January 2012 Community Newsletter

LivingWithAtaxia Members, Friends and Family,

As we begin a brand new year, envigorated with greater joy and compassion, we renewed our greater commitments to our community. BensFriends grew tremendously in the past three years, and we want to take this moment both to thank you and to make a promise to continue fulfill our mission: to ensure that everyone in the world with a rare disease has a safe place to go and connect with others like them.

We’re truly privileged to help you make 2012 significant and meaningful!

IN THIS ISSUE

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1. Welcome New Members
2. Ben’s Friends Gets International Exposure at Leading UK News Website
3. Creating Local Groups and Organizing Meetups
4. Interesting Discussion
5. Community Stats

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Welcome New Members

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Since we started, we owed our strength to the amazing members of our community. We are glad that you have found us and now you are part of our community that spreads information, cheers, and inspiration. You may not know it but by seeking support, you are providing it as well. We want to know more of you, hear your thoughts and read your stories. We are not just a great community but we are a great community made up of great people. And yes, you are one of us now. We are 757 members strong and we continue to grow in number and in spirit.

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Ben’s Friends Gets International Exposure at Leading UK News Website

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The Daily Telegraph recently featured Ben’s Friends in an article written by Judith Potts. In the post, Ms. Potts acknowledged the contribution of Ben’s Friends to the lives of people who are struggling with rare diseases. She also mentioned the “special services of comfort and support” that our communities bring.

We are thankful for the recognition that Ms. Potts has given us. All the milestones we have reached so far were made possible by you. As of date, Ben’s Friends is 12,600 strong and growing in number everyday. We might be far from each other but we are united with our desire to support and to strengthen to one another.

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Creating Local Groups and Organizing Meet-ups

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People with rare diseases feel isolated because most people around them do not understand their condition. This concern inspired Ben Munoz to create Ben’s Friends. Through our different communities, members with rare disease are able to give and receive support online. However, many of our members feel that we can provide better support if we extend our friendship from the virtual to the real world. Creating a local group and having meetups will allow us to meet people who truly understand our condition. Through meetups, we can also strengthen and inspire one another. Read more on how to create groups and meetups on this page.

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Interesting Discussion

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Here is an interesting discussion entitled “What or where my life will be having ataxia?” by Vickie Welsh. Take a minute, have a look and join this terrific discussion. It’s worth reading,indeed!

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Community Stats

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As of today, we have 757 members, 2,765 total monthly visits to site, 1,536 unique visitors and 9,383 monthly page views. Kudos to everyone!

Warmest Regards,

Your Community Moderators