Dear Ali,

I don't think there's another teenager with whom I am so impressed! You are an achiever and always will be. Please make sure to pace yourself, keep up with your PT, and set aside some personal time just for yourself.

We love you and miss you. Remember that we care so keep us up to date on how you are progressing. And when you and your Mum get to the House of Lords to make your presentation - knock 'em dead!

XOXOX Sandy

Hi Ali
Wow you are a buisy one arent you, i am so proud of the work you do in helping get the word out about RSD awareness.
I tell my friends I know that RSD poster child, it seems like we watched you grow up here these last few years Ali from a shy scared little girl, to a very informed young lady who is going to take on the world and make big changes.

What you are planning on doing on the 10th of October is huge. (you go gyrl.)

luv n' hugs,
Sandra

Dear Ali,

You are an inspiration to us all.

I'm so happy to hear you are settling into your new college classes and moving forward with your life.

Good luck with your up coming trip to the house of commons.

MsL

WOW guys, I don't know what to say other than thank you all SO much for the support and encouragment ... I really appreciate it - it's you guys who keep me going each day and I don't know what i'd do without all of your support!

I have a few days to myself now thank god lol! It's so hard trying to keep up with the new schedual but at least I am enjoying things so that has made it a lot easier!!

I have two assignments to do this weekend which will count towards my College Course. One's on Communication and the others on Child Care. They aren't due in until Wednesday but i'm going to make a start on them now so that I can take things easier and not rush as much hopefully. I did an assignment in College the other day that my tutor is going to mark and then we can see how we did so i'm hoping I did well with that.

We have a parent briefing at College and then we are going on a trip to a Care Home soon and an Hospice. I get a break the end week in October when i'll be going to the House Of Commons so i'm looking forward to that!

My Doctor emailed my mum yesterday and said that my Physical Therapist is probably going to go to the House of Commons with us and she is going to meet us there ... I think she's really interested in what they have to say. We still aren't sure at the moment whether we have to pay the travel expenses - my nurse said that the MPs should pay for them as they can't expect disabled children to travel down on their own but it doesn't look like they are going to.

I wrote a story about how I got on with desensitization therapy for a girl at my childrens hospital and my doctor wants to put it into the British Pain Society's newsletter. He wants to take some pictures of me and then it should be published soon ... I'll try and post a copy on here once we recieve it!

Hope4thebest - I can't tell you how thrilled I was to hear that you are starting Saturday classes - how are they going? Hope they are going well! I know it's not easy so I really admire you for giving it a go! I was shocked to hear that I inspired you to start LOL - I never even thought I might do that! Hope all is well with you!

Loretta - Sorry to hear that you have had the flu. I had the flu and Pneumonia shot last year on the advice of my Doctor and was pretty ill after it (I got the flu and couldn't get out of bed for over a week). Lots of my friends in College have had the swine flu. I'm not sure if I had it a few weeks ago but I was really ill and had an high temperature and couldn't do anything for about 5 days but thankfully, it passed. I'm not sure if I will be getting the flu shot this year ... I think we will speak to my Doctor and see if he recommends it. They aren't doing the H1N1 shot that much here at the moment (they only seem to be doing it in over 65's and young children) but I think we will mention it to my Doctor and see what he says seeing as I have RSD and mobility issues.

Thanks so much again everyone for the support ... it means a lot to my mum and I! I will definitley keep you posted and let you all know how we get on in the House of Commons!

Hope everyones OK!

Hi Ali!
It's good to hear from you and to know that your goals and plans are still in place! Doors seems to be opening up for you and these good experiences are so well deserved! You've helped so many here on the boards, and you continue to serve others with your kind heart and boundless understanding and empathy.
My Saturday classes require much work and preparation!...the class is for eight hours each Saturday for 8 weeks..We have alredy completed 3. It is arduous and rather tiring for me as I also work Monday through Friday.
As rigourous as my week is, I am glad Idecided to take the class, and remember, you were my inspiration, and you still are!!!!
I am finding, that the concept of pacing has become more important to me than ever!
Keep us posted on all your activities and the upcoming events at the House of Commons! Take care, dear Ali !!
Hope4thebest