# Ben's Friends Monthly Newsletter - July 2014 Issue **URL:** \ **Category:** Blog\ **Created:** [July 31, 2014, 4:16pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/t/bens-friends-monthly-newsletter-july-2014-issue/1228 "2014-07-31T16:16:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Scott\_O](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/scott_o/32/4_2.png) [@Scott\_O](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/u/Scott_O)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2014, 4:16pm UTC](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/t/bens-friends-monthly-newsletter-july-2014-issue/1228/1 "2014-07-31T16:16:24Z")
**Just the Stats:** Communities: **36** Friends: **41,000+** **Welcome New Members and Greetings from Ben's Friends!** _"You're a firework," as the song goes. We hope that you allow your colors to shine this month and always._ _We are excited to welcome you whether you are a patient, survivor, family member, or a friend._ _Our goal is to connect you with others so you don't feel alone, and/or if you don't want to overwhelm your family._ _Help yourself. Explore your community. Write about your experience. Ask the community. Reach out to the community anytime you need support. This is your time to share your thoughts, feelings, and opinions._ _Again, our warmest welcome to you._ **Highlights** - Featured Spotlight: Co-Founding Member Scott Orn - Featured Content: What's New - Featured Member: Robert Martin of CIDP Survivor - Featured Caregiver: Matt Murphy of Amyloidosis Survivors - Picture of the Month **Ben's Friends Community Pool** - Joke of the Month - Monthly Motivational Quote - Motivational Video - Did You Know? - Coming Soon - Did You Hear? - Your Feedback **Monthly Self-Talk Review** According to Professional Seth Godin, try adding the word "nearly", if you say something is impossible. For example: _"Eating independently is nearly impossible"._ This one word shifts your mindset in achieving things. **Featured Spotlight: Co-Founding Member Scott Orn** [![](https://ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/2M5Q-KPwIQxqiZbUWn76S4pX3Vix_f_v1nVVbLRc5Z3DYHlCZK174TgxUE5FlaSHiiXybogeTBu4_6vEwDsN4FPJQ_45uqCIEx__BGDDuYn4AGfCYHg8yqXrNyWww7IjNBxRtSFftW2aQ4NNBqe_1g=s0-d-e1-ft#%3Ca%20href=?width=300)](https://ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/2M5Q-KPwIQxqiZbUWn76S4pX3Vix_f_v1nVVbLRc5Z3DYHlCZK174TgxUE5FlaSHiiXybogeTBu4_6vEwDsN4FPJQ_45uqCIEx__BGDDuYn4AGfCYHg8yqXrNyWww7IjNBxRtSFftW2aQ4NNBqe_1g=s0-d-e1-ft#%3Ca%20href=)How do you encapsulate all that Co-Founding Volunteer Scott Orn does for Ben's Friends? "I do a little bit of everything," says Scott Orn. From greeting new members to volunteer moderating to heading the e-book project to ensuring the communities run smoothly to helping with the load of finance, budget, and grants, Scott wears many hats. When asked what motivates him, Scott reveals that he sees it as 95% fun. That fun, in addition to the connections to others, the smiles from receiving many thank-you notes, and the impact that he has on others, drives Scott to be a volunteer for Ben's Friends and to be a better all-around person. Scott is proud that Ben's Friends, which initially started as a need for Co-Founder Ben Munoz's recovery from a brain aneurysm, has grown into much-needed support for many with rare illnesses. He concludes, "Thanks to all of our Members, Volunteer Moderators, and Donors. We are a little Internet miracle that exists because of this team." If you would like to contribute and help the progress of thousands, click here: [https://www.bensfriends.org/donate/](http://bensfriends.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e67e56489d47f7df8e223cbc9&id=95dc9a1081&e=f03d3e04fc) For other interviews with Scott Orn and Ben's Friends, check out [http://www.spreecast.com/events/goodcausetv-talks-to-bensfriendsorg](http://bensfriends.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=e67e56489d47f7df8e223cbc9&id=1f750b3cbd&e=f03d3e04fc) and [http://www.bensfriends.org/InTheNews/forbes-com-featured-ben-munoz-and-bens-friends/](http://bensfriends.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e67e56489d47f7df8e223cbc9&id=0b1960738a&e=f03d3e04fc). **Featured Content: What's New** Congratulations to Kalleigh of the [AVM Survivors community](http://bensfriends.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e67e56489d47f7df8e223cbc9&id=abf91b3c74&e=f03d3e04fc) for initiating, organizing, and developing (Arteriovenous Malformation) **AVM Awareness Week from July 11-July 21**. For more information, read the post at: [http://www.avmsurvivors.org/profiles/blogs/avm-awareness-week-in-michigan-and-wisconsin-7-11-7-21-14](http://bensfriends.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e67e56489d47f7df8e223cbc9&id=dfd2d8597c&e=f03d3e04fc) Where's your health data history when you need it? Thanks to Ben's Friends new partnership with **PicnicHealth** , finding your medical records is as easy as...well, a picnic. For more information, click here: [https://picnichealth.com/site/bens-friends](http://bensfriends.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=e67e56489d47f7df8e223cbc9&id=df100cc29a&e=f03d3e04fc) Can we get a "wow"? The volunteers/moderators of the [Erythromelalgia Community](http://bensfriends.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e67e56489d47f7df8e223cbc9&id=21ec08bb57&e=f03d3e04fc) developed a **quarterly newsletter** for their group. The [Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Community](http://bensfriends.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e67e56489d47f7df8e223cbc9&id=e1268f4a39&e=f03d3e04fc) and the[Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT)](http://bensfriends.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=e67e56489d47f7df8e223cbc9&id=dbdfd939ae&e=f03d3e04fc) Community both reached **300 members**. We're growing! Congratulations to **Syd on AVM** **Survivors** for making the **U.S. Para Sports Team** and for being a leader in what I consider the "I Can" attitude movement. For more information on his achievement, [please visit Syd's page](http://bensfriends.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e67e56489d47f7df8e223cbc9&id=ab064f9ede&e=f03d3e04fc). **Featured Member: Robert Martin, CIDP Survivor** Laughter and keeping a sense of humor plays an important role in life, especially when a rare illness is concerned. Enter: Robert Martin. Robert is a newer member who embraces laughter and reminds us of the importance of humor. For more information, visit: [http://www.livingwithcidp.org/forum/topics/interaction?xg\_source=activity](http://bensfriends.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=e67e56489d47f7df8e223cbc9&id=d9d24ffc89&e=f03d3e04fc). **Featured Caregiver: Matt Murphy of Amyloidosis Survivors** Is it impossible? Ask Caregiver Matt Murphy of Louisville, KY. He demonstrates to us through his actions that caregiving for his wife isn't even close to being impossible. For more information, [visit Matt's "Do's and Dont's" of Caregiving](http://bensfriends.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e67e56489d47f7df8e223cbc9&id=7f43d4f685&e=f03d3e04fc). To be included on our Facebook Caregiver's page, like us at [Caregiver Support Community](http://bensfriends.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e67e56489d47f7df8e223cbc9&id=c035025131&e=f03d3e04fc). **Picture of the Month** Have some inspiration with this photo shared by JC Colyer, [Living with Ataxia](http://bensfriends.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e67e56489d47f7df8e223cbc9&id=d89060fb83&e=f03d3e04fc). **![](https://ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/InXjYVvGrdvOCiMElRkuA9IyvssYAf7yv3y0X4DkpN66uWKgSdTaEJSVRSDNfHf5ZJWkz1Nx0SdSrDwSUrsnvnywb9Io9Bawcf4ALkD7V-xlEr6Qqvf2TaLF7KWf80rSkngaC2Z_0CNVLBUbggxS5ufz6Z3wAovdQutQiJY=s0-d-e1-ft#%3Ca%20href=)** **Joke of the Month** **Question:** _How do you make seven an even number?_ **Answer:** _Take out the "s"._ **Monthly Motivational Quote** _Be gentle with yourself. If you force the petals of the flower to open, you will destroy it; it will open in its own time, according to its own rhythm._ --Sue Fitzmaurice Your dream is possible, keep hope alive. **Motivational Video** [![](https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/638DiMZG3dANfKAYLMZXR9gkmVNYB4uh11DTa0oauWK6g_syddd47sBtPqT3wwOWQZ8tZyRLL5CGbAaPW89U7L2qMPtE9blQiaHSndJSsflLvARVr8-d3jDUT0JaCdP0QibmqkmLmH2kwVoL9frN0G6Snm3GNniA2il7O1E=s0-d-e1-ft#https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e67e56489d47f7df8e223cbc9/images/3d78b861-721d-4c71-b554-3b4d830fb97b.jpg)](http://bensfriends.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e67e56489d47f7df8e223cbc9&id=27b730b506&e=f03d3e04fc) **Did You Know?** **_Laughter is the best medicine_** , as the saying goes; however, an adult only laughs on average seven times per day, whereas a six-year-old laughs an average of 300 times per day. Laughter lowers stress hormones and strengthens the immune system; laughter puts the brain in a meditative state. [![](https://ci5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/4zB_RCv1uncw6MDRUDwL-3aicVRFsU8WCQzuVXeiYcvM12v6EhFIddDEyuuD8p2iQXPkzH6O3IxH4Z16zxL4__f1NwVE6dZnUveHFvx_eK_GmUIt9RGexEvknjjFoz6XZiezcYQ-y35tsUsIN0bfhlPePt94wEA56lEaw5Q=s0-d-e1-ft#%3Ca%20href=?width=300)](https://ci5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/4zB_RCv1uncw6MDRUDwL-3aicVRFsU8WCQzuVXeiYcvM12v6EhFIddDEyuuD8p2iQXPkzH6O3IxH4Z16zxL4__f1NwVE6dZnUveHFvx_eK_GmUIt9RGexEvknjjFoz6XZiezcYQ-y35tsUsIN0bfhlPePt94wEA56lEaw5Q=s0-d-e1-ft#%3Ca%20href=)[ ](https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e67e56489d47f7df8e223cbc9/images/cee016b1-9cfc-41f3-a549-7579e7057baf.jpg) What are some suggestions to boost your laughing average? -watch a funny movie -take a laughter yoga course -find the humor in the mundane -sign up to receive a daily joke-of-the-day email -hang out with funny people. For other trivia on the neuroscience of laughter, visit: [https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/laugh.html](http://bensfriends.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=e67e56489d47f7df8e223cbc9&id=923217039a&e=f03d3e04fc) **Coming Soon** We are excited to share a new look and voice to thenewsletter. Stay tuned for more interesting things coming soon. **Did You Hear?** _"I am so thankful for this support group._ _I think one of the hardest things about fibromyalgia is how debilitating it feels._ _With not sleeping, the pain, the foginess, everything...makes you feel so isolated._ _I am so thankful I found this group, though; everyone has been nothing but supportive and helpful, especially when it is most needed._ _I just wanted to take a second to write this post and be grateful, there really is light in the midst of the darkness of this disease."_ -Esther L., Living with Fibromyalgia If you would like to submit your own great experience with Ben's Friends, please email them to: [info@bensfriends.org](mailto:info@bensfriends.org). Your comments might even appear in the newsletter! **Your Feedback** We made some additions to the newsletter, and we're still making improvements. Is there anything specifically that you like, dislike, or is there a specific topic that you would like covered in an upcoming newsletter? If so, please email us your feedback at [info@bensfriends.org](mailto:info@bensfriends.org). Regards, **Ben’s Friends Team**