Invisible Illness Week Theme Offers Hope Despite Chronic Pain

Nearly 1 in 2 Americans live with chronic illness and about 96% of it invisible. Invisible Illness Awareness Week seeks to educate and encourage those who live with illness and those who care about them. End Quote

San Diego, CA (1888PressRelease) August 12, 2008 - National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week, September 8-14, has announced the 2008 theme: "Hope Can Grow From the Soil of Illness."

Lisa Copen, the founder of Rest Ministries, who sponsors this annual event says, "Illness is usually accompanied by a period of grief because so many dreams and hopes can die when we lose our health. But there is also hope for a new purpose, most often, one that we never would have imagined if we had our health."

August will feature guest bloggers on the topic of illness who have discovered a clear sense of direction, despite the significant modifications illness has made to their lives.

Copen, 39, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia at the age of 24 and remembers searching for her new purpose.

"My plans had always been to work for a nonprofit where I could help other people, but I was unable to relate to them they way I wanted to since I had not walked in their shoes." Ironically, her diagnosis brought a certain peace within the chaos. "Now my passion to write and speak, and share where I find my strength, which is through the Lord, has given me a purpose I never could have imagined otherwise." Those of any faith are welcome to participate in National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week, and Copen hopes that people will be able to find their own sense of purpose through the daily pain they are experiencing.

To find out more about the telephone seminars that will be held September 8-12, as well as the invisible illness week awareness outreach products, visit www.invisibleillness.com .

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Visit National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week Website

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