One more thing, Erin - you may not realize it, but in coming here and sharing your experiences over the years as you have, and giving others encouragement like you always do, you have provided hope to so many of us (especially when we first start out on this journey).

We've seen your struggles, and those of others on this forum. Through each of you, we've learned what works for some people, we've seen you get knocked down by this crummy disease, and yet each of you manages somehow to get back up (even if it's only figuratively), dust yourself off, and keep muddling through.

That gives the rest of us an incentive to not give up.

You may not realize it, but that is an incredible gift to give to other people when they think that all hope is lost.

We see that, and we think to ourselves, "Well, if they can do it, so can I."

You have been able to point people in the right direction to get the help that they need, and by doing so, you have given them the strength to keep fighting.

And a couple of years down the road, when somebody new comes along who has just gotten a new diagnosis, then not only are the "old-timers" able to help them out, but the "in-betweeners" who were helped out a couple of years earlier are ALSO able to help out. And they wouldn't be able to do that were it not for you being there for them.

You may never know just how many people you have helped, either through words of advice, or praying for them when they are going through a trying time, or just by still being here (it's a HUGE relief to know that people live with this disease for years and aren't dropping like flies!).

You may not think that you are "doing" much because of your physical limitations.

But the fact is, you do so much simply by giving the rest of us support whenever we need it.

And I'd be willing to bet that the people who actually see you every day feel the same way - your contribution may not be anything tangible, but oftentimes it is the intangibles that stick with people the longest.