National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week

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Did you know there are millions of people who are suffering from a Chronic Illness and you'd never know.  These sufferers can be your friends and neighbors, people you see and talk to every day, yet you'd never know they were sick.  Millions of people suffer from what is called an Invisible Illness.  Which means, to look at them they look perfectly healthy.  You wouldn't know they live their lives in chronic pain or fear or anxiety or are so dizzy, that it's hard to get up in the morning.

Next week, September 8th through the 14th,  is National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week. 

My friend Jen, challenged me to participate and dedicate my blog this upcoming week to bring awareness to the challenges people that suffer with invisible illnesses face, sometimes on a daily basis.

So the next week I will be focusing on helping others understand how some of these millions live day to day.  How can I bring awareness?  I happen to be one of the millions.  I suffer from Ulcerative Colitis, one of the two Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.  The other IBD is Crohn's Disease.  I also have Chronic Sinusitis, which would probably also qualify as an invisible illness.  It has definitely stopped me from participating in and enjoying activities that I otherwise would have loved being involved in, but due to severe headaches, I'm left at home trying to make the pain go away.

Rest Ministries has a website devoted to National Chronic Illness Week.  Take a look at the website throughout the week.  They'll have guest bloggers and seminars posted throughout the week.

Jen suggested taking 5 minutes from your day and praying for those with chronic illnesses.  It's like a family on the FIAR boards and Jen has set up a prayer board on her blog for us to know who amongst us that is suffering from an invisible illness.  If you can take just a few minutes and check out the needs of some fellow homeschooling moms who, get it done regardless, your prayers and thoughts would be much appreciated.

If you are one of the millions that also suffer silently, leave a comment and tell us about yourself.  I'd be happy to add you to my list of fellow sisters to pray for.