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Suzy Holcomb Faces the Lions
Thursday, April 11,
2002, I had the honor of speaking to the Maple Shade Lions
Club. Their interest in RSD was sparked by a telephone call
from parents of a young girl with RSD looking for financial
assistance to pay medical costs until the father regained
employment and medical insurance.
“I'm looking good and
feeling great and it shows! Huh! What a fabrication of the
truth! It is a grueling process keeping this appearance but
I suffer with RSD and many other complications,” I said. They
were shocked. I then asked if anyone had heard of Reflex
Sympathetic Dystrophy or Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome. Two people had— one person had RSD and another
had a friend who suffered from it.
I described the onset
of RSD and its journey through our system, illustrating the
painful sensations that occur.
I explained this could develop from something minor,
like a sprain, or an injury, a poorly placed intravenous needle,
surgery, etc. My husband, Tom, discussed what it
is like to be married to an RSD patient. “My wife's life is
full of pain and lack of sleep. She continues to stay as independent
as possible and create new ways of accomplishing tasks and
exercising.”
We emphasized that
even the slightest touch, or that long-awaited hug and kiss,
could incur horrific pain and discomfort. Marriages and careers
can be swept out to sea; many people consider suicide. A good,
loving support system is imperative. I mentioned my strong
faith in God and how my connection with Him, along with the
wide variety of relaxation therapies and prayer sustains me
in finding solace each and every moment.
I told the club we
would welcome their valued support if they would consider
sponsoring a fundraiser or generate funds toward research
and/or awareness.
Friends, this is an
excellent outreach opportunity to generate interest in our
communities. Your
group can work collectively on topics of interest that could
be presented at your local PTA or church meeting. That way
you would be speaking to people you know, rather than to strangers.
Our South Jersey support
groups are also gathering information for our RSD Awareness
display in October at the Burlington County Library in Mt.
Holly, NJ. Representatives of the Dynatronics machine and
the Alpha-Stim 100 will be present to discuss their products
with the public. I encourage anyone suffering from RSD to
contact me about anything else you feel would be of interest
to display.
For further information
please contact me using the information listed below my name.
Remember, RSD awareness is our link to that pain free moment
and long-awaited cure we all seek.
Suzy Holcomb, 44 Haines
Mill Road, Delran, NJ 08075-1737, Tel: (856) 461-5941
AuntSuzyMouse@hotmail.com
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