HealKick: Support for Young People

Hey my lovelies

Italy was just fabulous. I will write about the trip over the next few days but for today I have a guest post for you: Rachael writes about an on-line group for young people with neuro-immune illnesses. (I am not offended that I am too old!)

Thought some of you may find it interesting - thank you Rachael for sharing with Sofa and the City readers.

See you soon for tales from Italy....xx


Hello Everyone!

Rachael here from healKick. Have you heard? There is a new tool in the fight against neuro-immune illnesses like Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Lyme disease, Lupus, Sarcoidosis, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, and Mold Related Illness.

We are the first social network for young adults under 40 with neuro-immune illnesses. HealKick has many great features such as:

• The ability to IM other patients on the site
• Microblogging
• A members map to find local patients in your area
• The ability to pick the site's language and connect with other patients around the world
• Disease-specific and general discussion forums for any thoughts or questions you have
• A points system that allows you to earn prizes for being active on site

As a young person with a debilitating chronic illness I know first hand how isolating the experience can be. Suddenly socializing like my peers is seemingly impossible. With CFS/ME, the energy that could be used to hang out with people is suddenly used up by simply getting out of bed in the morning. Fibromyalgia causes sports and other stereotypical ‘young people’ activities to be so painful that they are out of the question. Lyme disease and viral infections mean that partying, alcohol or even restaurants are also out of the picture. It can be depressing and discouraging as a teen to wake up and realize that because of my illness, I have no one to talk to who truly understands.

But healKick has made a real difference to me and stopped me from feeling so isolated. It is a place where young people can come together with other people who can relate not just based on their illness, but based on their mutual phase of life. It is the chance to make friends with people around the country and around the world who can truly understand and relate to your day-to-day struggles. It is a place to ask tough questions, or share funny stories. It is a chance to fit in to a group and be accepted again.

If you’re a young adult under 40 with a neuro-immune illness, please come and check out healKick! We can’t wait to get to know you.

Please share this information with anyone and everyone that you know who may benefit from this group.

Hope to see you soon. You can also find us on Twitter.

Racheal