# See How Our Community is Changing Lives

**URL:** https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/t/see-how-our-community-is-changing-lives/5839
**Category:** General
**Created:** [November 24, 2024, 1:14am UTC](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/t/see-how-our-community-is-changing-lives/5839 "2024-11-24T01:14:20Z")
**Posts on this page:** 1
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![ModSupport](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/modsupport/32/2610_2.png) [@ModSupport](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/u/ModSupport)
#### Post date: [November 24, 2024, 1:14am UTC](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/t/see-how-our-community-is-changing-lives/5839/1 "2024-11-24T01:14:20Z")

</div>

I hope this message finds you well. Today, I want to share a powerful story that illustrates how our Ben’s Friends community is making a real difference in people’s lives. This story highlights why your support, whether [through fundraising or direct donations](https://donorbox.org/bens-friends-2024), is so crucial to our mission.

**Meet John:**

John was born with severe type 1 Von Willebrand’s Disease (VWD) and later discovered he also had Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), a congenital heart condition. With such a rare combination of conditions, John felt isolated and unsure of where to turn for support and information.

In his words:

“Ben’s Friends is near and dear to my heart for so many reasons. I am blown away by the current and new members that I come into contact with each and every day. Some might say my story is inspirational, but I would beg to differ\*. I am just one of the thousands and growing inspirational stories on Ben’s Friends.\*”

John found not only support but also a sense of purpose through Ben’s Friends. He became actively involved in moderating patient communities, helping others navigate their own journeys with rare diseases.

**Your Support Makes a Difference.**

Stories like John’s are possible because of community members like you. By supporting Ben’s Friends, whether through fundraising or direct donations, you help us:

- Maintain and grow our dozens of online communities for rare diseases
- Launch new communities for underserved conditions
- Provide vital information and emotional support to thousands patients and families

**How You Can Help:**

1. Share Your Story: Consider sharing how Ben’s Friends has helped you. Your experience could inspire others to support our mission.
2. [Become a Fundraiser](https://donorbox.org/bens-friends-2024): Create your own fundraising page and share it with your network. It’s a powerful way to amplify our message and reach more people who might want to support our rare disease communities.
3. [Make a Donation](https://donorbox.org/bens-friends-2024): If you’re able, consider making a direct donation. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps ensure that no one faces a rare disease alone.

Remember, your involvement, in whatever capacity you’re able to offer, makes a real difference. Together, we can ensure that more people like John find the support and connection they need.

[Become a Fundraiser](https://donorbox.org/bens-friends-2024) - OR - [Donate Today](https://donorbox.org/bens-friends-2024)

Thank you for being an essential part of the Ben’s Friends family.

Warm regards,  
Ben’s Friends Team

P.S. If you have a story about how Ben’s Friends has impacted your life, we’d love to hear it. Your story could inspire others and help us continue our mission.

[@trust\_level\_0](https://forum.livingwithpolyneuropathy.org/groups/trust_level_0)