You Are Here: IC Network : IC Angels Program

In response to the tremendous outpouring of support and condolences in the memory of ICN Asst. Manager Diane Manhattan-Lopresti who was tragically taken from us on October 16, 2003, we have created a new program to honor her memory. Diane was a true IC angel. She believed in angels and she believed in support. She inspired others to keep trying. When a patient was down, she lifted them up. When a patient was confused, she offered helpful information. When a patient was crying, she gladly shared her shoulders for anyone to lean on.

An IC Angel is someone who believes, in their very heart of hearts, that no one should suffer alone. Someone who is willing to lend a helping hand, a moment to talk, a supportive email, a chat in our chat room or an orientation for a newly diagnosed patient. An IC Angel is also a role model, a patient who is active and involved in the IC movement. They may run a support group or perhaps just offer support by email. When an idea strikes, they share it with others to get them motivated and involved. They might write an article, create a new resource or share a helpful tip. An IC Angel believes that by working together we can make a difference.

On the ICN, our IC Angels will honor Diane's memory by maintaining her legacy of action. These aren't huge, daily jobs. They are small acts of kindness that can be temporary or may just need one task done. These are the projects that Diane and I had talked about. Real needs for real IC patients of all ages. You might help by running a support group or by contributing a story that helps to explain IC to children. Disability rights, job hunting (or how to work from home), how to locate affordable medications.

What's needed?? VOLUNTEERS!!!!

(1) Support Group Angels
Would you consider starting a support group in your town or state??? This is such an important need. Even if you just work with a handful of patients twice a year, you can help break the isolation of others, offer support and encouragement and truly make a difference. It's the most important gift of all! Please visit our activism corner to review our support group guide to see if this could work for you. If not, read on! There many other ways that you can be an IC angel!

(2) Support Group Coordinator
We need an IC angel, preferably one who has already run a support group, to help facilitate good relationships between support group leaders so that they can share their success stories and have their own opportunity for support. Must be a self starter and just want to hang out with these lovely people! You may do an SGL newsletter or just encourage occasional meetings so that support group leaders can talk to each other about what issues they face, what great programs they run, etc. etc. Where does a support group leader go for support? Let's fill that need now!

(3) Newbie Angels
We need some seasoned IC patients to help guide newly diagnosed patients in a positive, supportive and encouraging way. You can't be focused on your health.. you have to be able to focus on giving unconditional positive support to newly diagnosed patients in need. The emphasis here is a POSITIVE, ENCOURAGING & HOPEFUL attitude. If you have done your reading, know your therapies, and understand basic self help, you can be someone, like Diane, who gives comfort to someone who is confused and frightened. The more the merrier.

(4) Angels for the Children with IC
We need a volunteer or team to help create new resources for children with IC, age 12 and under. We've begun a new Kid's Corner that will offer age specific information and, hopefully, a rewrite of our children's book so that it talks about IC for a child with IC in an easy, hopeful way. Are you a mom of a child with IC? Help us to help other moms by sharing your wisdom on another parent can survive. This person may run a special mailing list just for parents of children with IC.

(5) Teen Angel
Just imagine being a teenager with IC. In addition to the embarassment of leaving class, just imagine how difficult it might be to socialize. We need your help to create our new TEEN ZONE that covers school, dating, socializing, and a teen cool diet.

(6) Senior Angel
Imagine having IC and being quite elderly and unable to speak for yourself. Worse, your judged as having dementia just because you have to use the restroom. There are so many issues that need to be explored here. How do we care for a senior citizen who is diagnosed with IC but is in a convalescent hospital? How can we help those families?? There's great room to do some real research here.

(7) Angels Who Work At Home
While many IC patients do work full time, others can't. But, they can still work from home. We need to add some resources that will help a patient figure out what their options are. Remember, both Diane and I, worked from home on the IC Network for years. Jill took a class in html which began the ICN 9 years ago. Diane taught herself how to read research studies and web programming from home. Don't sit at home believing that your life is over. You can work! You can contribute!

(8) IC Angels of the Airwaves
We need PR and lots of it. IC and bladder disorders need more and more public relations because there are still patients suffering in silence at home alone! We can reach them... and each article published that talks about IC does! All it takes is a phone and/or a note to your local paper. Ask them if you can tell your story about IC and why your community needs to be more informed and compassionate. I want this to be a committee of about six or more patients who won't take no for an answer. We're going to start with nothing and building something new... so if you have experience in PR or you just want to make sure this happens, volunteer to be on this committee.

(9) Angels for Low Income Patients
Let's admit it... having any medical condition can cost enormous amounts of money. Diane and I have always been passionate about creating resources for patients who were hurting financially. There's nothing worse than having to choose between buying food or buying a medication. The IC Drug Assistance program guide helped patients find sources for affordable meds. We need someone who will continue this tradition and create more real life low income tips! From finding food banks to rental assistance programs, we can help each other.

(10) Angels for the Holidays
Our Holiday Program has helped to send holiday meals to families in need, and presents for children who would otherwise have nothing on christmas morning. Are you inspired?? Would you help to launch this program this year?? Must be respectful, compassionate. Will help to review applications, select participants and make appropriate purchases.

To volunteer: Please click here to visit our IC Angel Volunteer Center, located in our ICN Message Boards near the bottom of the forum list!

"There have been Angels in my life. When they haven't arrived with a blast of trumpets or a rustle of wings, I've known them just the same. They performed their acts in human guise, sometimes borrowing the faces of family and friends, sometimes posing as well-meaning strangers. You have known them, to, when just the right word was needed, when a tiny act of kindness made a great difference..or perhaps you heard a voice whispering in a night of sorrow, the words not quite clear but the meaning unmistakable. There is hope..there is hope."