Invisible Illness Week was started by Lisa Copen in 2002 as a way to help people who are affected by chronic illnesses that are not easily seen and as a way to bring greater awareness to those of us whose chronic pain and disease are not validated or respected.  Lisa suffers from Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia.

This is my first time blogging for Invisible Illness Week.  If you would like to get involved or just browse an informative website, just click on the link above or click on the button to in the right hand column of my blog.

The theme for this year’s Invisible Illness Week is low tech and fun:  “Each One Can Reach One”.  If you want to watch the detailed video featuring Lisa on how it works you can go here. But it is so low tech that I can also explain it to you.  This year, those who participate arm themselves with “sticky” notes with messages like “Are you in pain?  You are NOT alone”, “If you are wondering if anyone cares…someone does!” or “Got an invisible illness?  Find visible hope!” and include the www.invisibleillness.com website on the bottom of each note.  Then take your notes where sick people might be hanging out; the doctor’s office, the pharmacy, a bathroom in a professional building, stick up your note AND take a picture of it!  If you want to go higher tech, go to the site and upload your secret notes.

I did my first one today in a bathroom after I had gotten my blood drawn.  I felt like a spy trying not to get caught!  I put my note up and had to take three pictures so I get the note without the glare of the shiny bathroom door.  I wondered what people thought I was doing in the stall, texting, playing video games?

It’s fun thinking about who may find your note. Perhaps someone who can really use it or just someone who will be intrigued enough to go to the website to learn more.

Have fun!  Next week, I will be featuring some posts dealing with Invisible Illnesses in one way or another.