IDA Presents Award to Bob Cocke, PhD

Founder and President, Wayne Connell and IDA Executive Board Member, Kris Harty personally presented the Research Award to Bob Cocke, PhD. Bob was out of the country and could not receive his award at the 2009 Honors Banquet.

Dr. Cocke received his B.A., M.A. and Ph.D., from the University of Texas at Austin and his PHS Post-doctoral Fellow at the Center for Psychoneuroimmunology at the University of Rochester Medical Center. He has an active interest in the relationship between the mind and disease resistance. Bob currently serves as the Chairman of the Mind Science Foundation. www.MindScience.org

Other Award Recipients Include:

Advocacy Award – Jim Allsup, President and CEO of Allsup, Inc., http://www.Allsup.com.

Corporate Award – Jay Rasulo. Chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts, http://Home.Disney.Go.com/Parks.

Founders Award – Peter Strople Senior Partner and Co-founder of Z3 Partners, LLC, http://www.FriendsofPeter.com.

Healthcare Award – Karyn Buxman, RN, MSN, CSP, CPAE Author, Speaker and President of the Association for Applied & Therapeutic Humor, http://www.KarynBuxman.com.

Impact Award – Joyce M. Nelson President and CEO of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, http://www.NMMS.org

Inspiration Award – Clay Walker Nationally acclaimed recording Artist and Founder of Band Against MS, http://www.BandAgainstMS.org.

Medical Award – Ron Sokol, MD Director, Pediatric Clinical Translational Research Center and the Associate Medical Director, Pediatric Liver Center at The Children’s Hospital http://www.TheChildrensHospital.org.

Perseverance Award – Theresa Webster Founder of Hearts Across the Miles, http://www.HeartsAcrosstheMiles.org.

Volunteer Award – Hal O’Leary President of the Shining Stars Foundation, http://www.ShiningStarsFoundation.com Founder of the National Sports Center for the Disabled, http://www.NSCD.org.

Come Visit IDA Today!

The Invisible Disabilities Advocate www.InvisibleDisabilities.org
The Cleaner Indoor Air Campaign www.CleanerIndoorAir.org
My Invisible Disabilities Community Social Network www.InvisibleDisabilitiesCommunity.org

IDA Stuff (t-shirts, bumper stickers and more) www.IDAstuff.com
IDA’s eStore (books, household items and more)
www.InvisibleDisabilities.org/store.htm

Copyright © 2009 The Invisible Disabilities Advocate®

IDA Takes a Private Tour of Children’s Hospital

In October 2009, IDA Founder and President, Wayne Connell and Advisory Board Member, Nurse, Humorist and Award-Winning Speaker, Karyn Buxman enjoyed taking a private tour of The Children’s Hospital. Also on the tour were IDA Executive Board Member Ali Garrett, RN and Bestselling Author, Greg Godek.

See more about Karyn Buxman, RN at www.KarynBuxman.com

See more about Greg Godek, Author of 1001 Ways to Be Romantic: www.1001WaystoBeRomantic.com and his new endeavors as Simple Simon: www.simplesimonarchives.com/blog/about/

Come Visit Us Today!

The Invisible Disabilities Advocate www.InvisibleDisabilities.org
The Cleaner Indoor Air Campaign www.CleanerIndoorAir.org
My Invisible Disabilities Community Social Network www.InvisibleDisabilitiesCommunity.org

IDA Stuff (t-shirts, bumper stickers and more) www.IDAstuff.com
IDA’s eStore (books, household items and more)
www.InvisibleDisabilities.org/store.htm

Copyright © 2009 The Invisible Disabilities Advocate®

IDA Visits Hospital Patient

In November 2009, IDA Founder and President Wayne Connell and Executive Board Member Ali Garrett, RN took a trip to the hospital to visit Randi Price.

Randi had an accident and broke both of her femurs on the night of the IDA Honors Banquet. Wayne and Ali were honored to bring Randi personally autographed books from Award-Winning Speaker, Karyn Buxman, RN and Bestselling Author, Greg Godek.

Our best to you and your recovery, Randi!

Come Visit Us Today!

The Invisible Disabilities Advocate www.InvisibleDisabilities.org
The Cleaner Indoor Air Campaign www.CleanerIndoorAir.org
My Invisible Disabilities Community Social Network www.InvisibleDisabilitiesCommunity.org

IDA Stuff (t-shirts, bumper stickers and more) www.IDAstuff.com
IDA’s eStore (books, household items and more)
www.InvisibleDisabilities.org/store.htm

Copyright © 2009 The Invisible Disabilities Advocate®

IDA in the News Again!

Non-profit supports invisible disabilities
By Ashley Dieterle
Published: 10.17.09

Through the inspiration of his wife 17 years ago, one Parker man has developed an organization for people dealing with chronic illnesses and pain, for the people who often are overlooked.

Wayne Connell is the founder and president of The Invisible Disabilities Advocate, IDA. It is a 501c3 non-profit organization that reaches around the world to people and caregivers who are touched by chronic illness, pain, injury and disabilities through the Web site http://www.InvisibleDisabilities.org as well as projects and seminars.

Wayne said many people with these debilitating conditions lack the support they need from family and friends because their disability is not seen by the eye, so IDA offers encouragement, assistance and support needed.

Wayne began his passion for IDA after meeting his wife Sherri who had earlier been diagnosed with progressive Multiple Sclerosis and Lyme disease. Before her diagnosis, Sherri was active in musicals, modeling and riding horses. But due to MS and Lyme disease she struggles with everyday activities like taking a shower or eating a meal.

“All she has is bad days, no good days,” Wayne said.

Wayne said if a person just looked at Sherri he or she would think there was nothing wrong. But in reality Sherri deals with excruciating pain everyday, all day. Wayne calls Sherri’s struggles an invisible disability.

“This is what she has, but nobody can see it,” he said.

Wayne found that many people around the world had similar situations dealing with invisible disability. He said in many cases, family members believe their loved one is faking, when in reality the person is suffering.

“It blows me away how many people end up leaving their family member behind because they can no longer deal with the situation,” he said. “They think a person is being lazy and faking. Instead of supporting them they leave.”

IDA is meant to not only support the disabled person, but also the caregivers, family members and friends who choose to stick by their loved one. The Web site allows people to connect with one another and share their stories. It also provides, literature, articles and a booklet called “But You Look Good.” The pamphlet opens the eyes to people who do not understand the struggles a person with an invisible disability deals with on a dally basis.

“The booklet provides friends, family and co-workers with useful tips on what to say and what not to say in order to be a source of compassion and support,” Wayne said. “People have told me after reading the pamphlet it really opened their eyes and helped them understand their loved one better.”

IDA has reached people all over the world and to celebrate the success, the second annual Honors Awards Banquet and Auction was held on Oct. 18 a the Denver Marriot South. The banquet featured guest speaker Karyn Buxman. Several awards were given to individual and businesses for their work and service to people living with chrinic conditions.

For more information on IDA visit http://www.InvisibleDisabilities.org.

Copyright Colorado Community Newspapers Full Story

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www.InvisibleDisabilities.org/store.htm

Copyright © 2009 The Invisible Disabilities Advocate®

The Invisible Disabilities Advocate on the Radio!

IDA Founder and President, Wayne Connell and Advisory Board Member, Karyn Buxman, RN on KEZW Radio in Denver with DJ Rick Crandall.

Karyn is a registered nurse, humorist and award-winning speaker! She will be the Keynote Speaker at IDA’s 2009 Honors Banquet on October 18, 2009. Visit Karyn Buxman’s website at: http://www.KarynBuxman.com

Rick is an award-winning DJ of a very popular show called, the Breakfast Club. Visit KEZW at: http://www.Studio1430.com

Click Here to Listen to the Interview Online!

Come Visit Us Today!

The Invisible Disabilities Advocate www.InvisibleDisabilities.org
The Cleaner Indoor Air Campaign www.CleanerIndoorAir.org
My Invisible Disabilities Community Social Network www.InvisibleDisabilitiesCommunity.org

IDA Stuff (t-shirts, bumper stickers and more) www.IDAstuff.com
IDA’s eStore (books, household items and more)
www.InvisibleDisabilities.org/store.htm

Copyright © 2009 The Invisible Disabilities Advocate®

Meet The Invisible Disabilities Advocate

For Detailed Biographies of Our Board Members, go to: www.InvisibleDisabilities.org/board.htm

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The Invisible Disabilities Advocate www.InvisibleDisabilities.org
The Cleaner Indoor Air Campaign www.CleanerIndoorAir.org
My Invisible Disabilities Community Social Network www.InvisibleDisabilitiesCommunity.org

IDA Stuff (t-shirts, bumper stickers and more) www.IDAstuff.com
IDA’s eStore (books, household items and more)
www.InvisibleDisabilities.org/store.htm

Copyright © 2009 The Invisible Disabilities Advocate®

2009 Honor Awards Banquet and Auction October 18, 2009

MARK YOUR CALENDARS for Our Second Annual 2009 Honors Banquet and Silent Auction to support the ongoing work of The Invisible Disabilities Advocate. October 18, 2009.

INTRODUCING OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Karyn Buxman, RN, MS. – Karyn is a well-sought-after, extremely successful national speaker. She was the recipient of The Lifetime Achievement Award by The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) in 2005 and is in The Speaker Hall of Fame! Karyn brings her medical expertise, personal life experiences and contagious humor to the stage with style and flair! Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to see Karyn live at our banquet! http://www.KarynBuxman.com

INTRODUCING OUR MASTER OF CEREMONIES: Rick Crandall – Rick is a DJ for KEZW Radio in Denver, CO. His show, the Breakfast Club is one of the most popular shows on the air. Rick has been honored for his dedication to Denver’s adult community with the Volunteers of America Special Friend Award, The Colorado Broadcasters Association Citizen Of The Year Award twice and The Colorado Broadcasters Association Harry Hoth Award for Public Service. During Rick’s 15-years at KEZW the station has been a finalist for the National Association of Broadcasters Marconi Award for Adult Standards station of the year seven times, and has won the award once. Rick was also one of five finalists for the Marconi Award as Personality Of The Year. http://www.Studio1430.com

HONORS AWARD RECIPIENTS: Hear incredible and inspiring stories from individuals and businesses making a difference in their communities for people living with Invisible Disabilities. IDA will be giving out 8 awards: Restaurant Award – Retail Award – Health Care Provider Award – Advocacy Award – Volunteer Award – Perseverance Award – Inspiration Award – Founders Award.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
5:30 PM – Registration
5:30 PM to 6:30 PM – Silent Auction
6:30 PM – Dinner & Program
A cash bar will be available

TICKETS: $50 per person.

SPONSOR TABLES: Receive recognition for business, cause or family $500+ per table.

LODGING: If you would like to stay the night at the Denver Marriott South, they are offering special discount price of only $89 a night for Banquet Attendee’s!

WE NEED SILENT AUCTION ITEMS: If you have an item you would like to donate (gift certificate, product,etc), please email us!

THIS IS A FRAGRANCE FREE EVENT. Please be considerate of people attending who live with allergies, asthma and Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) by not wearing perfume, cologne or other fragranced products.

RSVP and PURCHASE TICKETS HERE: Blacktie Colorado

IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND, PLEASE CONSIDER:

1) Sending a donation to http://www.InvisibleDisabilities.org/donations.htm
2) Sponsoring a seat or sponsoring a table at the banquet for recognition of your business, cause or in memory of a loved one!
3) Donating a live or silent auction item.

Hope to see you there!

The Invisible Disabilities Advocate
http://www.InvisibleDisabilities.org

IDA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which provides encouragement, support and assistance to people who are touched by chronic illness, pain and injury. Please help support our organization by attending this evening of inspiration and hope!

Times and Details Subject to Change.

Copyright © 2009 The Invisible Disabilities Advocate®

What is The Invisible Disabilities Advocate with Founder and President Wayne Connell

Founder and President, Wayne Connell, gives a brief overview of the The Invisible Disabilities Advocate (IDA), IDA’s purpose and impact on the world at the 2008 Honors Awards Banquet.

The Invisible Disabilities Advocate (IDA) is Encouraging, Supporting and Assisting People Touched by Chronic Illness, Pain and Injury Around the World!

*Encouragement Through Our Online Social Network

*Support Through our Website, Booklet, Pamphlets, Newsletters, Resources and Seminars

*Assistance Through Projects such as Our Cleaner Indoor Air Campaign and Programs4People

Wayne Connell is the Founder and President of the organization. Wayne’s inspiration for IDA was his wife, Sherri. She used to sing and dance in musicals, enjoy her career, cheerlead, ride her horse and lift weights. Sherri now struggles daily with the debilitating symptoms of Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, Late-Chronic Lyme Disease and Toxic Chemical Injury.

Wayne is joined by several business and medical professionals on the Executive and Advisory Boards who have a heart for people living with chronic conditions.

IDA is thankful for the opportunity we have had to touch the lives of hundreds of over a million people living with chronic conditions across the globe, as well as give educational seminars to health groups and corporations.

IDA receives countless emails and letters from friends, family, co-workers, doctors, businesses, foundations, support groups and those living with debilitating conditions, sharing their stories of reconciled relationships, a better understanding and hope amidst the pain.

Won’t you join us in being a beacon in the night to the millions of people who live with debilitating conditions? Partner with IDA by giving a monthly or yearly donation to help us with our expenses. Every gift counts! Simply go to: www.InvisibleDisabilities.org/donations.htm

Come Visit Us Today!

The Invisible Disabilities Advocate www.InvisibleDisabilities.org
The Cleaner Indoor Air Campaign www.CleanerIndoorAir.org
My Invisible Disabilities Community Social Network www.InvisibleDisabilitiesCommunity.org

IDA Stuff (t-shirts, bumper stickers and more) www.IDAstuff.com
IDA’s eStore (books, household items and more)
www.InvisibleDisabilities.org/store.htm

Copyright © 2009 The Invisible Disabilities Advocate®

Woman with Invisible Disabilities Wins Inspiration Award

In 2005, Sherri Connell was chosen to receive the very coveted Inspiration Award from Hal O’Leary and the Colorado Rockies.

Sherri was a very active and goal oriented person until she was “stopped in her tracks,” due to disabling chronic illness and pain from Multiple Sclerosis and Lyme Disease. In effort to help friends and family better understand her losses and challenges, Sherri started writing in her journal and making copies for her loved ones.

One day, her husband, Wayne, offered to place her writings on the internet to help explain to those around them how she is no longer able to work and even needs daily help at home, even though she “looked” fine to others.

Much to their surprise, the Connells received countless emails from people around the world stating what Sherri wrote was exactly how they felt and what they had been trying to say to their friends and family.

Wayne took on the challenge and incorporated the website, The Invisible Disabilities Advocate (IDA) into a non-profit organization in 2004. Wayne is joined by several business and medical professionals. IDA now reaches out with pamphlets, booklets, resources, a social network, seminars and more!

Due to the severity of Sherri’s condition, she is not an employee of IDA, nor is she on the Executive Board.

Come Visit Us Today!

The Invisible Disabilities Advocate www.InvisibleDisabilities.org
The Cleaner Indoor Air Campaign www.CleanerIndoorAir.org
My Invisible Disabilities Community Social Network www.InvisibleDisabilitiesCommunity.org

IDA Stuff (t-shirts, bumper stickers and more) www.IDAstuff.com
IDA’s eStore (books, household items and more)
www.InvisibleDisabilities.org/store.htm

Copyright © 2009 The Invisible Disabilities Advocate®

The vital work of The Invisible Disabilities Advocate with Rick Watson

Board Member of The Invisible Disabilities Advocate (IDA), Rick Watson, gives a short introduction about the need for the vital work of IDA at the 2008 Honor Awards Banquet.

Rick is also partnering Founder of Remintis Health Group, a business helping those with Alzheimers and cognitive dysfunctions (www.Rementis.com).

Come Visit Us Today!

The Invisible Disabilities Advocate www.InvisibleDisabilities.org
The Cleaner Indoor Air Campaign www.CleanerIndoorAir.org
My Invisible Disabilities Community Social Network www.InvisibleDisabilitiesCommunity.org

IDA Stuff (t-shirts, bumper stickers and more) www.IDAstuff.com
IDA’s eStore (books, household items and more)
www.InvisibleDisabilities.org/store.htm

Copyright © 2009 The Invisible Disabilities Advocate®