Omss Animal: Invisible Disabilities Association eNews

April 2011

FEATURED

But You LOOK Good!

Do your loved ones have a hard time understanding your chronic illness or pain, because to them you LOOK fine? But You LOOK Good! is a 56 page book that gives those living with chronic illness and pain a voice about how they feel, what they need and how others can be an encouragement to them. It is a convenient, informative way to educate loved ones about what people living with ongoing illness and pain struggle with, fight for and need from their friends and family. It is easy to read, gives practical ideas on how loved ones can be supportive and is not too long for readers to lose interest! Order Here.

WHAT'S NEW

2011 Honors Banquet 10-02-11

Make sure to mark your calendars. Our 4th annual Honors Banquet will be taking place on Sunday October 2nd, 2011 in Lone Tree Colorado a the Marriott Denver South. The evening will begin with a silent auction, followed by dinner and then we will celebrate eleven honorees who have had amazing impacts on the disability community or have lived inspiring lives touched directly by illness and pain themselves. Make your plans now, special rates will be available at the hotel. Visit the banquet page on our website often as we continue to update the details. You can also see videos and stories of previous award recipients and past banquets.

2011 Impact Award Announced

We are excited to announce that the recipient of our 2011 Impact Honors Award will be G. Raymond Empson, President and CEO of the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps. The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps is an international family of camps and programs that provide life-changing experiences to children with serious medical conditions, always free of charge. IDA Executive Board Member, Ali Garrett, RN, BSN has the proviledge of serving as the nursing director for Roundup River Ranch, a brand new camp in Colorado which is a provisional member of the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps.

Idol Contestant living with Invisible Disability

21-year-old James Durbin of Santa Cruz, CA auditioned for American Idol in San Fransisco, which aired on February 9, 2011. He has now made it into the top 5. James’ back-story told of his long, life journey of struggles. James through Stanford Medical Center, was diagnosed with Tourette’s and Asperger’s Syndrome (a high functioning form of Autism). Read more of James' Journey here. April is Autism Awareness Month.

Freakin' Funny Nurse

IDA Advisory Board Member, Karyn Buxman RN, MSN, CSP, CPAE, is one funny nurse. Not only is she a Hall of Fame speaker sharing about her experiences as a nurse, she is the author of Amazed and Amused, the President of the Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor and the publisher of The Journal of Nursing Jocularity. We are thrilled to have her as part of IDA.