I have a couple of templates to share with you today.  You are welcome to download the files, print them out, and use them however you want.

I know that many of you have worthy causes you are passionate about and many of them have “awareness” events that also include colored ribbons.  So I have one awareness ribbon that is large enough for a full page and three smaller ones just perfect for adding to standard size greeting cards.

I hope you’ll enjoy adding some fun patterns to them and coloring them according to the programs you support, or pass them along to anyone else to do the same thing with!

• Click here to download the large size ribbon.
• Click here to download the page with smaller size ribbons.
• Click here to see a list of Awareness Ribbon Colors for various causes.

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Prompt for the Migraine and Headache Awareness Month #2: “X-Men: Migraine & Headache Disorders Super Heroes: Who in your life goes above the call of duty and how?”

Hero: A person, typically a man, who is admired for courage or noble qualities

My Greg.  My Rock.  My Soulmate.

I am the number one luckiest woman in the world!  It was later in life and after I broke away from a difficult marriage, that I met my soulmate, Greg.  Through this migraine battle he has been by my side and has never wavered or shied away from the healthcare challenges that presented themselves as my disease went from episodic to chronic.  Everyday he is here to help me through the logistics of man-handling the migraine beast.  He doesn’t just take on assisting with all the physical and environmental needs, (like cold wash cloths, dark quiet rooms, medication errands, etc) but he also is my tower of strength when the mental challenges come about too.  He cheers me on when I feel weakened.  He encourages me to find the happy little moments even when nothing seems to be there to smile about.

I definitely push “to the edges” with my Greg.  He doesn’t flinch or delay even a second when asked to do something I can’t seem to do on my own.  He’s the one who gently holds me in his arms when I need a cocoon of comfort.  He’s had to learn along the way which things I can handle and which things I can’t; how to maneuver around my quirky needs; learn when to step in and when to step out in order to help the situation.  It’s been a frustrating guessing game for both of us, but he’s been the stronger one through it all.

Like Superman, my Greg also has his Kryptonite too.  He can’t stand to see me in pain.  He hates needles as much as me and blood makes him squeamish.  LOL  Yet, he was still there for me the first time I had my BOTOX/nerve block injections, holding my hand in spite of the needles, blood, and occasional wincing from his Cindy.  He stepped dangerously close to the Kryptonite and hung in there with me like a true hero.  Just as he always does.  I am thankful everyday that he is my partner in life!

I Love Metallic Gelly Roll Pens on Black!

Hurray To the Doctors Who Show Compassion

I have several heroes and heroines in my life!  My previous neurologist/migraine specialist was Dr Culcia.  He was the first neurologist I had that I could truly say acted as though he gave 3-hoots about my welfare.  And believe me, I’ve seen a dozen of them that didn’t have a bedside manner that included delivering a sense of compassion or understanding, much less caring.  He is my hero not just because he genuinely listens to the full conversation of his patients, but also because he constantly stayed informed of the latest migraine information.  The only reason I’m no longer his patient is because he moved to a different state.  Something about falling in love, getting married, moving to be nearer to her, etc.  Go figure – he’d move away from this whiney patient to be closer to the love of his life.  The nerve of that guy!  LOL

Well before this hero flew off to help fight for the weary migraineurs in Montana – he compassionately helped me through the never-ending task of identifying my migraine triggers.  He tirelessly worked with me through the trial and errors of many different drug therapies as we attempted to find preventive meds, abortives, and pain killers that would help me manage my disease.  He opened my eyes to setting REALISTIC goals for myself.  Time and time again he and his staff submitted requests and rebuttals to the insurance company denial letters.  The battle was long and tiring, but he hung in there with me even when I was ready to toss in the towel.

He helped me learn that there are truly doctors who care and are willing to take on patients with the most challenging migraine condition.  Unlike so many doctors before him, he never said to me, “I can’t do anything more for you.”   Nor did he tell me my headaches were simply my imagination and I needed to learn how to not be so stressed.  And for that I will always be grateful.  Had it not been for his professionalism and standard of care and for his willingness to continue researching options and possibilities – I think I would still be a bitter patient with little hope in my heart.

As he left for his new practice he passed me along to my new Neurologist, Dr Kerber.  She too is a terrific migraine specialist who delivers her services with a giant helping of sincerity and knowledge.  She is now one of my heroines who’s Wonder Woman like cape I am always grateful to see in my hour of need!  Doctors Culcia and Kerber have both helped to keep me in charge of my migraine illness rather than letting it rule my life.

Migraineurs Hold a Soft Spot in My Heart

Migraineurs have super powers too.  Sometimes they develop immediately upon arrival of the disease, and sometimes they develop over time.  Ellen, one of the patient educators/advocates over at Migraine.com describes these super hero, X-Men like powers in her article: Migraine Superheroes.  It’s a tongue-in-cheek story that will give you a giggle and have you saying, “hey – I can relate to that”… or “I know someone who can relate to that” – throughout just about every paragraph!  😀  I hope you’ll check it out.

You’re my Hero Too!

I have received so many personal email messages today in support of my posting yesterday and several nice comments on my blog too!  Wowsa.  I never expected that sort of response.  I do want to take a minute to tell you all how very much I appreciate you and your kind words.  You’re just the bestest of the best!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank You!

Hugs to you All!
~ Cindy