A message from Justin Dart father of the ADA........ Vote!

 

Let's get this done!

Donna

Having Cystic Fibrosis motivated Annaka Haynes to become a nurse

 

Annaka Haynes shared her journey in a "CF Community Blog" post.

"Managing nursing school and my health has been one of the hardest challenges I have ever taken on. Nursing school is difficult on its own, but adding a chronic lung disease on top of it doesn’t make it any easier. I had amazing results after I first started Trikafta, and my lungs continued to respond well to the medication. Sometimes I would forget that I had CF, and it was nice to forget. During my first year of college, I tried to do everything my roommates were doing — and often ended up sick. Living in the dorms probably didn’t help. But at the time, my lungs were still keeping up for the most part."

"My second year began (first semester of nursing school), and school became way more stressful. I spent many late nights studying and doing homework, tried to have fun as any college kid does, struggled to find time for my health, and found myself sick again. But this time, I was sick for a few months instead of a few weeks. Instead of enjoying my holiday break, I spent it in the hospital, and then at home doing IV antibiotics. It was so frustrating, but I knew that I could have prevented this." 

Read more at: https://www.cff.org/community-posts/2024-03/becoming-nurse-advocate-patients

Cheers!

Donna

Nurse amputee attempts wheelchair world record

 

Lili Sheppard reported this story for BBC News, Somerset.

"An ex-nurse is attempting to set a new world record by travelling from John O’Groats to Land's End in 45 days using a standard wheelchair."

"Army veteran Lexi Chambers has fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) - with the latter resulting in her leg being amputated three years ago."

"She has four world records to her name and hopes to add another in her upcoming fundraiser called End 2 End The Rugby Relay."

"My goal is to inspire by demonstrating that despite adversity, achieving dreams is possible," said Ms Chambers.

Read more at: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy0rwzd0r1do

Cheers!

Donna

Dalton Cummins, cancer survivor, becomes a nurse at hospital where he was a patient

People magazine reported this story written by Hilary Shenfeld. It was published on October 5, 2024.

"Nurse Dalton Cummins can truly relate to his oncology patients at Riley Hospital for Children. After all, he was once a patient there himself, battling two different forms of cancer and coming close to death more than once."

"Cummins, now 24, was first diagnosed with lymphoma at age 19 after what he initially thought was a case of COVID-19. He underwent successful treatment at the Indianapolis children's hospital, only to be struck again a few months later with a different form of the disease."

"Now recovered, Cummins is back in the cancer unit but instead of lying in a bed hooked up to tubes and monitors, he is the one tending to young children, some of whom might be reluctant to take their medicines, just as he once was."

Read the original article on People.

Cheers!

Donna

New resource for nurses from JAN: "A situations and solutions finder" provides examples of workplace accommodation scenarios

 

"The Situations and Solutions Finder draws on information collected from JAN customers. JAN receives this information from customers who choose to provide feedback, usually in an email or through an ongoing survey conducted by JAN where employers contribute information about workplace accommodations. Participating employers represent government agencies and diverse industry sectors, including healthcare, education, manufacturing, service, wholesale/retail sales, etc., and span from very small businesses to global corporations. According to JAN survey findings, workplace accommodations are typically low-cost and positively impact the workplace in many ways. To learn about the costs and benefits associated with workplace accommodations, read Workplace Accommodations: Low Cost, High Impact."

"The situations and solutions included in the Situations and Solutions Finder are examples of accommodations that were made by JAN customers. Because accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis, these examples may not be effective for every individual or workplace but offer ideas about the types of accommodations that may be possible. The Situations and Solutions Finder lets users explore various accommodation scenarios by searching for examples based on Disability, Limitation, and Occupation. Various disabilities and health conditions are represented. JAN offers practical guidance on workplace accommodations and information about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) employment provisions but does not provide legal advice or determine if a health condition qualifies as a disability under the ADA. Examples in the Situations and Solutions Finder do not imply any specific condition is a disability."

"It's important to note that the Situations and Solutions Finder is not a comprehensive resource for accommodation information. For answers to specific questions about workplace accommodation situations, contact JAN directly for a free consultation, and/or use JAN’s A to Z resources."

Check it out at https://askjan.org/sitsol/index.cfm

Cheers!

Donna

Congratulations to Chloe Hammond!! UK nurse with service dog "Ocho" wins award!

 

Chloe Hammond, Service dog "Ocho" and Paula Hoggarth, Group Operations Director at Radis Community Care
Chloe Hammond shared the following regarding her award:

"I am thrilled and humbled to share that I have been honored as the Outstanding Female Disability Champion at the The Women's Awards (West Midlands). This recognition means the world to me, and I’d like to take a moment to reflect on my journey, the challenges I’ve faced, and the unwavering support that has fueled my passion."

"A Career Like No Other, Nursing is not just a profession; it’s a calling. As a nurse, I’ve witnessed both the joys and heartaches of life. The long hours, emotional strain, and physical demands can be overwhelming. But every day, I start work with determination, knowing that I am making a difference in someone’s life. It’s a privilege to care for others during their most vulnerable moments, especially for an amazing equal opportunities employer like Radis Community Care!"

"Being disabled adds an extra layer of complexity to my role. The physical challenges are real—I navigate my role in my wheelchair, finding creative solutions to ensure patient comfort. But it’s the invisible battles—the resilience required to overcome societal misconceptions and biases—that truly test me. I’ve learned that strength isn’t just about physical ability; it’s about the courage to defy limitations."

"Being a disabled nurse feels near impossible at times. The stares, the doubts, the logistical hurdles—it’s a constant uphill climb. But I refuse to let my disability define me. Instead, I channel my energy into providing compassionate care. When a patient smiles, when a family member finds solace in my words, I know I’m doing something right and that’s what matters most."

"My Loyal Assistant My faithful companion, Ocho, deserves a special mention. He’s not just a dog; he’s my partner in healing, my team mate. Ocho knows my needs (physical and mental). He offers comfort during tough shifts, and reminds me to find joy in small moments. Together, we spread positivity. Thank you Dog A.I.D. (Assistance In Disability) for making this possible."

"To my colleagues, mentors, and friends—thank you. Your unwavering support has carried me through the toughest days. To my family, who sees beyond my disability and loves me unconditionally, I am forever grateful. And to my patients past present and future, you are my motivation."

"Moving Forward, As I “stand” here, an Outstanding Female Disability Champion, I promise to keep pushing boundaries. I won’t let my wheelchair be a barrier; it’s a vehicle for change. Let’s redefine what’s possible. Together, we can create a more inclusive world—one where compassion knows no bounds. Thank you, everyone, for being part of my journey. Your love and support fuel my determination. Let’s continue making a difference, one caring gesture at a time."

With gratitude, 

Chloë Hammond (Wheelie Nurse)

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/wheelienurse_disabilitychampion-nurselife-resilience-activity-7245732355145875456-a-eY/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios

Unapologetically Me! Award winning Disabled Nurse and Qualified Assistance dog trainer Follow us on Instagram: @wheelie.nurse.with.a.dog & @WatchOchoGrow

hashtag#DisabilityChampion hashtag#NurseLife hashtag#Resilience hashtag#InclusionMatters

Cheers!

Donna

Myasthenia Gravis didn't stop this determined nurse!

Stacy shared her journey in "MG Stories".

"Medical research has taught me that I’m both inquisitive and an advocate. I enjoy working with patients who feel like the medical system has historically been working against them. It’s my goal to help them understand that everyone is not out injure patients or make a name for themselves. The ultimate goal is to help make the world a better place than we found it. It’s okay to donate an organ or participate in a clinical trial. And without people being brave enough to try, there is truly no hope for helping others who seek help on their own journey down our path."

"Because I was never discouraged by my mom or told what I couldn’t do or be, it never occurred to me that I wouldn’t survive the first time the MG bell rang. I’ve learned to live my life in appreciation of those who helped me and those who did not survive. I do things that make me feel better – like exercising, staying hydrated, keeping my mind active, and protecting myself with masks and yearly vaccinations. I learned that nutrition matters, stopping the cycle of “Feeling tired --> drinking a soda/eating candy --> falling asleep --> feeling tired --> repeat.” I figured out which foods flare my myasthenia and what makes me feel better. I decided that I was important. I’ve lost a lot of weight and am no longer an insulin-dependent diabetic or requiring constant oxygen. It’s definitely taking me time to get used to the changes, but this is a good change." 

"I always say, “I don’t get frustrated – I get determined.” MG is sneaky and allows you fall into the trap of depression and hopelessness. Having a rare disease is not a ticket to wallow – it’s the opportunity to overcome. I was told I would never live a month, graduate high school, graduate college, walk without braces or use a wheelchair, drive a car, travel. I try to find a way around the limitations I know in order to live my best life. While there are some limitations MG and you don’t want to hurt yourself, YOU are your own best advocate and voice of how you feel." 

Read more about Stacy's journey at A Life with Myasthenia Gravis – A Nurse’s Perspective

Cheers!

Donna