleanerIndoorAir.org All Rights Reserved Copyright 2012 Invisible Disabilities Association
IDA Founder and President interviews Antarctic Mike (Pierce), Speaker, World Record Holder and Caregiver to his wife, Angela. Mike takes what he learned from his extreme sports and applies them to his life with a spouse living with disabilities. Don’t miss Mike and Angela’s incredible story of perseverance and love! Interview by Wayne Connell, Founder […]
It’s all in your head!” What a familiar refrain for those living with chronic illness, pain or disability. Doctors, friends, co-workers and family often make this statement when they can’t “see” what you are going through or find a diagnosis. The invisible nature of many illnesses and disabilities creates an atmosphere of suspicion or disbelief, […]
Since my accident in 1985, I have been through some very difficult times. There have been many days when I’ve felt fearful to “walk out my front door.” However, the focus of this blog is to help you as the reader understand that when you push through fears and “walk out your front door,” it changes […]
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there. It is a very special day for everyone who has children and families. However, for some of us who may have lost our mother or possibly a child, it is a very difficult day. It is also difficult for those of us who do not have […]
Kick off your shoes and stay awhile. It sometimes feels like there are few places where people with visible conditions are welcome – and accepted as they are. Medical settings are often the most welcoming and comfortable places known to those of us with visible conditions. The larger, outside world has way too many issues […]
“When you are weak, you are strong.” What does this really mean? For those of us who have invisible disabilities, this is a haunting statement, yet it is one of the most liberating and powerful principles available to us. We want so desperately to look someone in the eye and say, “I’m doing great. How […]
I have been involved with the Invisible Disabilities Association for a few months and have found it to be very helpful in many ways. I’ve met several people who share some of the same struggles I do. I have also really enjoyed telling my story through the blog and hope it has inspired others. A […]
IDA Founder and his wife are suffering a great loss. Wayne Connell’s wife, Sherri lost her brother Jim just before Christmas of 2011. He had struggled with severe pain for many years and took a bad turn after major neck surgery last summer. Although he was clearly suffering, this was very unexpected, as Jim passed […]
Living with pain is very difficult, as there are many times when there is no way possible for me to get rid of it or be comfortable enough just to relax. Having physical pain can be a constant obstacle for many people, including myself. Instead of remaining angry or frustrated, I try to create soothing […]
Have you ever been in a car accident or known someone who has? Have you ever experienced another type of accident that either injured you or left you fearful? Have you ever had, or know someone whose had a serious health condition or one that scared you? Most of us can identify with one of […]