• Snapshot Journal: Spring is Here—What I’m reading, writing, and doing. Plus movie recommendations and encouragement for chronic illness. | cassiecreley.com
    Blog

    Snapshot Journal: Spring Is Here

    I love that recording just a brief snapshot of what I’ve been up to has been an attainable, rewarding goal. I’ve enjoyed looking back at my previous snapshot posts.

    This practice seems especially helpful for those of us with chronic illness who enjoy journaling. I’m finally recovering from a bad ME/CFS flare that sent me to bed for most of five days and then lingered for over two weeks longer, so I wanted to spend some time reflecting on good things.

    I hope this post inspires you to create a snapshot journal of your own. Feel free to adjust it to fit your own interests and energy levels.

  • My Favorite Natural Makeup Products—The best mascara, blush, eyeliner, foundation, and lipstick I’ve found that is free of toxins and healthier for your skin.
    Blog,  Health

    My Favorite Natural Makeup Products

    I’m sharing some of my favorite natural makeup products that are free from many ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or health concerns. Plus, they’re my favorites because they look great and wear well!

    I’ll share resources for checking the safety of makeup products, and more about why I’m so passionate about makeup free of toxins, especially as someone with multiple chronic illnesses.

    It can be quite the time investment to find out which makeup is safest for your skin and health.

    I’m hoping this post will save you a lot of trial and error, and ultimately both time and money as you find healthier products.

  • Blog

    Snapshot Journal: What I’m Doing Currently

    I’m back with recommendations of books, shows, and more that I’ve been enjoying, along with an update on me.

    I took a blogging break for a few months because I received new medical diagnoses and had to have surgery in July. I also went through a time where there was concern that my cancer had recurred, but results from my surgery came back clear, praise God.

    I didn’t feel like writing about these challenges at the time. And I also didn’t feel like blogging without addressing them because it felt like I would be denying my reality and the affect it was having on me.

    I share this as a reminder that if you have a chronic illness or blog about chronic illness, we don’t have to share things right away. And we don’t have to share everything if it doesn’t feel helpful.

  • Snapshot Journal: What I’m Doing Currently: Recording what I’m doing lately to celebrate the little things and practice gratitude. | cassiecreley.com
    Blog

    Snapshot Journal: What I’m Doing Currently

    I wanted to try a new kind of blog post where I create a list showing a snapshot of what I’ve been doing lately. I’m recording what I’ve been enjoying to celebrate the little things and practice gratitude.

    This list is partly drawn from this blog post by Gillian Parlane about documenting and remembering the little things. I’ve been reading her blog after enjoying her TED Talk: Change Your Closet, Change Your Life.

    My snapshot journal is also partly inspired by what I’m learning about neuroplasticity and health.

  • My Experience Fundraising for Medical Expenses—Here’s how organizations like Help Hope Live can help people in financial need due to chronic illness or catastrophic injury. Fundraise for medical bills including doctors’ co-pays, prescription costs, home modification, in-home care, physical therapy, travel expenses and more. | cassiecreley.com
    Blog,  Health

    My Experience Fundraising for Medical Expenses

    Today I want to share about an organization that can help chronic illness patients fundraise for medical expenses. Chronic illness is expensive, and I am so thankful to have recently found out about Help Hope Live, which can help with co-pays, prescriptions costs, insurance premiums, and more.

    In this post, I’ll share about my experience fundraising with this organization, so you can see if it would be a good fit to help you or a loved one living with chronic health conditions or a serious injury.

  • How to Find Financial Assistance for Chronic Illness Expenses—Connect with organizations that can provide help with copays, prescription costs, insurance premiums, and other medical bills. | cassiecreley.com
    Blog,  Health

    How to Find Financial Assistance for Chronic Illness Expenses

    Did you know that patients with chronic illness can apply for grants to help with medical expenses? Me neither! I’m going to share about several organizations that provide medical grants and financial assistance.

    I can’t believe I’ve been seriously ill for over six years and am just now hearing something like this exists! I thought medical grants were something only doctors or researchers could apply for.

    These programs may be able to help with costs like copays, insurance premiums, prescription costs, and more.

  • Q&A with Katerina of Beauty in the Pain “Even if you feel alone, God will always be by your side.” Interview on chronic illness, life with CMT (neuromuscular disease), the gift of compassion, and seeing God’s faithfulness. (Invisible Illness Visible Worth Interview Project) | cassiecreley.com
    Invisible Illness / Visible Worth Interviews

    Q&A with Katerina: “Even if you feel alone, God will always be by your side.”

    Today I get to introduce you to Katerina, who is a dancer and teacher, as well as a college student working towards a bachelors degree in psychology.

    Last year she started a blog called Beauty in the Pain to share her journey with the neuromuscular disease CMT and encourage those who struggle with chronic pain.

    I’m so glad she reached out for an interview because I’ve been so blessed to read how she is adapting her passion for dance and seeing God’s faithfulness in the midst of chronic illness.

    I hope you’re encouraged by this conversation with Katerina on chronic illness, faith, and perseverance.