Wednesday, January 7, 2015

wishbone collection



Over the past few weeks I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with a beautiful soul named Jensen.

Jensen, who currently lives in Fort Collins, Colorado, approached me before the Holidays asking if I would be interested in doing a collaboration fundraiser for a cause that is near and dear to her heart.

She then described how she herself is suffering from a life altering chronic disease known as, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (I know, quite the mouthful!) She went to almost 25 different doctors in the span of a year, only to find 2 doctors that were willing to help and take the time to understand this complex disease. After hearing this, I immediately turned to Google to learn more. 

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is a devastating disorder which is more commonly known as CFS for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. CFS is a severe, and complex neurological disease that affects all body systems. The common symptoms of ME/CFS include mental or physical exertion, unrefreshing sleep, concentration problems and muscle pain.

Jensen explained that there is a lot of suicide involved with ME, because people are not aware how severe this disease really is. She then stated that ME is more common overseas in countries such as Australia, and areas around the UK, with it slowly becoming bigger in U.S. After being diagnosed with ME, Jensen knew she had to help others who were suffering from this disease with her main goal being to bring awareness for ME/CFS in a non-aggressive way. 


Since ME/CFS is such a controversial disease in the U.S, with only a handful of doctors taking the time to understand, it means lots of samples, tests and blood work. After many doctor appointments, Jensen realized she was only able to get blood drawn from her right elbow. She considered that elbow her "lucky charm" as it was helping her get results and ultimately feel better. Weeks later, she got a tattoo of a wishbone to commemorate her lucky charm, and to inform Doctors on where to draw blood.



After a few years of raising awareness for ME/CFS, and building a social media following, Jensen wanted to take it one step further to help find a cure. That's where Little Pieces of Hope comes in! ;) 

With the help of Jensen, Little Pieces of Hope has come up with a few items to launch the Wishbone Collection and fundraise for the Solve ME/CFS Initiative. After all, once you choose Hope, anything is possible. 




Thank you so much Jensen for allowing me to be apart of ME/CFS awareness. You are such a strong, and beautiful woman and I love how you don't let ME/CFS define you. I'm sure even on your worst days, you are still looking as cute as ever in your stylish wardrobe. Thanks again for this amazing opportunity!


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