Nichols Notes: August 2009

Monday, August 31, 2009

For Your Consideration......

Dear Friends,

Many of you have asked me what you can do to help me out since the onset of my disease "scleroderma". Well, one way you can help is by donating to the Michigan Chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation in my name. To me that would be a wonderful gift of support, The Michigan chapter has a specific way to donate in someones name. Here are the specifics:

Honor someone you care about with a tribute to our chapter. Simply send in your contribution--accompanied by a letter indicating who you are honoring, who we should notify of your gift with the person's address, and any special message you wish to:

Michigan Chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation

30301 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 300

Farmington, Michigan 48334

Please contact our office with your questions at 248-865-7259, or to make your donation via credit card.

Whatever amount you can contribute would be so much appreciated....$5 up to $50....or beyond!! Your donation to help find a cure for this rare disease will mean alot to me and many others who suffer from this same condition. Thank you so much for considering this request.....and if you are unable to help out at this time, I totally understand. Your friendships hold a dear place in my heart and I know you are always supportive no matter what.

Again.....if you can contribute please send your $gift to:

Michigan Chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation

30301 Northwestern Highway

Farmington, Michigan 48334

Include a note that you are honoring Judy Nichols with your gift.

Here is my address:

Mrs. Judy Nichols

1147 S. 37 Road

Cadillac, Michigan 49601

Monday, August 24, 2009

An Exciting Opportunity

When I was diagnosed with scleroderma just over two years ago my life changed dramatically. My teaching career was cut short, my ability to play piano diminished, my freedom to do and enjoy every day activities changed, and my independence to help others and take care of myself would never be the same.

I was bitter with God at first, but soon learned that I would be "better" if I simply trusted His plan for my life and quit living in fear of the disease.

Praise God.....I have had victory over fear....and He has opened more doors for me that I never dreamed would open.

This brings me to my most recent opportunity:) I have been invited by the Executive Director of the Michigan Scleroderma Foundation to accompany her to Washington DC in October to meet with lawmakers . We will be joining advocates from across the US to make a plea to them to sign two very important bills that would raise awareness of and fund research for scleroderma. In addition I would be able to meet with leaders and share my personal story and thank those who have already signed on.

Scleroderma is an incurable disease.....and I am honored to think that I can take this small step to help make a difference. The itinerary for the three days will include luncheons, speakers, and general conversation with Congressional leaders from both the House and Senate.

I pray daily that the Lord will use me in whatever way He chooses.....and I believe this door He has opened will be life changing for others. I praise and thank Him for my disease and look forward to this experience.

The first thing that popped into my head when Laura Dyas invited me to go was "If lawmakers can offer Cash for Clunkers, they can certainly find a cure for Scleroderma!!" So......I will keep you posted as the time draws near! I know that the trip will be demanding...but I will be able to use a wheelchair when needed and when I need help....I have learned "to ask:)"

www.sclerodrerma.org/chapter/michigan

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

A little bit of This and That:)

The past three weeks have "flown" by!! We have had quite a busy month, filled with family and friends!! We celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary, took care of Kurt and Heidi's kids "twice", had a wonderful visit with my sister, parents, niece, and great nephew, I went to a Princess tea with Emily, and we had a visit from a best friend from college, Donna (Grunewald) Johns and her husband Scott.

Along with the joys came the sorrows.... our dear friend and sister in Christ, Sue Kuhn, went home to be the Lord on August 9th. Her funeral was on August 12th. Sue suffered from brain cancer......despite surgery and treatments, it was God's will that she enter her eternal home in Heaven.......Sue touched the lives of so many people, she had a servant's heart and will be missed dearly. Please keep her family and extended family in your prayers as they face the weeks/months/and years to come.

I have attached lots of pics from the past three weeks.....not in the right chronological order.....but hope you enjoy them anyway!! Love to you all!