Crohn's Disease Support Group

This is a pseudo Crohn's related post. I just want to share something someone told me.

During this time of year, when I should be happy I can't stop feeling so sad. So many people of all ages, races, religions, etc are living in the streets in the frigid weather (I'm in NJ), little or no protection from the elements, and not much food. I want to help every single one of them even if it means draining my bank account to give a warm winter coat to as many people as I can.

So, this is what I was told. Because of my medical conditions, I have become an extreme emo/empath. I've always had a good heart and volunteered/ donated since I was a little tyke. But, I have noticed my philanthropic side and urge to help strengthen as I've gotten older. Maybe there is some truth to this?

Just curious if anyone else is like me and feels their illnesses have made them much more sympathetic and empathetic towards the less fortunate.

Post edited by: olesh, at: 11/19/2011 07:58 PM

I have alwaays felt that way towards the less fortunate.I have more sympathy for the sick people now.I never knew what having a chronic illness ws like, or being in cinstant pain.Yu never know what you have until you lose it!!

I believe my having a chronic disease has guided me me to work with those with disabling conditions and disabilities. Also, having CD has taught me that have a chronic illness does not define you and is part of you(my mantra)

I had chosen to work in the Social Service sector although my training is in Management & Finance purely because I wanted to make a difference for the less fortunate. No Mega Plans just my small bit....had been doing for 1 yrs until I got I'll & couldn't continue.

Hey, I look at it this way, God has other plans for me. It is just that I wouldn't be able to see if I continued doing what I was. He threw this challenge to test my patience, dedication & perseverance. Do I pass, is yet to be seen.

Yes, I agree with you that we get more emo with a chronic illness. Sometimes I'm very driven, win the world, change mindsets, get more research done, educate people etc etc. then, the rational mind kicks in, there is only so much one can do...let's do the best I can within my limited resources, energy and sphere of influence.

Every other day I'm building on my dream of creating a platform of support & hope for patients suffering from Crohn's in this part of the world. Looking for guidance from our friends here to keep me going

Oops, it should read 10yrs...

We so easily understand the challenges that others face everyday because of the challenges we deal with ourselves. "walk a mile in their shoes" is something we have no problem with envisioning, because we want others to do that when they meet us.

Those who haven't had to struggle to achieve the smallest things don't always appreciate the amount of energy and determination it takes.

You want to light a candle and not just curse the darkness (I mangled that quote). Find an interest you can do with your physical limitations and then focus on that. Do you crochet or knit? A local yarn/craft store probably supports a chapter of "Warm Up! America" where they collect knitted and crocheted afghans to distribute to the needy in your area - your work stays local. Shut-ins on the Meal on Wheels route, nursing home residents, parents and children who have fled abuse to a shelter, the homeless who visit a shelter for a hot meal and a shower - all these people could get an afghan. Some chapters also collect hats, mittens and scarves for distribution. If you can't knit or crochet, but you can sew, there's always a need for someone to piece together squares to make the afghans.

Can you read aloud? Many places need volunteers to read the daily paper to those who are blind. Or do story hour at the local library for kids.

Think of what you can physically do without wearing yourself down and getting sick. Pick one thing to start with, and investigate what charities/organizations might need that talent. Make it clear you can only do so much, because if you get sick...

People are so ready to dismiss or discount those with disabilities. I really like the phrase "differently abled" because that is what I am - I am able to do things, just differently.

Ive been out on the streets in the cold before and blazing heat so I know what its like.I sympathise for those who are unheatlhy and unable to earn a living greatly,but I know that alot of people out on the streets are there due to bad life decisions aswell.I really feel sad for the kids who go through what I had to and wish I could help them all but anyone that I can help is more than nothing.Before I was sick around thanksgiving time there was a mid age lady who was homeless.She came up to me asking for money because she had kids she needed to feed,so I gave her $20 I had in my wallet.Next day I came back to same store and she was walking around the parking lot doing the same thing asking for money,but I didnt really say anything to her but she saw me.So next day it was thanksgiving morning I came back to same store to pickup last minute things and guess who I saw walking out of the store with alcohal.I went inside the store and found out the lady was an alcoholic,and I felt bad because I could have gave that $20 to charity to help feed actual starving people on thanksgiving.Cant help everyone though,and sometimes when you think your helping someone out its not for the best.