2016 Rare Artist Contest needs your vote for Behcet's!

I've just entered my photo "Shattered" in the 2016 Rare Artist Contest, sponsored by the EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases. Winning artwork will be displayed on Capitol Hill during RDLA's Rare Disease Week, Feb. 27 through March 3.

PLEASE VOTE BY CLICKING ON THE PICTURE BELOW; it will take you to the voting site. You can vote once every 10 days. Voting ends on December 12th. If the picture doesn't appear in this post, please go to the Adult Digital & Photography category and search for "Zeis" or "Shattered."

Here's the text that accompanies my photo: 

I've had Behcet's disease since 1979, and have been a BD advocate & writer since 1997.

"Shattered" is that feeling when doctors say "it's all in your head."

"Shattered is what happens to patients, relationships & families, as they try to cope with a new reality.

"Shattered is the physical pain caused by unrelenting symptoms.

Not everyone can be fixed like shattered glass, but a lucky few find peace, solace and/or treatments that make life whole again.

The Rare Artist Contest is dedicated to raising awareness of rare diseases and highlighting the talent of the rare disease community. Winners in each category are based on votes, and voting ends on December 12th. A second award is chosen exclusively by a panel of rare disease community leaders. 

Thank you!! Please vote by December 12th and share! 

2016 ABDA Walk for Behcet's Disease and Educational Program on May 21 & 22

May is Behcet’s Awareness month. The American Behcet's Disease Association (ABDA) has planned a weekend of exciting events and ways in which patients can meet one another, educate, promote awareness and raise much-needed funds to enable the ABDA to further accomplish our goals and mission.

A room block has been reserved at the Crowne Plaza Auburn Hills Hotel, at a rate of $109, plus tax. Go to this page and click on the link on the left, or call (248) 373-4550 for reservations. Mention the 2016 Walk for Behcet's and use discount code WBM. The discounted hotel rate will expire on April 29, 2016.

The nearest airports are Flint Bishop Airport (FNT), and the Detroit Metro Airport (DTW).

Click on the following link to learn more and register: www.behcets.com/2016Walk 

Event: FREE PATIENT EDUCATION PROGRAM - A Medical Discussion About Behcet’s Disease. (Space is limited, & pre-registration on-line is required to attend this event.)
When: May 21, 2016
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan. (Space is limited…must pre-register on-line.)

Event: RECEPTION
When: May 21, 2016
Time: 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel - Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan

Event: 2016 WALK FOR BEHCET'S DISEASE
When: Sunday, May 22, 2016
Where: Rochester Municipal Park in Rochester, Michigan. (608 Seventh St., Rochester, MI 48307)
Times: 8:00 am - Registration begins
9:00 am – Walk begins
11:30 am – Walk ends
Fees: $25 for adults and teens ($30 if received after May 1st), or register on-line and select your size. No charge for children 12 and under, when accompanied by a registered adult. (Registration fees are a tax-deductible donation.)

Event: ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGWhen: Sunday, May 22, 2016

Where: Rochester Municipal Park in Rochester, Michigan. (608 Seventh St., Rochester, MI 48307)
Time: Immediately following Walk

NOTE:
Walking is not required, but your support is vitally important to our cause!
Bring your family, your friends and your pets (furry friends are welcome at the park), and participate to raise awareness and funds for Behcet's Disease.
Registrants may walk the park or simply cheer others on. Please invite your friends and family to join us.

You DON'T HAVE TO ATTEND the Walk to participate!
If you are unable to join us in Michigan, register and collect donations, or set up your own 'Virtual Walk,' and form teams.
The Walk can take place “virtually” anywhere, at any time during Behcet's awareness month in May.

Learn more about Behcet's Disease at www.behcets.com.