Monday, October 14, 2013

Awareness Month

Good Morning! Hope you had a great weekend and are ready for another great challenge at Bitten By The Bug 2. Our wonderfully talented DT Sister Brenda is our hostess this week. She has challenge us to make a project to support a health awareness. It can be breast cancer, lupus, leukemia, etc. You pick for your project.
I have two cards for you today.
The first is for Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that results in a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks flexible (synovial) joints. It can be a disabling and painful condition, which can lead to substantial loss of functioning and mobility if not adequately treated.
It can attack just one area of joints like your fingers and hands, or your feet, ankles and toes, knees, elbows and even your neck.
It can be a silent and hidden condition. Anyone you meet in life could have RA and you may not know it.
I used Stand and Salute cartridge on both of my cards. I cut the ribbon at 5 inches and another at a 5.25 inches. The designer papers are from the Kathy Davis-Poppies-6x6 pad. RA's ribbon is Blue and Gold.

 
 
My second card if for Fibromyalgia.  
Fibromyalgia (FM or FMS) is characterised by chronic widespread pain and allodynia (a heightened and painful response to pressure). Its exact cause is unknown but is believed to involve psychological, genetic, neurobiological and environmental factors.
When you have a flare up with Fibromyalgia, you feel like you have the flu. If you have ever had the 'real' flu, where you body aches so bad you can't hardly stand yourself, that is how fibro feels during a flare up. 
Fibromyalgia's ribbon colors are two shades of purple. A light and a darker. I used the 'Believe in Miracles' stamp set from Scrappy Moms.

 
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia can be partners. Some people have both. But it doesn't mean that everyone that has RA will have Fibro and vise versa.
I know a lot about both because I have both of them myself. I have RA in every joint of my body. A lot of people don't know. Because as I said it can be a silent and invisible condition. I have an awesome rheumatologist. He is also a researcher. Working to find a cure. I am on good meds. I also take a shot every week. Hubby gives me my shot. I thank him every time for hurting me because I know it is what helps keep me going.
RA and Fibro are manageable. You can live a good life with both.
Because God has this and he helps me keep going every day, I know that I will do just fine!!!
If you know anyone with RA and/or Fibro, please be patient with them. Some days it is hard to get going and some days it's  hard to keep going. They can be slow to walk, slow in doing things and sometimes can be cranky. Just look past all of this and look into their heart.
We need to pray for the elderly that have RA and/or Fibro. Medicare doesn't pay much for the more aggressive medicines like the shot that I take. I can not imagine how they get by each day with their pain. But yeah, I do know how. God carries them. But it is a real shame that our elders aren't helped better than they are. The reason I'm still working is for the awesome insurance that I have.
Okay, I think I've rattled on enough. I don't usually open up like this. I'm too much of a private person. I don't like to complain nor do I ever want anyone to feel sorry for me. There are others that are way worse off than I am and don't have the help that I have. Those are the ones that I feel for in my heart.
I hope you will head over to Bitten By The Bug 2 and check out the Awareness projects that my DT Sister's have made. Awesomeness for sure!!!! And while you are there, check out our challenge rules in the sidebar. Then head to your crafty space and create an Awareness project using a Cricut cut. You have until Oct. 20th to link. We all seem to be effected by something in ours or a loved ones life. And we all need to be 'Aware'!! I am so looking forward to seeing what each of you create.
Hope ya'll like my cards!!!! :)


12 comments:

Unknown said...

love both cards! You did a really great job on this challenge!

Nana Donna said...

Sharon two wonderful cards and how brave of you to open up yourselves to us. I know staying positive it a huge healer as I have my own issues and am very very thankful that I can get up each day and head on over to my craft room and play all day. I always say that God never give you more than you can handle and I truly believe this especially when they found a tumor inside my spinal cord 7 years ago. I also know what you mean about Medicare it does not cover much of what we need. A BIG hug to you
God Bless Donna

Mayras Designs said...

I completely understand, my mother in law has RA. Your project is as always , lovely and inspiring !

Hugs,
Mayra
Mayrasdesigns.blogspot.com

Jaren said...

Love both of your cards and all your information! Great post!

Tanya~Studio 5380 said...

Beautiful cards, beautiful attitude and beautiful soul - all you my sweet friend!

Sherrie K. said...

Sharon, your cards are beautiful!! What a great message to-you are amazing to take the time to explain and spread awareness! Thanks for sharing:)
Have a super day!
Sherrie K
http://sherriescraps.blogspot.com

Mollie said...

Sharon, your cards are beautiful! What a positive attitude you have, that's usually half the battle! Thanks so much for sharing!!!

Laura Pizz said...

Beautiful cards! ~Laura

Pam MacKay said...

2 wonderful cards! I can really relate to the one for Fibromyalgia. My brother is suffering with it. I know it is difficult to understand because you do not see the symptoms but they are very real. I will keep you in my prayers along with my brother.

Caroline said...

Your cards are both beautiful! I absolutely love the sentiment on the first card. Thanks so much for educating us on Rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. May God continue to be with you as you deal with this. Thanks for opening up and sharing.

Scrapper69 said...

Both cards look Fabulous Sharon! Thanks for sharing the info as well... There are many people out there who are unaware of that disease and its good to remind them about it and how difficult it can be for someone! :o)

Unknown said...

I just think its so fantastic that you coordinate the inside of your card with the design of the outside. Fabulous! Definately inspired. Hey, I sent you a shout out and lined your blog in my Feature Friday post. Have a great weekend! http://alllthingsbeautiful.blogspot.com/2013/10/feature-friday-101813.html