[Kimberly]

#1059702

Hi all – The Graves’ Disease & Thyroid Foundation will be launching a membership drive this spring, encouraging individuals to join the Foundation with a $35 annual contribution.

Would you would be willing to share a couple of sentences as to how the GDATF’s support and educational services have been helpful? Comments will be used in a print letter and on the gdatf.org web site. We can either publish real names, first names only, initials, or screen names. Location is optional. You can post comments here or e-mail them to info@gdatf.org.

Thanks so much!

[vanillasky]

#1176896

Finding this forum has made me feel like I’m “not alone” with this disease in a world where no one seems to know what it is and no one cares.

The people here understand me and all give good advice. They are all generally concerned and show empathy, sympathy, and most of all humanity to their fellow “patients.” This is a tough disease and when I’m at the end of my rope, I feel I can come here to the Graves’ Disease and Thyroid Foundation” and rant and rave. Someone always comes to the rescue and makes me feel better.
A great place with great people!
Karen

[Kimberly]

#1176897

Karen – Many thanks for your comments!

Also, I saw your other post…hopefully the new approach that you mentioned will *finally* give you some answers AND some relief! Wishing you all the best!

[vgould]

#1176898

I don’t post that often but I do read alot so I don’t feel alone anymore. I can’t believe no doctors or medical personnel ever told me of this wonderful site–I discovered it watching and episode of “Clean House” on the Style Network and that is how I first spoke to Kimberly. What a wonderful day that was. Now I come here to read and post a comment or two occasionally. I am totally thankful to have found them and through them I have finally found some doctors who actually know something about this maddening disease!!! Thank you,Thank you!!!

[Kimberly]

#1176899

@vgould – Thanks so much for the comments! That episode of “Clean House” was a great opportunity for the GDATF in terms of raising both awareness and funds. The Foundation received almost $20,000 when the family sold all their extra stuff!

[rae5]

#1176900

GDATF has been my absolute saviour. I shudder to think back on where I was at before I found it, and what could have happened to me had I not. Here I have found a safe, positive, informative and supportive environment.
The instant acceptance of other members, and talking to and reading others experiences, has me feeling a unique bond. Kinda like I now have a second family, only more understanding because they have similar experiences.
I know I can trust the info here and the information provided has been an invaluable source of knowledge.
When it all becomes too much for me and I feel like I just can’t do this Graves thing anymore, there is always someone here to support me through it. Noone here has judged me, the support is unconditional. I have gained so much knowledge and insight into whats happening to me and my life, and some great strategies to help along the way. Joining GDATF has greatly reduced my isolation of having Graves, I am not alone and there are people who understand.
Rae

[lisamac]

#1176901

i couldnt agree more karen
its nice to know my husband isnt going through some weird thing and his symptoms are similar to other people.
this disease is horrible and hard to deal with it was very comforting to hear others opinions on treatment ideas
thank you thankyou thankyou is all i can say.
xx

[Kimberly]

#1176902

lisamac and rae5 – Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!

[Robboford]

#1176903

Hi all,
Just a quick little verse (I didn’t know if there was a time limit so have put this together quickly and although it’s not very good, it is directed to everyone in our GDATF community, from the people whose names we see to the (no doubt) many, many nameless people behind the scenes who have all become my inspiration – well done all. Your immense support cannot be written in words, but means so much to me).

The GDATF and it’s wonderful community
has taught me so much about auto-immunity.
With information and support I trust,
joining in is certainly a must.
The stories and questions we share
are read and answered by people who care.

From the sweating, the aches and pains,
the racing hearts, the rage just some of the complains.
Someone who has been there before,
gives us all hope to be sure.
This Disease we all share,
including my wide open stare.

From many, many miles away,
“I come from the land Down Under” I say.
The compassion and support cannot be measured,
the understanding and caring truly is treasured.
In closing I loudly must state
“It’s great having you all as a mate.”

Debbie
A.K.A. Robboford
Sydney
Australia

[snelsen]

#1176904

What wonderful comments! Mine will soon join them.
A special salute to Debbie’s marvelous poem @ GDATF in the last post!
It is really good!

I sure do wish all of us could meet in person some day.
Including our friends so far, far away!

Shirley

[Kimberly]

#1176905

Debbie – Thanks so much…LOVE the verse!

@Shirley – LOL…I wish we could do an event “Down Under” and have all of our friends join us…but I suspect the cost would be prohibitive. Maybe one day!

[Robboford]

#1176906

Hi all,
Thank you for your kind words. I also live in hope that one day I will get to meet you all and say G’Day mate!
Cheers, hugs and kisses
Debbie

[AzGravesGuy]

#1176907

GDATF is a tremendous resource of patient experiences and medical information. The community has welcomed me with open arms and I am grateful to have access to the collective experience of those who have posted. Before finding GDATF I was scared, confused, alone, and without hope. Now I feel empowered to take charge of my health and I am not afraid of GD anymore.

[Kimberly]

#1176908

Thanks, AZGravesGuy! Sorry to hear that you are *still* on the Graves’ disease rollercoaster, but everyone here truly appreciates all your efforts in documenting your experiences post-RAI with a combination of brutal honesty and humor!

[snelsen]

#1176909

I love this site. It is so far superior to any other. I trolled around just a bit before I found it. I have encouraged every doctor I know to refer this site to their patients. My experience has been so very difficult with TED, and the facilitators and fellow posters have saved my life several times. It is so wonderful to see prior poster return to the site, be there for others, and let us all know that you really DO get better from Graves’ and from TED.
I encourage anyone who can possibly attend, to go to the conferences. I have been to two, and they are marvelous. This organization has the oversight and expertise needed to really help. And yes, there is a lot of scary, and sometimes very frightening and dangerous on some of the sites on the web.
Shirley (name can be used.)

[Author]

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