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

Author Appreciation Week Part II

Ok, this will be a really quick follow up to the last post! Firstly, can I please say, comment back with your favourite authors! That would be great to see. One of the things I love best about books, is that they allow people with conditions such as ours experience things that we otherwise would be unable to do. I know that things such as flying, or Fading through graveyards aren't activities that every day people are able to do. But simple things, like traveling, or participating in community events, are also tasks that, certainly for me, are difficult. Reading allows me to do those things, though. It liberates me! Anyway, moving on to my next top 4 authors: *clears throat*

5. Will Peterson - Wrote a series called 'Triskellion'. Perhaps are aimed at teenage boys, but are nonetheless gripping! They're quick reads, so if you have the chance, check them out! We're still awaiting the third in the trilogy.

6. Maureen Johnson - What can I say? She makes me laugh. And in the same sentence, she can make me cry. I certainly do a lot of both while reading her books. No matter what mood I'm in, one of her books will help me through the day. I'm not exaggerating when I say that the acknowledgments in 'Suite Scarlet' made me laugh more than I have when reading entire books! Not to mention her Tweets!

7. John Green - It seems only fitting that John's name would sit beside Maureen's. Two Nerdfighter authors. Two extremely talented people. Two collections of books that keep me alive!

8. Saradha Koirala - One of the English teachers at my high school. She writes some of the most heartfelt poetry I've ever read, and on top of that, she's such a humble and gentle woman. So lovely!

See you tomorrow with my last installment of authors. I hope everyone is ok with me rambling about books for the last few entries :) Love to you all, and I hope that pain is treating you kindly today.

xx love Ailsa xx

Support

A minute ago I was facebooking Kaylee, and suddenly I realised, "We have 119 people supporting our cause." On facebook alone. Wow. When we began this project, I was hoping that we'd get a few people showing interest. But this, this is remarkable. Absolutely unbelievable. Thank you. Thank you so so much.I mean it, when I say, Kaylee and I are so grateful for each and everyone of you reading this blog, telling others about this event, and for genuinely being passionate alongside us.

That's all I was really here to say, because after University, I'm really worn down. I will say this before I go though: later this week, I'm going to talk with Kaylee, and we're going to begin doing some serious planning. Will update you all when we have gotten more things put in place. I hope you're all doing well.

xx love Ailsa xx

Why we're here

Hey everyone!

Kaylee and Ailsa here. This is the official blog for CRPS Retreat 2011. The decision to try and organise a sort of camp for CRPS/RSD patients arose, after we were talking one night about the lack of support for people with this condition. We came to the conclusion that until someone took action themselves, this wasn't going to change, so we've taken the initiative.

CRPS Retreat is about being able to meet up with a group of people who truly understand what you're going through, and to provide us, the patients, with the chance to have a break from the "real" world. It will be about finding hope within yourself, and finding support within others. And it's going to be awesome.