It's Been Way Too Long!

Hey Guys,
Sorry that we haven't updated this in ages. I've been overwhelmed with University work, and keeping up with my health, so I've had to put a lot of things on the back burner for awhile. But I'm back! And hopefully there won't be such a long gap before the next entry >_<

In regards to CRPS Retreat, it is still on! Sorry if anyone has doubted that it's going to happen due to the lack of activity these past few weeks, but everything is still going strong! While I was in Auckland meeting some new doctors, they were amazed to hear about what we're doing here and want to help. They have suggested that if Kaylee and I (and anyone else who would be keen!) wrote down some notes while away about what we did, how it went, what activities worked well etc, then they can back us up next time. This would be awesome - having some medical professionals who are supporting us will definately give us advantages with fundraising, and such forth. If any of you talk with your doctors or friends about this, who would like to help us out, just leave us a comment. There's small things to organise, like looking at which hotels have cheap conference rooms around Yorba Linda, in California (the current location of our event) that would be awesome!

I must go and finish my assignment before having a rest. It's been a really bad pain day, so if you could pray or send some nice thoughts my way that would be much appreciated. I'm thinking of you all and I truly cannot wait to be able to spend some time in person with you!
Love, prayers, and hugs. xx Ailsa xx

A Bit of Explanation

Hey one and all,

I hope life is treating you well and that CRPS is being kind to you today. I pray that it is.

This post I simply want to try and explain how much this event means to both Kaylee and I, and how much we appreciate all the support you are giving us. When we began throwing ideas around, thinking that an international CRPS meet up would be awesome, we never thought that we would get the response we have had. Our cause has over 100 fans on facebook. There are 15 confirmed guests for the event, and many more who may be attending. This is amazing. Words can't explain how blown away we are. So, that's our first thanks!

Being both teenagers, Kaylee and I have had more than our share of doctors not treating us like responsible adults, preferring to talk over our heads at our parents. This has frustrated me from the very beginning and I have gone to great measures in an attempt for them to talk to me like the mature person I am. The fact that people are taking us seriously with CRPS Retreat means so much. Nobody is letting our age hinder them in believing in this event. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

University has begun for me now, and physically it is exhausting. More than I can handle. But as I struggle to get to my next class, which, of course, is on the other side of campus, I just think "CRPS Retreat. Just remember that." And do you know what? It works. I get to my class, worse for wear, but smiling.

So, people say actions speak louder than words, and while Kaylee and I struggle to find the words to properly explain how excited we are about this event, I have tried, and I hope that at least a fraction of our excitement comes through in this blog :)

Love you all so much. xx love Kaylee and Ailsa xx

Excitement

It's getting late this evening, so I'm going to make this quick! I just wanted to take this time to say how excited I am about this event. Not just a little bit excited. I mean, very, very excited. So much so that I break out in a smile every time I think about it. And I'm not usually a very smily person. Pain and stress make sure of that, but this event is changing that. It's truly giving me something to live for, to work towards.

The highlight of my day was when I went onto facebook today and say that there are nine confirmed guests for CRPS Retreat. NINE!!! It's been two days, and the response has been mind-blowingly awesome! (By the way, the event page on Facebook can be found at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=334668421250&ref=mf) Kaylee and I were talking last night, and I don't think either of us expected for the support to be this great. We are so grateful to everyone who has offered to help, and make this an enjoyable, and stress free time for everybody attending. And trust me, it is going to be amazing! We're at an early stage of planning, but it's panning out to be a great event.

I think the most exciting part of this all is that for every one person attending, that's one more person who won't feel as if they're alone in this world any longer. Seeing that there are so few of us, and that we're spread out all over the globe (proven by the fact Kaylee and I are organising this from both America and New Zealand!), this is going to give us all the opportunity to meet with people who truly understand what a life with CRPS is like. This event all began when Kaylee and I decided that there needed to be more support for CRPS patients internationally, and also the fact that neither of us had ever met someone in person with this condition. And here we are - now organising this!

Before I go, I just want to say how happy I am to working beside you, Kaylee. You amaze me every day with your strength and I don't know where I would be now, if I hadn't met you. Love you so much, and we are going to make this the best event EVER!

xx love to you all and thank you for supporting us! xx