Why a Tweet Site?

Did you know nearly 1 in 2 people live with a chronic illness? If it’s not YOU, it’s someone you care about!

There are about 6 million registered Twitter users and it is expected that this will double to 18 million users by 2010.

We are a nonprofit with a deep cause we believe in–

(1) The awareness of the fact that most illness is invisible so that those with illness and those without, both understand that how one appears rarely expresses the amount of pain he or she is in.

(2) Those with illness can find encouragement. We want to spread the word about our 5-day virtual conference Sept 14-18, 2009.

Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, etc. are all great ways that you can help us in our efforts of spreading the word. Thank you for your passion!

Lisa

If Friend is Ill Tweets – 27 Of Them!

If friend is Ill Tip 1: Don’t make a person into a project #iiwk09 http://ow.ly/kBaB

If friend is Ill Tip 2: Don’t make her feel guilty about things that she cannot do.

http://ow.ly/kBaB #iiwk09

If friend is Ill Tip 3: Remember important anniversaries, good &bad. No one else will. http://ow.ly/kBaB #iiwk09

If friend is Ill Tip 4: Respect her prayer requests. http://ow.ly/kBaB #iiwk09

If friend is Ill Tip 5: Recognize that medications can make one irrational at times http://ow.ly/kBaB #iiwk09

If friend is Ill Tip 6: Never question if your friend is exaggerating her pain level http://ow.ly/kBaB #iiwk09

If friend is Ill Tip 7: Dont visit if U think U R getting sick. Call instead http://ow.ly/kBaB #iiwk09

If friend is Ill Tip 8: Remember illness is not just a matter of attitude http://ow.ly/kBaB #iiwk09

If friend is Ill Tip 9: When she says she’s TIRED, she’s WIPED OUT http://ow.ly/kBaB #iiwk09

If friend is Ill Tip 10: Roses won’t impress her, a dandelion each month will http://ow.ly/kBaB #iiwk09

SAT

If friend is Ill Tip 11: Remember, pain makes people more grouchy than they ever wanted 2 B.

http://ow.ly/kBaB #iiwk09

If friend is Ill Tip 12: Make plans in advance but understand she may have 2 cancel.

http://ow.ly/kBaB #iiwk09

If friend is Ill Tip 13: Don’t ask 2 many questions. Friends don’t want to be science projects. http://ow.ly/kBaB #iiwk09

If friend is Ill Tip 14: Don’t talk with his caregiver as if your friend isn’t there http://ow.ly/kBaB #iiwk09

If friend is Ill Tip 15: Understand how hard it is to accept help. http://ow.ly/kBaB #iiwk09

If friend is Ill Tip 16: Don’t assume because he lives with relatives needs R taken care of. http://ow.ly/kBaB #iiwk09

If friend is Ill Tip 17: Don’t abandon friendship because there R awkward moments http://ow.ly/kBaB #iiwk09

If friend is Ill Tip 18: Time is more important 2 her than any amount of money U will spend http://ow.ly/kBaB #iiwk09

If friend is Ill Tip 19: Don’t interrupt http://ow.ly/kBaB #iiwk09

If friend is Ill Tip 20: What she could do yesterday may not be possible today http://ow.ly/kBaB #iiwk09

If friend is Ill Tip 21: Consider yourself a friend for the journey, not a physician nor savoir. http://ow.ly/kBaB #iiwk09

If friend is Ill Tip 21: Dont make a big deal out of her using an assistive device, like a cane http://ow.ly/kBaB #iiwk09

If friend is Ill Tip 22: Remember that life is not always like the drug commercials. http://ow.ly/kBaB #iiwk09

If friend is Ill Tip 23: It’s about your presence, not your presents http://ow.ly/kBaB #iiwk09

If friend is Ill Tip 24: Just show up! Phone calls are nice but visiting is better http://ow.ly/kBaB #iiwk09

If friend is Ill Tip 25: Don’t talk about her illness in front of her children http://ow.ly/kBaB #iiwk09

If friend is Ill Tip 26: Help clean her house before out-of-town guests arrive http://ow.ly/kBaB #iiwk09

If friend is Ill Tip 27: When he cries, just sit with him http://ow.ly/kBaB #iiwk09

Tweets! 20 Things to Say to an Ill Person

We’re Tweeting these for 20 days, 7/13 – 8/1

Thank you for tweeting any of them any time! Oftentimes people are told what not to say. This is a great help in giving them an idea of what to say! Feel free to add your own ideas in the comments below. We’d love to hear them!

http://ow.ly/h2tL Things TO SAY to an ill person #1 I don’t know what to say, but I care about you #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/h2tL Things TO SAY to an ill person #2 I’m going to the grocery, what can I get you? #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/h2tL Things TO SAY to an ill person #3 Do you just need to vent? I’m all ears! #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/h2tL Things TO SAY to an ill person #4 If you need a good cry, I’ve got plenty of tissues and a shoulder #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/h2tL Things TO SAY to an ill person #5 I really admire how you are handling this. I know its difficult. #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/h2tL Things TO SAY to an ill person #6 I’m bringing dinner Thursday. Do you want lasagna or chicken? #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/h2tL Things TO SAY to an ill person #7 Can I get your kids 4 a playdate? My kids R bored. #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/h2tL Things TO SAY to an ill person #8 I cant sit still. Got any laundry I can fold? #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/h2tL -Things TO SAY to an ill person #9 What can I pray 4 you about that no one else is praying 4? #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/h2tL Things TO SAY to an ill person #10 Can I bring a few friends over 2 clean your house fast? #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/h2tL Things TO SAY to an ill person #11 I don’t have any idea what U R feeling, but I will always listen #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/h2tL Things TO SAY to an ill person #12 I saw these flowers & thought they’d cheer you 2day #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/h2tL Things TO SAY to an ill person #13 How can our church encourage those with chronic illness? #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/h2tL Things TO SAY to an ill person #14 Tell me what it is really like to be you for a day #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/h2tL Things TO SAY to an ill person #15 I made too much dinner for our family. Can I bring U some? #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/h2tL Things TO SAY to an ill person #16 U R amazing. How has your illness given you appreciation 4 life? #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/h2tL Things TO SAY to an ill person #17 Do U want me 2 come over while U wait 4 test results? #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/h2tL Things TO SAY to an ill person #18 U listen 2 me better than any other friend. Thanks #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/h2tL Things TO SAY to an ill person #19 I have Monday free if you need me 2 run some errands or take you #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/h2tL Things TO SAY to an ill person #20 – Tell me about this God who gets U thru 1 more day? #iiwk09

20 Things NOT to Say To a Chronically Ill Person

People have good intentions when they say things to someone with an illness, but it comes out all wrong. #iiwk09

Join us for 20 tips in 20 days on what NOT to say to someone who is ill – Please RT! #iiwk09

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#iiwk09-Things NOT to say to an ill person #1 – You look so good today! – see more http://ow.ly/eYpo

#iiwk09-Things NOT to say to an ill person #2 – You just need to get out of the house more – see more http://ow.ly/eYpo

#iiwk09-Things NOT to say to an ill person #3 – If you stop thinking about it, the pain will go away – see more http://ow.ly/eYpo

#iiwk09-Things NOT to say to an ill person #4 – You should just pray harder – see more http://ow.ly/eYpo

#iiwk09-Things NOT to say to an ill person #5 – You must not want to get better if you won’t try this – see more http://ow.ly/eYpo

#iiwk09-Things NOT to say to an ill person #6 – When I was your age I didn’t have the luxury of being sick – see more http://ow.ly/eYpo

#iiwk09-Things NOT to say to an ill person #7 – You’re sick again?? – see more http://ow.ly/eYpo

#iiwk09-Things NOT to say to an ill person #8 – I wish I could just sit around all day – see more http://ow.ly/eYpo

#iiwk09-Things NOT to say to an ill person #9 – No pain, no gain! – see more http://ow.ly/eYpo

#iiwk09-Things NOT to say to an ill person #10 – I’d be sick too if I saw doctors as much as you do – see more http://ow.ly/eYpo

#iiwk09-Things NOT to say to an ill person #11 – I have this juice that is working wonders… – see more http://ow.ly/eYpo

#iiwk09-Things NOT to say to an ill person #12 – You must still have sin in your life – see more http://ow.ly/eYpo

#iiwk09-Things NOT to say to an ill person #13 – If you got a job you’d have something else to think about – see more http://ow.ly/eYpo

#iiwk09-Things NOT to say to an ill person #14 – Your illness is caused by stress – see more http://ow.ly/eYpo

#iiwk09-Things NOT to say to an ill person #15 – You can’t be in that much pain. Maybe you just want attention – see more http://ow.ly/eYpo

#iiwk09-Things NOT to say to an ill person #16 – What have you done to make God so mad at you? – see more http://ow.ly/eYpo

#iiwk09-Things NOT to say to an ill person #17 – There are easier ways to get attention – see more http://ow.ly/eYpo

#iiwk09-Things NOT to say to an ill person #18 – It’s not good for your kids to always hear you whining – see more http://ow.ly/eYpo

#iiwk09-Things NOT to say to an ill person #19 – When are you going to get rid of that cane? – see more http://ow.ly/eYpo

#iiwk09-Things NOT to say to an ill person #20 – I’m so glad to see you out and about feeling all better – see more http://ow.ly/eYpo

Friendship Quotations

No matter how little you have, you can always give some of it away. Catherine Marshall #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ Blessed is he who is kind to the needy. Prov 14:21 #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ A good friend is… the key to sanity in a totally insane world. L. Wyse #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ He who waits to do a great deal of good at once will never do anything. Samuel Johnson #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Prov 3:5,6 #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ [God] will not send us out on any journey for which He does not equip us well. Maclaren #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ Don’t interrupt. He who answers before listening—that is his folly and his shame Prov 18:13 #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ If you think you are too small to be effective you have never been in bed with a mosquito. B Reese #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thess 5:11 #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ Friendship improves happiness and abates misery, by the doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief. Cicero #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ If one falls down, his friend can help him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9 10 #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 #iiwk09

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a listening ear,all of which have the potential to turn a life around. Buscaglia

http://ow.ly/8ebJ Pooh! he whispered. Yes,Piglet? Nothing,said Piglet,I just wanted to be sure of you. Milne #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ A friend knows the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails. Donna Roberts #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ A true friendship is like sound health, the value of it is seldom known until lost. Chinese Proverb #iiwk09

If you say ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but do nothing about physical needs, what good is it? James 2:16 #iiwk09
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http://ow.ly/8ebJ Do everything without complaining or arguing. Philippians 2:14 #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ Never minimize the suffering of another. Weep with them that weep.’ B. Graham #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same. Elbert Hubbard #iiwk09

Friendship is the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words. Eliot

http://ow.ly/8ebJ The best kind of friend is the one you could sit on a porch with, never saying a word. Unknown #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ The essence of true friendship is to make allowance for another’s little lapses. David Storey #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ The difference between a helping hand and an outstretched palm is a twist of the wrist. Leamer #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ The poorest of the poor are those who feel that they are unloved. Mother Teresa #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ Seek refreshment! Proverbs 11:25 says, He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ Recognize how deeply lonely illness can be. A poor man’s friend deserts him. Proverbs 19:4 #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ A man’s spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? Proverbs 18:14 #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ It is not so much our friends’ help that helps us as the knowledge that they will help us. Epicurus #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ Do not go to your brother’s house when disaster strikes you—better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. Proverbs 27:10 #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Be kind, gentle, and respectful. Prov 29:11 #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out. Friendship is one mind in two bodies. Mencius #iiwk09
http://ow.ly/8ebJ Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. Corinthians 4:16 #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ Go the extra mile. It’s never crowded. Author Unknown #iiwk09

The friend who holds your hand and says the wrong thing is made of dearer stuff than the one who stays away. Kingsolver #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved. B Johnson #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ A friend accepts us as we are yet helps us to be what we should. Author Unknown #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ Advice is like snow; the softer it falls, the deeper it goes. Coleridge #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ To God there are no small offerings if they are made in the name of His Son. AW Tozer #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ Here is a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished-If you’re alive it isn’t. Richard Bach #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ Kindness is in our power, even when fondness is not. Samuel Johnson #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ Let your conversation be always full of grace. Colossians 4:6 #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito. B Reese #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. Prov 12:25 #iiwk09

Remember that everyone you meet is afraid of something, loves something, and has lost something. Brown Jr. #iiwk09

http://ow.ly/8ebJ Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends John 15:12-13

@TomWilsonZiGGY Don’t measure yourself by the problems you’ve faced, but by the problems you’ve faced up to

When life knocks you down to your knees, just remember that you are in the perfect position to pray. –unknown http://ow.ly/8ebJ

Always seek the best from others; if they treat you badly, realize that this is probably the best they can offer at that time.” unknown

Invisible Illness Week Facts to Tweet About

Would you like to share some surprising facts about Invisible Illness Week?

We’ve found some we think you will like!

May 16-June 19th we are doing 25 illness fact tweets in 25 (business) days. [Get them below] This is a great way to share some misconceptions about illness, pain, depression and more.

You can follow us on Twitter and then add “RT” at the beginning (that means you are retweeting it) and @invisibleillwk. That way people know the source where you found it and they can sign up for it themselves.

At the end of the 25 days we will choose a winner from those who participated all 25 days (Hint: if you can’t keep up you may want to consider a service like Hootesuite.com where you can post Twitter in advance.)

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RT @invisibleillwk #iiwk09 Fact #1 Nearly 1 in 2 Americans (133 million) has a chronic condition. Not U? It’s someone U luv! http://ow.ly/6Otw

RT @invisibleillwk #iiwk09 Fact #2 About 96% of illnesses are invisible. No visible signs and no assistive device used. http://ow.ly/6Otw

RT @invisibleillwk #iiwk09 Fact #3 The significance of one’s faith has shown to help one handle a stressful medical event better http://ow.ly/6Otw

RT @invisibleillwk #iiwk09 Fact #4 Sadly, the divorce rate among the chronically ill is over 75 percent http://ow.ly/6Otw

RT @invisibleillwk #iiwk09 Fact #5 Plp with illness are young! 60% are between the ages of 18 and 64 http://ow.ly/6Otw

RT @invisibleillwk #iiwk09 Fact #6 By 2020, about 157 million Americans will be afflicted by chronic illnesses. http://ow.ly/6Otw

RT @invisibleillwk #iiwk09 Fact #7 90% of seniors have at least one chronic disease and 77% have two or more chronic diseases. http://ow.ly/6Otw

RT @invisibleillwk #iiwk09 Fact #8 Depression is 15-20% higher for the chronically ill than for the average person. http://ow.ly/6Otw

RT @invisibleillwk #iiwk09 Fact #9 Sadly, physical illness or uncontrollable physical pain are major factors in up to 70% of suicides. http://ow.ly/6Otw

RT @invisibleillwk #iiwk09 Fact #10 About one in four adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. http://ow.ly/6Otw

RT @invisibleillwk #iiwk09 Fact #11 Invisible illness includes #autism, #bulimia, #migraine pain, #arthritis, #bi-polar disorder #depression. http://ow.ly/6Otw

RT @invisibleillwk #iiwk09 Fact #12 More plp need pain treatment than those w/ cancer, heart disease, stroke & diabetes combined. http://ow.ly/6Otw

RT @invisibleillwk #iiwk09 Fact #13 Less than 2 hours is spent on pain management in most medical school curriculum http://ow.ly/6Otw

RT @invisibleillwk #iiwk09 Fact #14 Most people prefer illness mgmt advice from health professionals before their spouse http://ow.ly/72fO

RT @invisibleillwk #iiwk09 Fact #15 19 million of plp who are severely disabled do not use a wheelchair, cane, crutches or walker http://ow.ly/6Otw

RT @invisibleillwk #iiwk09 Fact #16 4 in 5 health care dollars 78% are spent on people with chronic conditions in USA http://ow.ly/72g4

RT @invisibleillwk #iiwk09 Fact #17 Patients with a deep faith recover faster from depression,even when illness doesn’t improve. http://ow.ly/6Otw

RT @invisibleillwk #iiwk09 Fact #18 Faith reduces stress, loneliness, pain, & anxiety according to American Cancer Society http://ow.ly/6Otw

RT @invisibleillwk #iiwk09 Fact #19 Over half of the chronically ill say the worst thing someone can say is “you look great.” http://ow.ly/6Otw

RT @invisibleillwk #iiwk09 Fact #20 34% of respondents said the person closest to them with a chronic illness is a parent. http://ow.ly/6Otw

RT @invisibleillwk #iiwk09 Fact #21 Most medical residents leave med school believing that 80% patients R addicts seeking drugs. http://ow.ly/72gP

RT @invisibleillwk #iiwk09 Fact #22 Over 75 percent of patients with depression complain of physical pains. http://ow.ly/6Otw

RT @invisibleillwk #iiwk09 Fact #23 The # of plp in the US 65 > will double in the 25 yrs to 20% of Americans = more illness. http://ow.ly/6Otw

RT @invisibleillwk #iiwk09 Fact #24 Depression can predispose patients to chronic pain due to chemical imbalance it creates. http://ow.ly/6Otw

RT @invisibleillwk #iiwk09 Fact #25 Faith gives plp w/ health challenges peace of mind & will to live http://ow.ly/6Otw

Reminders to Commit to Blogging About II

Bloggers are amazing at spreading the word about causes they care about. This year we have teamed up with Bloggers Unite to help us know just who is blogging about Invisible Illness Week (and give away some fabulous prizes to some lucky people who have signed up to blog.)

If you are blogging about Invisible Illness Week, we’d love it if you signed up with Bloggers Unite so we can reach you and tell the world about you!

We ae Tweeting each Thursday morning about how blogging about Invisible Illness Week can make a difference.  These go all the way through to Invisible Illness Week every Thursday but you can tweet any of them any time.

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RT @invisibleillwk http://ow.ly/6Or9 Have you signed up to blog about
Invisible Illness Week yet? Now is the time to get organized for #iiwk09

RT @invisibleillwk http://ow.ly/6Or9 Last year we reached gobs of plp from bloggers like you. Blog re: Invisible Illness today #iiwk09

RT @invisibleillwk http://ow.ly/6Or9 Want to blog about Invisible Illness Week but don’t know where to start? Topic ideas here

RT @invisibleillwk http://ow.ly/6Osj Reading 1 blog from one who gets living with invisible illness makes all the difference to 1 person #iiwk09

RT @invisibleillwk http://ow.ly/6Or9 Blog today for #iiwk09. Together we can impact thousands of who feel alone

RT @invisibleillwk Nearly 1 in 2 people have an illness, most of it invisible. Will you blog for us for #iiwk09? Say yes! http://ow.ly/6Or9

RT @invisibleillwk Thank you to all our bloggers for Invisible Illness Week. We NEED and APPRECIATE your voice! http://ow.ly/6Or9

RT @invisibleillwk Get the “I’m blogging for Invisible Illness Week” badge today and pledge to make your voice heard! http://ow.ly/6Or9

RT @invisibleillwk Have you had a handicapped parking spot confrontation? Blog it for #iiwk09 http://ow.ly/6Or9

RT @invisibleillwk But You Look So Good! Tired of feeling ill & lookin good? Blog your response 4 Invisible Illness Week http://ow.ly/6Or9

RT @invisibleillwk “A Little Help Gives a Lot of Hope” ‘09 Invisible Illness Wk Theme. Tell the world w/ your blog. http://ow.ly/6Or9

RT @invisibleillwk Blog about invisible illness and you can put Invisible Illness week in the spotlight! #iiwk09 http://ow.ly/6Or9

RT @invisibleillwk Your illness story can encourage someone. A Little Help Gives a Lot of Hope! Sign up 2 blog for #iiwk09 http://ow.ly/6Or9

RT @invisibleillwk Your blog really can change a life. Share about your invisible illness for #iiwk09 http://ow.ly/6Or9

RT @invisibleillwk Don’t miss the chance to join hundreds of bloggers sharing re invisible illness. Sign up! #iiwk09 http://ow.ly/6Or9

RT @invisibleillwk Are you lookin’ good but feeling awful? Sign up to blog about Invisible Illness Week http://ow.ly/6Or9

RT @invisibleillwk Blog about what you never tell the world about your illness. Plp who read will feel understood. http://ow.ly/6Or9

RT @invisibleillwk “A Little Help Gives a Lot of Hope” ‘09 Invisible Illness Wk Theme. Tell the world w/ your blog. http://ow.ly/6Or9

RT @invisibleillwk R U BLOGGING for Invisible Illness Week? This is the week! Go for it! #iiwk09 http://ow.ly/6Or9