Sjogren's Awareness...that's us

[mshistory]

I used to work as a corporate paralegal in Texas - I drafted all the paperwork for incorporating businesses, maintained their minute books... and did name searches. You can check name availability online now with the Secretary of State, but if I recall correctly, there's a small fee for using the online service. Of course, this was 8 years ago 

Forming a non-profit is a lot more work because you have to apply for a charitable status with the IRS, and you know the IRS... it's not like one or two forms. I remember sending off a several hundred page packet to try to get one company non-profit status with the IRS!

[Gayle]

sooo... ms,..... are you joining us? 

[mshistory]

Of course I'll help if I can! As long as no one depends on my memory of how incorporating a NP business works in Texas...  Last semester, I was teaching an American history class and someone asked which President had been impeached - Jackson or Johnson - and for the life of me, I couldn't remember! Talk about embarassing 

[Cricket]

I do give you my support, but I will not be able to help beyond praying for your success!

I have enough on my plate at this time dealing with my Lymphoma, and I know you lovely people understand.

I will be your cheerleader!  "Go, Go sjoggies, you can do it"

Love and prayers
Cricket

[Gayle]

Cricket! I think you are the perfect cheerleader and are now officially in charge of cheerleaders!

MS - all will have to be done by atty or something.. but your knowledge is a great asset! I just hope you don't do what I do... When I can't think of something, it always comes to me at 3 a.m.  It really stinks as I don't get enough sleep as it is and anymore I wake up at 3 everyday now as there is ALWAYS something I don't remember...
Also, when that 'fog' sets in and someone asks you a question you can't remember the answer to, do what I do... yes, this time, do what I do... I turn it back on to them... 'so you want to know which president was impeached? Who here knows this answer??? No one? Okay... How would you go about finding that answer? Yes, of course, google! You want to know? Google it'!

Answer done, not embarrassed and life is good...

Gayle

[iraisin]

I talked to my rheumy about the death certificate issue discussed in another thread - she understood what I was saying, but said letters would just get thrown in the trash. She said awareness would change things - so I told her about this project. She loved the idea and said it sounded great.

She mentioned that the more people that get diagnosed - as many do not, that would also help increase research and that awareness would help build those numbers.

So, now that the seed is planted, I'll wait a bit then ask her if she wants to be on the board.

Also, legalese is difficult for me to translate. So, I will have to speak with someone for guidance on the business plan, budget, and filing.

I do have a lot going on in my life, which is why I felt that next April would be a good target to launch since it's Sjogren's awareness month. I will keep moving toward that target, so if it seems like I've dropped off for a bit, I probably have - but will come back and work it.

So, be patient w/me...I have Sjogren's, I have a full-time job, I do side work, and I am an artist privately and proffessionally - so there's much life to juggle.

More updates to come.

[iraisin]

Get your creative juices flowing folks!!!!

We are on our way to generating a Sjogren's Art Exhibit!!!! YaY!

After some research I realized that I don't have the funds or the business development knowledge to form a 501c. sigh...

So! I contacted the Sjogren's foundation, signed up to be an ambassador and then sent them a letter proposing an exhibit and in it, I explained all you wonderful, talented people were willing to create the Sjogren's story with art, essays, poetry, etc.

Well...today they called me back! They loved the idea and they want to start a discussion and seemed excited about it.

So get your pens and brushes ready. Take your vitamins and supplements. Eat right and get your rest. 'Cause we are gonna ROCK this HOUSE!!!!

So, I need you to commit once again so I can get a good count on what we will be submitting to showing.

I will create a new thread repeating this announcement.

[Gayle]

we be rockin! Count me in.... not an artist but I will figure out something!

[mshistory]

GAH!!! I'm crazy busy right now with my classes (I'm a college instructor) but I do write and would love to be able to contribute a poem or something - just depends on when it is and how much time I have!