Meet the Member
by Melanie Bassett

Angela (Angelika_23)

Angela is thirty-five years old and has been a member of DINET since April 2007. Her forum name, Angelika_23, is comprised of two parts. Angelika was her name in German class during high school and her favorite number is 23. Most people just call her Angela, but close friends call her Ang.

Angela has been ill since 2001. She was hospitalized and diagnosed with POTS in April 2007. She also has been diagnosed with inappropriate sinus tachycardia, chiari I malformation, fibromyalgia and scoliosis.

Angela's family includes her husband, Jeff, and their three children: Christopher, Joshua and William, who are all musically talented. The family is complete with a wide variety of pets, including a Blue Fronted Amazon Parrot named Muffin (who is 25 years old). Muffin was Angela's first "baby.” Dozer, a Halloween Moon Crab, two cats named Kitten and Stormy and two dogs named Beau (a boxer) and Jasmine (a Pekingese) complete her pet family. I would guess that they must have a very big house in Ohio!

When away from her pets, Angela works as a Human Resources Coordinator. She has shared some of what she has learned in this occupation on DINET's forum. I know I made a copy of the advice on the Family Medical Leave Act that she once posted.

Angela's current hobbies include A LOT of reading and paper and pencil role playing games (i.e. Dungeons & Dragons) with a group of people who understand her illness and are very sensitive to her health situation.

In the past, Angela and Jeff used to competitively swing dance. They would dance at least 3-4 nights a week for hours without a break. We all agree and believe that someday we will see them on the reality TV show, “So You Think You Can Dance.”

When asked to share her favorite childhood memory, Angela replied, “going boating with my dad.” She loves being on the water, listening to the waves, laughing in the sun and just enjoying the smells of summer. She always patiently waited her turn to ride in the tube.

Angela is inspired by her husband and children. She also has a network of true friends. I believe when illness strikes it is one of the best times to find out who your true friends are. True friends are the ones that stick with you through the good times and the bad. I think we all weed our friend garden when we become ill, and sometimes the weeds just wither away on their own it seems. One of Angela's special friends spends time sharing a one on one Bible study with her. Time spent with her friend and actively participating in Bible study has helped Angela put her illness in perspective.  Angela is no longer angry about her illness and no longer feels desperation like she did in the beginning.

Angela feels that God is using her illness to teach her many things. She is currently looking forward to the future and wondering if her destiny is to be healed. When and if she becomes healed, she will use this experience to help others who are struggling through illness. Angela leaves the following quote to remind others that anything is possible with God.

“Philippians 4:13 --- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

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