Like many of you with unexpected physical challenges, we scream, cry and find a way, after grieving, to cope with optimism and through commarodary. In 1990, I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis (I.C.), a painful Bladder "dis ease", literally and figuratively. After many shared group meetings with other I.C. patients, and now years later with Dr. V. Ratner, Whitmore and advocates, researchers and patients leading the way to find a cure, we continue to hypothesize surrounding the commonalities and causes of our bladder lining defects. As far back as the 1800s, I.C. was known but like others, the why's remain a mystery. Clinical trial after clinical trial...seeking legitimate and knowledgeable physicians, trials and errors with OTC remedies for a variety of symptoms, prescriptions with side effects....we each find, often, what works for one may or may not work for another. Still, due to the ability to share our stories through the I.C.A. and elsewhere, we support one another however possible with our stories, like here. If you know of someone with I.C. and can provide a positive Mentally Healthy supportive word or two, please do. Like other fundraisers, I come to the public, friends and relatives asking for a dollar, anything; doing my part to raise awareness and funding for further research so that in the near future others will not have to live with Interstitial Cystitis, losing sleep, suffering with pain; lives in an uproar. Your prayers for my fellow I.C. patients is deeply appreciated...for the ongoing researchers, your $1.00 or whatever will go to end I.C. for good. I have hope and continue to cope. Blessings to us all. Thank you.
