Welcome! I'm so glad you're here.
I'm just a happy hippie trying to do some good in the world, living with a bunch of chronic illnesses that only think they can stop me. I'm doing what I can to educate, support, and advocate for the chronic illness community - that includes those with rare, disabling, and invisible illnesses, too.
Float with me!
Take a look around - you'll find a bit of my history, experience, and insight, and some of what I've gathered from other advocates and organizations that I think you might find helpful:
- ABOUT ME - Here's a quick intro to who I am, what led me here, and where I'm hoping to go from here. I hope you'll join me!
- WHY BUTTAHFLY? - We all know that butterflies symbolize transformation. Here's where I explain a bit of my own transformation, as well as why I spell it this way.
- KALEIDOSCOPE (Rare Disease Stories) - Our stories matter. They help us all to know that we are not alone in this life, in this struggle. We connect through our stories, turning strangers into family. And when our stories matter, it's a reminder that we, too, matter. That's why we're creating this book, and we hope you'll be a part of it.
- WHAT'S WRONG? - The simple answer: a lot! Here, I explain a bit more about my history with chronic illness, and the myriad conditions that are affecting me.
- ARTHRITIS - Arthritis Resources, Tools, & Hope: Real Impact Through Information & Support
Here, you'll find information - and where to find more information - about over 100 different types of arthritis that affect over 60 million Americans, including hundreds of thousands of children. You'll also find more ways to connect with others through groups, podcasts, chats, and more.
- SARCOIDOSIS - Sarcoidosis ❄ Advocacy ❄ Resource ❄ Connection (SARC)
Here, I'm bringing together information and activities from advocates and organizations around the world that may be of interest to the sarcoidosis community.
- BEFORE THE BLOG - Float Like a Buttahfly began as a simple personal blog back in 2010. It's grown a lot since then, but here I share what led me to start it in the first place.
- BLOG - Here you'll find everything I've written for the blog, from that first post through June 2021. Since then, most of my writing has gone directly to my column at Sarcoidosis News (see below). When I write about anything else that's not for the column, I'll do that here. Select posts by date from the menu on the lower left side of this page.
- COLUMN - In 2021, I was invited to bring my thoughts and experience to a new column at Sarcoidosis News, the web's leading resource for news, information, and daily updates for sarcoidosis patients and caregivers. Here, I'll share links to the column itself and each individual piece I've published.
- TALK SHOW - In 2022, I was invited to bring my voice (quite literally!) to the AiArthritis Voices 360° Talk Show. This show brings together patients and other stakeholders to discuss issues impacting the autoimmune and autoinflammatory arthritis community. Here, you'll find links to each episode I co-host and the overall show.
- BOOKS - In 2022, I wrote one of over 100 stories featured in Keeping It Real with Arthritis: Stories from Around the World. In 2023, I'm working with AiArthritis to create an e-book to help with doctor-patient communication, and creating a unique collection called Kaleidoscope Rare Disease Stories. Here, you'll find information about these books, along with a list of recommended reading written by, about, and for people with chronic illnesses.
- OPP - You down wit' it? 😉 In this case, it's Other People's Perspectives. Here you'll find the occasional guest post that I wanted to share.
- AWARENESS - In honor of Sarcoidosis Awareness Month (April), Arthritis Awareness Month (May), and Dazzle4Rare (August), you'll find special pages here, sharing a vast array of activities, events, and awareness campaigns. In time, I'll be adding pages for other awareness days/weeks/months, too.
- GET INVOLVED - Here, you'll find some great opportunities to share your story to make a difference, and even get paid for (some of) the opportunities!
If there's something you'd like me to add or something you'd like to know more about, you can always reach me at FloatLikeAButtahfly@gmail.com, or find me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, or X (formerly Twitter).
