Hi friends!
As I continue to prepare for Lipedema Awareness month, I’m really excited to see what the other ladies in the Lipedema Community have up their sleeves to spread awareness. And I can’t help but feel a profound sense of appreciation for the incredible individuals I’ve had the privilege of meeting because of lipedema. Today, I want to shine a light on the amazing strength, unique perspectives, and invaluable contributions of the patients within our community.
If it weren’t for lipedema, I might never have crossed paths with some of the most remarkable people who have become an integral part of my life. Friendships like the ones I’ve formed with Kasi Grosvenor and Jenn Sephton, among many others, have enriched my world and broadened my own perspective in ways I could never have imagined.
The Unbreakable Spirit
One of the things that never ceases to inspire me is the unwavering strength and resilience of the lipedema community. Despite the challenges and adversities we face, these individuals possess an unbreakable spirit that shines through in everything they do. Their determination to live life to the fullest, to advocate for themselves and others, and to support one another is truly awe-inspiring.
When I think about this Unbreakable Spirit, I think about Pattie Cornute. She has been running Lipedema Fitness for a decade now, and every. single. day. she is posting content of her outside, doing workouts that are tough, and unique, and fun. She organizes the annual Lipedema Triathlon, which is an #allorsomething event (June 29th for anyone interested) and is remarkably one of the kindest people you will ever be fortunate enough to meet. Pattie is unbreakable, and every day I see her, I am absolutely uplifted by her positive and friendly energy. My life is better because Pattie is in it even though we live more than a thousand miles apart. She inspires me not only with her energy and workouts, but in her consistently kind responses to challenging situations that happen wherever people are.
Unique Perspectives and Skills
Each person within our community brings a unique perspective and set of skills to the table. From artists and writers to healthcare professionals and entrepreneurs, the diversity of talents and experiences is astounding. It’s through these varied viewpoints that we can learn, grow, and find innovative solutions to the obstacles we encounter. Unique perspectives remind me of Angela Gray. Angela is a super talented creative who runs a company called Custom Cruise Wear. She’s been whipping up the t-shirts and banners that I’ve been sporting lately to raise awareness. The things her company creates, my mind cannot even imagine on its own. I appreciate and am mesmerized by Angela’s talents. But Angela also recognized a need in the Lipedema Community for someone to be available to provide phone support for patients when they have down times (and we all do). She formed a special support group where someone is available to pick up the phone and listen. Such a simple act of listening can make a tremendous difference when you have a disease that affects mental health. #WOW
Contributions that Make a Difference
The contributions made by members of the lipedema community are invaluable. Whether it’s raising awareness, sharing their stories to educate others, or actively participating in research efforts, their impact is far-reaching. It’s because of their dedication and commitment that we continue to make strides in understanding and managing this condition. And this brings me up to my good friend, Kasi Grosvenor. Kasi is brilliant, and outspoken, and kind hearted, and an amazing listener. And more than that, she is so dedicated to making a difference in the lives of lipedema patients. I have had the pleasure to become great friends with Kasi over the last few years and I’m amazed at how hard she works, and uplifts me and so many other patients. While she’s a social media influencer in her own right, Kasi’s happy place is mostly behind the scenes, putting it all together. She worked with me as a volunteer on the Lipedema Education Group and now is in a position with the Lipedema Foundation where she can use her amazing business and organizational skills to make an even broader impact. I honestly cannot believe I know her.
Finally, as I reflect on the beautiful ladies featured in my book “Sugar Mamas,” I am reminded of the incredible strength and resilience that exists within our community. Their stories, their struggles, and their triumphs serve as a constant source of inspiration and motivation for me. For example, I learned so much from Terry’s positive outlook on how to be a better person, and I’m inspired to be stronger in my personal fight against loss of mobility by all that Jenn is enduring to change her life. I could literally talk about each one of the Sugar Mamas here and tell stories about how they inspired me. And I most likely will over the next several Sundays’ grattitude posts.
Just think. Having lipedema itself is not a gift – am I right? But if I didn’t have lipedema, my path would not have crossed with any of these amazing women. So in some confusing way, I am grateful that having lipedema was part of my life journey.
Each Sunday in weeks to come, I look forward to exploring more aspects of gratitude related to lipedema. But for now, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for the patients who have become an integral part of my life. Their strength, unique perspectives, and contributions have enriched my world in ways I could never have imagined, and for that, I am truly grateful.
Happy Sunday Friends,
Susan
