 |
|
|
ANGELS IN OUR MIDST
Lupus is a devastating autoimmune disease that mimics everything from colds and flu to heart and kidney failure.
It's called the "invisible" disease because its victims don't "look" sick. That only adds to their pain because family, friends, co-workers and bosses typically don't understand the unbearable pain and fatigue they feel.
One person who "does" know their suffering, has become their voice, their friend, an Angel In Our Midst.
Wanda Argersinger; "In 2002, everything fell apart. I started out with rashes and then fluid in my lungs, interstitial lung disease, congestive heart failure. From one thing to another, to another."
Ten years into her diagnosis with Lupus, Wanda Argersinger's world came crashing down. She was forced to give up her career and tackle the maze of countless doctors while enduring 28 different prescription meds a day. It also launched her mission, to give voice to other Lupus patients to let them know one thing.
Wanda Argersinger, Lupus Support Network; "They're not alone. Lupus patients are not alone and that's real important to know. It's a passion because I know what they're dealing with and it's not easy."
Mamie Young, Lupus Patient; "This organization has helped me when my teeth had to be surgically removed, get my teeth put back in."
Michelle Flowers, Lupus Patient; "She knew I would be going to Shands and came to my house even and sat down with me to go through mountains of paperwork."
Wanda has started support groups from Tallahassee to Mobile. She has testified before congress pleading for research and new medication. Still, there was one thing that had not been answered.
Wanda; "One of the first questions is, Why me?"
While doodling one day, Wanda found the answer in an upside down question mark. It led to the now trademarked "why me" dolls complete with a backpack and encouraging words.
Michelle; "Hold me while you're asking all those why me this and that. Just let go, forget them and put them in my pack. Your voice gives them power, one by one they come. Until they build a mountain and you just come undone. Asking doesn't change the thing you struggle with today, so pick them up, set them free, I'll take them all away."
Mamie Young, Lupus Patient; "She has helped me to be able to know that I can live."
Even on her own worst days when her body is racked with pain, Wanda goes another mile. Someone else is out there in the throws of Lupus, feeling all alone.
Wanda; "When you make a difference in someone's life, it's unbelievable. It's a blessing that I wouldn't give away for anything."
Michelle; "She's a living, breathing "Why Me" doll."
It's called the "invisible" disease because its victims don't "look" sick. That only adds to their pain because family, friends, co-workers and bosses typically don't understand the unbearable pain and fatigue they feel.
One person who "does" know their suffering, has become their voice, their friend, an Angel In Our Midst.
Wanda Argersinger; "In 2002, everything fell apart. I started out with rashes and then fluid in my lungs, interstitial lung disease, congestive heart failure. From one thing to another, to another."
Ten years into her diagnosis with Lupus, Wanda Argersinger's world came crashing down. She was forced to give up her career and tackle the maze of countless doctors while enduring 28 different prescription meds a day. It also launched her mission, to give voice to other Lupus patients to let them know one thing.
Wanda Argersinger, Lupus Support Network; "They're not alone. Lupus patients are not alone and that's real important to know. It's a passion because I know what they're dealing with and it's not easy."
Mamie Young, Lupus Patient; "This organization has helped me when my teeth had to be surgically removed, get my teeth put back in."
Michelle Flowers, Lupus Patient; "She knew I would be going to Shands and came to my house even and sat down with me to go through mountains of paperwork."
Wanda has started support groups from Tallahassee to Mobile. She has testified before congress pleading for research and new medication. Still, there was one thing that had not been answered.
Wanda; "One of the first questions is, Why me?"
While doodling one day, Wanda found the answer in an upside down question mark. It led to the now trademarked "why me" dolls complete with a backpack and encouraging words.
Michelle; "Hold me while you're asking all those why me this and that. Just let go, forget them and put them in my pack. Your voice gives them power, one by one they come. Until they build a mountain and you just come undone. Asking doesn't change the thing you struggle with today, so pick them up, set them free, I'll take them all away."
Mamie Young, Lupus Patient; "She has helped me to be able to know that I can live."
Even on her own worst days when her body is racked with pain, Wanda goes another mile. Someone else is out there in the throws of Lupus, feeling all alone.
Wanda; "When you make a difference in someone's life, it's unbelievable. It's a blessing that I wouldn't give away for anything."
Michelle; "She's a living, breathing "Why Me" doll."
ANGELS IN OUR MIDST ENTRY FORM
VIDEO LIST
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
BUSINESS NEWS
Stocks slightly higher
NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks have edged higher after reports on housing, manufacturing and jobs indicated the economy continues to grow slowly.
CONSUMER INFO
Kia recalling Soul, Sorento autos for wiring fix
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Kia Motors is recalling about 35,000 Soul and Sorento vehicles to fix wiring in the interior lighting panels that could lead to fires. ...
SCIENCE/TECH NEWS
IN THE NEWS: APPLE SEEKS TO CONQUER TV -- AGAIN
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- It has already changed the way people listen to music and done much to change how people use their mobile phones.
GET THIS
BENTON BEARDS
BENTON, Mo. (AP) -- It will be a close shave -- and the men of Benton, Missouri, can't wait.
LOCAL GUIDES
Alabama
Mobile
Alabaster
Albertville
Alexander City
Andalusia
Anniston
Arab
Athens
Atmore
Auburn
Bay Minette
Bessemer
Birmingham
Boaz
Brewton
Clanton
Cullman
Daphne
Decatur
Dothan
Enterprise
Eufaula
Fairhope
Florence
Foley
Fort Payne
Gadsden
Guntersville
Haleyville
Hartselle
Huntsville
Jasper
Madison
Montevallo
Montgomery
Muscle Shoals
Northport
Opelika
Pelham
Pell City
Phenix City
Pinson
Prattville
Scottsboro
Selma
Semmes
Sylacauga
Talladega
Theodore
Trussville
Tuscaloosa
Tuscumbia
Valley
Wetumpka
