I’ve long wanted to try my hand at vlogging (video blogging). Not because I think I’m a natural spokesperson (I’m not, I’m an introvert), but because I like to challenge myself with something new and because it’s a natural step towards some work I’d eventually love to do. So here I am, introducing my first Blackbird at Night chat.

In recent weeks, I was invited by Lorna (her blog is Life with RA is a Pain), to be a volunteer blog leader for the International Foundation for Autoimmune Arthritis (IFAA). IFAA is a non-profit organization based in the United States. IFAA supports people living with, advocating for, and researching a spectrum of autoimmune diseases in which inflammatory joint involvement is a part. Sjogren’s syndrome is one such disease.

The value of organizations like IFAA is immeasurable as by recognizing the considerable overlap between autoimmune diseases, it is possible to unite patient support, advocacy efforts, and research work. By pooling research money in this way, rather than in a disparate disease-based way, it’s more likely there will be greater advances that will benefit more people. You can read more about IFAA’s work here.

As part of this collaboration, IFAA have cross-posted one of my posts, Chronic Illness and Acceptance, on their blog, Systemically Connected. I hope in future to be able to write specifically for them, and at some point soon, I’ll take part in an IFAA Facebook page chats. It would be wonderful if you could visit IFAA and read about what they do, and support them if you would like to do so.

Without further ado, here’s the chat. In this post, I talk a little about my new involvement with IFAA, Systemically Connected, and a little about recent challenges in my life. I hope you find it helpful.

Blessings,
Jane

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