[Ski]

#1066637

How great is that!?? ” title=”Cool” />
Kimberly ~ thanks for everything you’ve been doing all along, and thanks for taking this on!
It’s GREAT having you here! We’re all very lucky to have you. ” title=”Wink” />

[Kimberly]

#1066638

Hi all,

Thanks to Peter for the introduction — and to Ski for the kind words. I am very excited about the opportunity to take a leadership role in assisting fellow Graves’ patients and furthering the GDF’s mission! I am also very much looking forward to participating in next month’s training session – although I am hoping that Nancy can use her magic wand to melt all that ice. ” title=”Razz” />

A bit of background: my abnormal thyroid labs were identified during a routine physical in Spring of 2007, and I got my diagnosis in October 2007…the day before I left for a vacation! I have been taking methimazole since, with several dosage adjustments to try and find my “sweet spot”. I still struggle with minor issues (mild eye involvement, weight gain, slightly low WBC), but I feel SO much better than I did when I started on this rollercoaster ride. I spent this morning at the gym lifting weights…two years ago, it was about all I could handle to lift *myself* out of bed!

I visited the Trevi Fountain in Rome last summer, where legend holds that when tossing coins into the fountain, the third coin will bring a divorce. As I tossed the third coin over my shoulder, I wished for a divorce from my Graves’ Disease. But there are a few things I wish to retain custody of: the friendships I’ve made with fellow members of this odd “club”, a commitment to managing stress effectively, a diet that minimizes processed foods, my nightly 8 hours of sleep a night (as opposed to my old 6 or 7), and a renewed appreciation of the good health that I do have…the many things I can do…the good days that I have had…and those that are to come.

Best wishes, everyone!

[Peter]

#1018712

The Graves’ Disease Foundation is pleased to announce Kimberly as our new Facilitator for the Bulletin Board!

As a patient, and long time member of the Bulletin Board, Kimberly has offered valuable advice to many patients and family members. She brings a positive perspective on coping with graves’ and now volunteer’s for the Graves’ Disease Foundation as we increase our patient and public awareness programs.

Kimberly is located on the West Coast and has attended recent Graves’ Disease Conferences. She has also offered to help GDF update our Facebook site AND she is planning to organize a Support Group in Arizona after attending Nancy’s leadership training in North Carolina.

THANK YOU KIMBERLY!

Peter

[cathycnm]

#1066639

Welcome Kimberly!!!!

[Bobbi]

#1066640

It is so great to have you committing to being a "regular." I’ve enjoyed your comments, and look forward to more.

[cathycnm]

#1066641

Yes – I so appreciate all the facilitators who can do this regularly. My own situation has prohibited that for a few months and will, again, when I start school back up. I honestly feel badly about it but am learning my healing journey has to do with building my own support system first. I so appreciate all my fellow facilitators for all you do. Thanks! ” title=”Very Happy” />

[James]

#1066642

Kimberly,

It was great meeting you at the October conference and talking to you in person! It’s great to have you onboard as a Facilitator. I’ve always appreciated your well thought out; supportive and informative writing style in your posts. I look forward to seeing more of the same in your now "official" capacity.

Welcome!

James

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