Before 2000 I was diagnosed with full body RSD. Since then I have also been living with Fibromyalgia, Hemiplegic Migraines with functional overlay (long term issue) and peripheral neuropathy. In the summer of 2010, I suffered a heart attack while at home alone. However, I don’t believe a person is defined by their illnesses and they are valuable despite any handicap.

When I was first diagnosed with RSD, I knew nothing about it nor had I even heard about it.  I found no resources readily available to obtain information and support which prompted me to become active in supporting others who suffer.  I founded this group so people would not have to suffer alone and try to make sense out of not knowing what is available to them as far as treatment options, their rights, disability claims, attorney needs, housing etc.

A diagnosis of RSD/CRPS is usually met in a few ways, either the person has never heard of it (as in my case), the person is terrified and thinks they are dying, the person is under the assumption or told they are crazy or they understand the ramifications and seek appropriate treatment.  This group was developed to support the entire person and their family, friends and caregivers with the challenges of living with chronic pain.

I am Normalee’s daughter. I do not suffer from chronic pain or illness but I was caregiver for my mom before she died in 2009. I am also in school full time and working a full time job to pay for living and school expenses. I moved to my mother's two years ago where we bought a home together. I am majoring in Social Work/Counseling. I manage membership applications, member info and do the background checks on prospective members.  With school and work taking much of my time I am not able to be online often but I do hope to be able to continue assisting as much as I can. I plan on returning to the group management team full time once school is not so demanding. I carry full scholarships and need to keep my grades up.

I finished my first years with a 4.00 GPA and Summer has helped so much with her knowledge and education background. I am finally in my first year of grad school after finishing 4 years in 2 1/2 and have earned a full scholarship and teaching assistant position for my MSW. Summer has stayed up so many nights on the phone studying with me to help me finish early as I have a real problem with being in school!  I am anxious to be able to spend a little more time with the group and really look forward when I have some of my own time back!