Oprah’s Contest Can Give a Voice to 50+ million Americans Challenged by Chronic Illness

June 14, 2010 - PRLog -- “Life Matters” will give a voice to 50+ million Americans challenged by chronic illness, disabilities and age-related limitations.  The show would  feature stories of hope and inspiration from real people overcoming life’s challenges.   Help give voice and validation to so many by voting

Shelley knows firsthand how difficult it can be to live with chronic illness as she continues to overcome the challenges and frustrations of living with multiple sclerosis (MS). When Shelley was diagnosed with MS 30 years ago, it changed her life in ways that she could never have imagined.

Shelley explains, “Thankfully, I've learned a few things over the years; I learned that I'm stronger than I ever thought I was; that people are all around you offering to help if you can only learn to accept it; and, when you live with gratitude and love in your heart, you transform yourself and the people around you.”

The 3-minute audition submitted to Oprah is a program called, “Life Matters” specifically for people living with chronic illness, disability, and age-related limitations. Each week, the program will introduce celebrities and everyday folks, who, in the face of tremendous obstacles, have not only found a way to accept their circumstances, but have created opportunities to give back in ways that would never have been possible had their lives gone “according to plan.”  

People who live with chronic illness, disability and age-related problems, deal with difficult issues every day – losses large and small, like having trouble walking or being unable to cut their food. “Life Matters” will inspire and motivate people and give them the tools to create a happier, more hopeful life, with dreams for the future. It will break new ground in helping people “heal.”  

Through the personal stories, viewers will learn that they are not alone and receive encouragement, validation, and inspiration.  Vote for “Life Matters” at http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html, then search for ‘Shelley Schwarz’.   You can vote as often as you like, so VOTE EARLY AND VOTE OFTEN!

About Shelly Peterman Schwarz
Shelley Peterman Schwarz graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and was a teacher of the hearing impaired in the Madison (WI) Metropolitan School District for 13 years. In 1979, Shelley learned that she had multiple sclerosis. Shelley is a motivational speaker and award-winning writer and author, her Tips for Making Life Easier™ have appeared in numerous publications including the Chicken Soup for the Soul, Family Circle, Arthritis Today, Neurology Now, and Inside MS. http://www.meetinglifeschallenges.com