Tag Archives: panel discussion

Meet Sonja. Age 7. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

arthritis_sonjaYes, kids get arthritis too! Sonja had a rare blood disorder and was to receive surgery at age four. About four to five months prior, her family and doctors noticed that she did not move too well and her joints were stiff. They thought that it may have been from the blood disorder. But a month after surgery when the stiffness didn’t go away, she was diagnosed. It has affected all her joints. She has even struggled with rheumatic fever during all this.

“At school when we have fire drills it is hard to walk fast,” says Sonja. “I have a special stroller to help me walk. I take lots of medicine daily at school. I go to see a doctor every three months to help me and to see if my arthritis gets worse. I also have to go to an eye doctor. I don’t like having arthritis because it always hurts all my joints and affects how I am able to do stuff.” 

Read Sonja’s full story and other stories of children as young as 16 months afflicted by juvenile arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation aims to put a face to the disease and get everyone connected to build a strong, active community–virtual and personal.

On May 16, participate in a dialog with our friends from the Arthritis Foundation about putting a face (and voice) to your mission. Register early and bring your friends at no charge.

Thursday, May 16
5:30–8:00pm
i.c.stars
415 N Dearborn, 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60654

REGISTER TODAY

Meet Brandies Dunagan. Social Media Wiz. Leader. Storyteller.

dunagan_brandiesIn 2006, Brandies lost her job. With only three weeks of unemployment left and unable to find work, it was a stressful time for her. She had nowhere to turn and even considered going back to a telemarketing job she loathed. She was on her own and unable to rely on her family for support.

Then one day, Brandies happened to see a TV news story about i.c.stars. Even though she wasn’t a techy person, she was drawn to the leadership development component and knew she was smart enough to learn about technology. Within weeks she completed the i.c.stars interviewing process and began the program.

“My training through i.c.stars has changed my life in ways I never dreamed of,” declared Brandies. “With the leadership skills I acquired, I now can think past the day-to-day chore of working to make ends meet, and instead create opportunities for others and make the community a little better each day.”

Read the full story of how Brandies uses her i.c.starts training to create real impact in the lives of youth looking for the same opportunities.

Barkada Circle is very fortunate to have Brandies on our upcoming social media storytelling panel, Who is the Face (and Voice) of Your Mission? on May 16. She will be moderating the discussion that includes our friends from the Arthritis Foundation and Big Shoulders Fund.

Sign up today and join the conversation.