JOIN THE CHRONIC WARRIOR COLLECTIVE IN SENDING HOLIDAY CHEER

By Dawn Veselka, RT(T)

THE HOLIDAYS ARE A FESTIVE TIME WHEN FAMILY AND FRIENDS GATHER TO CELEBRATE. FOR THOSE LIVING WITH LONG-TERM ILLNESS, RARE DISEASE, DISABILITY, OR WHO REMAIN UNDIAGNOSED, THIS FESTIVE TIME OF YEAR OFTEN MEANS MISSING OUT ON THE FUN DUE TO A FLARE, COMPROMISED IMMUNE SYSTEM, UNEXPECTED HOSPITAL STAYS, OR OTHER ILLNESS-RELATED LIMITATION.

According to the National Health Council, about 40 percent of all Americans (that’s more than 131 million) are living with chronic health problems, and another four percent (or 30 million) live with a rare disease, while approximately 25 million more people are still seeking a diagnosis. As you may know, living with a long-term illness comes with varying levels of symptoms that can make everyday life challenging. Because of this, it’s estimated that one in three individuals with a chronic illness will suffer from added depression, which is one of the reasons the Chronic Warrior Collective, a social network for individuals with long-term illnesses, started the card swaps. It’s an easy way to connect with new friends but is not time-consuming or physically taxing.

The Chronic Warrior Collective has been holding organized monthly card swaps since 2016. They began as a way to connect individuals with chronic illnesses with new friends and help them send some encouragement to each other. What started as 13 people swapping uplifting notes has turned into a group of more than 2,300 participants spanning across 27 countries. While she couldn’t have predicted a global pandemic creating even more illness warriors and showing everyone a glimpse of what isolation can look like when she started the card swaps back in 2016, Denise Archilla, founder of the Card Swap, is thankful so many people are able to find support and positivity through her program now more than ever. “It’s brought me a tremendous amount of joy to have started something so small and simple and see how it continues to grow and impact the lives of those who are invisible and need it so desperately,” she says. “We have an incredible community!”

There is something powerful and exciting about opening your mailbox to find a card nestled in amongst the bills, insurance statements, and junk mail. And there is something equally as powerful about creating that card to bring hope and cheer to a fellow warrior! Having a way to do something for someone else is one of the greatest challenges of being a mostly homebound illness warrior, yet the Card Swap provides purpose and joy for all who are involved! For many illness warriors, the holidays present an even more challenging time where they often feel left out, even more isolated, alone, and like no one around them “gets it.”

Does this resonate with you? Do you love the holiday season and long to connect with others that understand a life disrupted by chronic illness, rare disease, or disability? We have the perfect remedy!

The Chronic Warrior Collective INVITES YOU to join their holiday-themed Card Swap!

This retro-style snail mail swap is the perfect way to spread holiday cheer from the comfort of your home. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Winter Solstice, Sinterklaas, or a combination of them all, you will love being a part of this festive, annual holiday event!

Register by November 30th—the Card Swap begins December 1st

Here’s how it works (Slideshow link):

1. Register for the Card Swap online before the end of the month (it’s free!) 2. Watch your email on December 1st and click the graphic that says, “Yes! I’m in! I am excited to send a card this month!” (As a registered participant, you will receive this email on the first of each month, giving you the option to participate when you feel up to it.) 3. Watch your email on the 5th when you find out who to send your card TO. (Remember: the person you send your card TO will not be the same person you receive a card

FROM. This gives each participant two unique connections each month!) 4. Create your card and mail it by the 10th! It is extremely important to send your card on time so that no warrior is left feeling left out during the holidays! 5. Click the “Done!” graphic in the status update email that is sent out on the 10th of the month to let us know your card is in the mail.

Tip: Because we understand the unpredictability of the chronic lifestyle, we know unexpected occurrences (i.e., hospital admission) can prevent you from sending your card. Therefore, we have a Card Crew of volunteers who will step in and send a card to your match, making sure no one is left out. However, to activate this assistance, you must let us know by clicking the “Yikes! I need help,” graphic in the status update email on the 10th.

Words from warriors on what it’s like to send a card “It feels amazing! I love being able to brighten another warrior’s day to let them know that they’re not alone. It’s such a great feeling to feel listened to and validated, so I try my hardest to make others feel that way!”—Alex, USA

“It feels rewarding to know that I’m cheering someone up, making their day, and giving them the support they need. Even though it’s a small act of kindness, I know I could be making a big difference in someone’s life.”—Fuchsia, USA

Words from a warrior on what it’s like to receive a card “It simply feels AMAZING! It is the best surprise every month! Usually, the mail is only bills and other crap. It is so nice to get such a heartfelt message in the mail. I love seeing all the different places the cards come from!”—Isabelle, USA

“It’s the most amazing feeling! I can’t describe how much strength they give me! I made friends everywhere in the globe and you all send me cards right when I need them!” —Madalena, Portugal

“I get so excited! I rip them open straight away and enjoy the little boost they give me. I feel less alone and glowing, and it feels comforting to be grateful.”—Melanie, UK

Keep in mind that while the Card Swap for Warriors is an extraordinary project, sometimes life gets in the way, and a few cards don’t get mailed on time. If your child or loved one has a tough time with anticipation or in not receiving a card, perhaps Postcrossing.com might be a good alternative for sending and receiving mail.

Resources

National Health Council: https://nationalhealthcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/AboutChronicDisease.pdf Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9288-chronic-illness-and-depression

Dawn Veselka, RT(T) is the co-founder of ChronicWarriors.org. As a radiation therapist, she treated cancer patients for over 12 years. After her daughter was diagnosed with chronic illness and rare disease at age four, Dawn became an advocate and champion of children with invisible illness. Chronic Warriors Org funds programs like the Warrior Card Swap that provide social-emotional support to those living with long-term illnesses worldwide. Dawn enjoys meeting new people, so please say hello!

Website: https://chronicwarriors.org/ WarriorCardSwap.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-veselka-122b0918/