People from all over the world, with all kinds of conditions, come together to discuss and learn about how to manage the emotional stressors of living with something they, or someone they love, can’t fix. It is a community where people find unity not in limitations due to a shared illness, but in emotional struggles that cut across all conditions. A place of light, rather than darkness. Turning Beyond My Battle into a nonprofit became our vision shortly thereafter. The organization’s mission was clear from the start: to provide emotional support, resources, education and inspiration for people living with chronic diseases and disabilities, as well as their loved ones. After the feedback we were getting from our group, we knew there was a need for further learning and empowerment. One of the main motivators behind Beyond My Battle is to break down the self-imposed boundary that our conditions define us–because we had both defined ourselves, or lived in the fear of our respective conditions for so long. Today Beyond My Battle helps others learn how to live life to the fullest, rather than in sadness or anger. We leverage topics that
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stretch beyond a single condition. Topics that explore deeper mental and emotional themes, such as the loss of independence, how to ask for help, communication with loved ones, and overall wellbeing. As Beyond My Battle continues to grow, it will expand on its offerings for people anywhere with any kind of disease or disability–providing accessible, easy to use information and tools on managing stress and maximizing self-love. These offerings will also be extended to and curated for family members, friends, and caretakers. We know that an individual’s network of loved ones is also experiencing chronic stress due to worry, and they can be vulnerable to the emotions and behaviors of the individual with the disease or disability. So we gear a portion of our support and educational resources toward deepening the understanding of their loved one’s stressors. You can get involved with Beyond My Battle in a number of ways. Visit our website at www.beyondmybattle.org and subscribe to our email list (we will be hosting events in the Saratoga area, and you’ll be the first to know!). You can also help us expand our
programming and reach by donating to Beyond My Battle online. We can’t develop and deliver educational material, offer extensive support, and create awareness without donations from people just like you. Every dollar counts and goes directly toward making sure people with chronic diseases, disabilities, and their loved ones have access to the support and resources they deserve. You can also email us at info@beyondmybattle.org! Together, we know that we are so much more than our bodies, our minds, and therefore, whatever conditions we battle in them–it’s our goal to help everyone feel the same. f
B M B
spring 2018 // SARATOGA FAMILY 21