The Story behind Spoonies
Becoming an adult is hard. No matter what's going on in your life the transitions that you go through as you move on from childhood to adulthood are weird and hard to navigate for everyone. When you throw a chronic illness into the equation things get even more complicated.
In 2004 a study showed that more than seven percent of children aged six to nineteen had been diagnosed with a chronic health condition, nearly six percent more than in a similar study in 1960. Now here we are, ten years later. Those children are now aged sixteen to twenty-nine, and they've been navigating growing up with a chronic health condition.
As a nineteen year old living with more chronic health conditions than I care to count I've felt first hand the impact that living with a chronic condition has, and it's hard when I don't have someone to talk about it with. I spent hours online looking for somewhere that I could connect with other people my age who just get what it's like to have to schedule trips to the mall around regular doctor's appointments, and try to explain to my friends why I can't just reschedule. While several communities existed, I simply didn't find one that was just about creating a supportive environment for young people as they deal with the ups and the downs of living with a chronic health condition.
Thus, Spoonies was created. A place where young people with chronic illnesses of any kind could go to find help, support, and friends.
In 2004 a study showed that more than seven percent of children aged six to nineteen had been diagnosed with a chronic health condition, nearly six percent more than in a similar study in 1960. Now here we are, ten years later. Those children are now aged sixteen to twenty-nine, and they've been navigating growing up with a chronic health condition.
As a nineteen year old living with more chronic health conditions than I care to count I've felt first hand the impact that living with a chronic condition has, and it's hard when I don't have someone to talk about it with. I spent hours online looking for somewhere that I could connect with other people my age who just get what it's like to have to schedule trips to the mall around regular doctor's appointments, and try to explain to my friends why I can't just reschedule. While several communities existed, I simply didn't find one that was just about creating a supportive environment for young people as they deal with the ups and the downs of living with a chronic health condition.
Thus, Spoonies was created. A place where young people with chronic illnesses of any kind could go to find help, support, and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who started this site? |
Spoonies was developed and created by several young people living with chronic illnesses. I however was the person who "offically" started the site. I also more frequently referred to as Mandi. I'm a nineteen year old college student living with several chronic health conditions.
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WHAT'S A SPOONIE?
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The word spoonie is a nickname for anyone who has a chronic health condition. The word comes from a piece called "The Spoon Theory" by Christine Miserandino which you can find here. Christine says that the article is "a personal story and analogy of what it is like to live with sickness or disability". I highly recommend that you read "The Spoon Theory" for yourself and consider sharing it with your friends and family.
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WHAT CONSTITUTES A YOUNG PERSON?
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Ultimately I created this for "young people" living with chronic health conditions because the way that we're experiencing our health conditions is often different than someone who is older. In my mind a "young person" is someone who considers themselves to be a teenager or young adult, but there isn't really a specific age cut-off.
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I HAVE A QUESTION THAT ISN'T ANSWERED HERE. WHERE SHOULD I DIRECT MY INQUIRY?
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I can be contacted through our contact page here.
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