Congratulations selmaS on Your One Year Community Leader Anniversary!

[MH Community Mgr]

Dear selmaS,

Congratulations on your One Year Anniversary as CL of the Chiari Malformation Community!   An anniversary is truly a time of celebration, and today we'd like to take a moment to thank you and your entire Community for helping so many people give, get, share advice and lend support to one another.  Because of your Community's ongoing dedication, commitment, hard work and support, we look forward to seeing continued success on the Chiari Malformation Community.  Congratulations!

Cheryl
MH Community Mgr

[selmaS]

How can u be late when u r recovering from surgery...geeze Louise.....lol...

Yeah, I do cry easy and u all have done that, so I have avoided opening this for a few days as I was a bit down....but I do appreciate all the kind words here u have no idea.

I too have gained from our friendship and the many friendships I have forged here....

Lizzy...u have such a spark and u add so much to this place...thanks : )


"selma"

[n40066]

a day late and a dollar short ,  but better late than never, to give honor where tribute is due!  when i first received my dx., my dr. that told me did not only not know what it was, but didn't even attempt to pronounce it.  he gave me a link to a website and told me not to worry about it.  i joined every support group i could find and you, dear lady, were the ONLY one to respond to me!  i went to all the "big and popular" sites and while i did find some good information, i did not find the one thing i craved most of all. human companionship and understanding.  you, my dear friend, provided me with just that...and so much more!  the countless hours we have spent on the phone, sending pms late into the night.  while there have since been several other wonderful friendships fostered here, you were my first.  and you know what they say, don't you?  you never forget your first!  ( figure you're getting teary eyed by now, so just had to inject a little humor!)  so, in summation, i would like to thank you for your unwaivering support, friendship, kindnessand knowledge, but most of all for the spirit of who you are.  
elizabeth  

[selmaS]

Rebecca....thank u also for the kind words...I can not say how much love everyone here has shown me in my time here on MedHelp...this truly is my family : )


"selma"

[youngwife]

Congratulations and Job Very Well Done!!  :0)

You've helped so many here, and have blessed lives.  


Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Blessings,

Rebecca

[selmaS]

I have to say, U ALL made me cry...each and everyone with the kind words.....laratterman...wow, thanks and I can only repeat, this forum is what is is bcuz of members like  urself that stick around and offer help to each other.

I also agree with ur words how too many of us have lost a part of how we would have lived our lives, but, with the support of each other we can find a different road to take : )

Godspeed
"selma"

[laratterman]

Selma,

I, too, very much appreciate the loving support you share with all of us and I echo the heartfelt words already spoken!  There is so much to deal with with Chiari.  Children who don't get to experience the joys of childhood, young adults to are supposed to be looking forward to all life has to offer, and what I know most about... those of us who found out about this in our adult life, we should be looking forward to being a child again, with our grandkids.  It seems all of our lives and/or livelihoods, have been stifled or changed... to whatever degree.  That being said, it is truly a blessing to go from having no one to turn to who can understand, to such a loving, wonderful group such as this.

Thank you (and I would imagine you would be "L'il Sis" to me!) for your knowledge, your support, and last, but certainly not least, your loving heart that so freely shares with and gives to us all, brings us together, and keeps us in check.  You're awesome!

Blessings!

[selmaS]

Thanks Alex and Barb....the more of us that stick around and pay it forward in sharing our experiences it helps others feel not as alone as we did....so I pray, more will stick around after they had surgery to keep the circle of info going......too many times, once members have surgery or feel better they r gone....which is so sad, bcuz they have the most to share.

[mikeysmom1995]

Congratulations to you Selma,

You have truely been a safe place in this storm. Your calming words and your knowledge have really helped me to understand and be able to deal with this condition for our son that has Chiari. Bless you Selma your are wonderful, and thank you.

Barb

[Alex265]

Congratulations Selma,
I also am so happy that I found this site, it helps so much as there's no one around me who can relate, I get so many different opinions around me by caring family members who however have no idea what i'm going through. It's great having you and the rest of the community to talk to and vent as people around me are sick of hearing my complaints.
Alex

[selmaS]

Thanks Ray....I appreciate the sentiment : )

[rod44]

Congratulations mum, I echo what shane & shannon said....

Keep up the good work

Ray

[selmaS]

Thank you Shannon......it means alot to know that I am doing some good : )

[shanmomof3]

Congratulations mom! You do such a good job as our leader! Always willing to help and lend an ear, and if you dont know the answer you will try to find out. I know for me you have been a Godsend! Thanks so much!

[selmaS]

Shane...thank you so much for those kind words...u always say the nicest things : )

Mom or Big Sis...will be accepted...depending on who it is ....lol......

Thanks again Shane....U were my rock when I needed one......so, u r my brother.

"selma"

[Shane99]

Yay Selma! You do a great job.

When people go to the Doctor and are suddenly told that they have an incurable brain malformation and may need brain surgery, they usually go into some shock. Then the doctors start using big words like Chiari Malformation, Syringomyelia, then start talking about tonsils in the back of your brain . . .  well, it's a lot to take in.

I didn't find this site until a couple of months after my surgery. This site was the best place I found for information, but it was a little clinical and "cold". I've noticed a tremendous difference in the camaraderie and "feel" of this forum ever since you took over as CL.

We Chiarians are like a big family, and you get to be "Mom" . . . or should we just call you "Big Sis"?