The Chronic Haven Dispatch
July 2025 Newsletter
Hello Havenites!
Welcome to the July newsletter! We have lots of news coming up and can’t wait to share.
Before we begin, please remember that TCH is now a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which means your donations are tax deductible. In addition, we’re running in the red, so anything helps. You can buy us the equivalent of a cup of coffee or be a monthly sponsor.
Please visit our Buy Me a Coffee page, and donate if you’re able. The link: https://buymeacoffee.com/thechronichaven
We built The Chronic Haven to be a safe landing place — a community of weird, wise, tender, tenacious humans who get it. And slowly, wonderfully, this little nest has grown. Everyone who joins brings something unique and wonderful to the Haven, and they also find commonality and camaraderie.
This month, we want to talk about spreading the word — but not in a pushy, MLM kind of way (don’t worry, we won’t make you “rank up” or host a pain patch party), but in a real, organic, word-of-mouth-from-bed kind of way.
This month, we’d love for you to think of one person who might need TCH. Just one. Tell that person, and invite them to our Discord. (Here’s the link https://discord.gg/Fqm4YADQeY) Get them used to our silliness and invite them to a meeting, or writing class. Then ask them to tell one person.
This is how we grow. We currently have no marketing budget, so we grow word-of-mouth.
Why do we do it?
Because of these reasons:
There are so many people out there — chronically ill, disabled, neurodivergent, grieving, overwhelmed — who are looking for a space like this.
A space where they don’t have to explain their fatigue.
A space where dark humor is welcomed.
A space where being “too much” or “too broken” isn’t a dealbreaker — it’s kind of the vibe.
And maybe you know someone like that.
Ask your doctor to tell their patients. Write about TCH and publish it on Medium or Substack. Do what you can to spread the word. Talk about it in other groups. Tell your friends and family members. You have our thanks.
CALLING ALL CREATIVES!
Our writing classes Summer Session is in full swing! Join any week you like and it’s free for all TCH members!
(Classes run through July 27th. Sundays at 11am Pacific/2pm Eastern)
TCH Writing Classes: Come Write With Us
Our weekly Sunday writing classes have officially taken flight — and you are invited. Whether you’re a seasoned writer, a total beginner, or someone who just wants to tell their story… These classes are for you.
Facilitated by Elle Becker (yes, that Elle), our classes are spoonie-friendly, low-pressure, and laughter-inclusive. We cover everything from finding your voice and writing through chronic illness to story structure, dialogue that doesn’t suck, and how to write something short without it sounding like a tweet gone rogue. They are super casual, so don’t be nervous.
We’re also thrilled to welcome Jim Mercurio — screenwriter, author, spoonie, and professional editor — as our regular guest teacher. Jim brings craft knowledge, film-level insight, and a glorious sense of humor to our Sunday sessions.
Classes are held every Sunday at 11 a.m. Pacific / 2 p.m. Eastern, on Zoom. Link is on Discord and Meetup. Bring your brain fog, your heating pad, and your writing notebook — we can’t wait to see you.
DIAGNOSIS SPOTLIGHT
Stiff Person Syndrome
You may have heard us mention Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) — and no, it’s not just what happens when you sleep wrong on a bad pillow. Yes, it’s the condition that Celine Dion has. SPS is a rare, progressive neurological disorder (1 to 2 people per million. That makes you a super rare bird) that causes severe muscle stiffness and painful spasms, often triggered by noise, touch, or even emotional distress. It’s autoimmune in nature and brutally misunderstood. People with SPS often live in fear of sudden, immobilizing spasms that can literally knock them down. It’s not caused by anxiety, but it can be made worse by it — how’s that for totally unfair? There’s no cure yet, just symptom management and courage on repeat. It’s a painful condition and our hearts go out to sufferers.
For more information visit Johns Hopkins site on SPS. Here’s the link: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/stiff-person-syndrome-sps
MEET WITH A FOUNDER:
Once a month, we have a Meet with a Founder meeting on Zoom. Link will be on Discord. Elle will be there to answer questions you have about The Chronic Haven, or Elle, or chronic illness. It’s always casual, a lot of fun, and we LAUGH. It’s a really chill way to meet other members of the Haven. Also attending will be our most excellent volunteer, Zoe, who will answer all of your questions about The Chronic Haven Discord. She’s got a heart of gold, too. It’s a lively, fun, positive conversation and we let our weird side hang out a little bit — or a lot. Come join us at our next one on Tuesday, July 29th at 4 pm Pacific/7 pm Eastern.
We also have spontaneous chat drop-ins on Discord (usually Mondays and Fridays) and other fun activities, like GAME NIGHT! Join us soon as we’ll have another on the schedule.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: JEFF C.
Jeff has been part of The Haven family for a good while now, and it’s safe to say he’s one of us. Sure, we love those signature dimples when he smiles (who wouldn’t?), but more than that, he’s become a true cornerstone of our community. He shows up, he supports, and he’s often the first friendly face to welcome new members on Discord. Unfailingly kind, effortlessly present — we absolutely adore him. Jeff suffers and we see it, yet he is always stoically kind. We think the world of him.
WE NEED YOU!
We are asking for people who want to spend a little time with us, help us grow, and help others. We need volunteers.
Why volunteer with The Chronic Haven?
Volunteering at The Chronic Haven means being part of something real: a community of warriors, weirdos, writers, creatives, and wonderful souls who lift each other up on the days we can’t stand on our own. Whether you help with admin, outreach, social media, mentoring, or just listening with compassion, your presence matters. At TCH, we believe everyone has something to offer — and we believe in working with, not around, your limits. We’re not asking for perfection. We’re asking for willingness and a big heart.
*We understand we all have chronic conditions, that’s why we’re here. Whether you can give an hour or forty, we’d love to have you as a volunteer. We work with your schedule and flares. Promise.*
Find more information here, outlining each of our volunteer needs: https://www.thechronichaven.com/volunteer
MEETING SCHEDULE:
As always, we have meetings on Mondays at 9 am Pacific/12 pm Eastern every other week, and Wednesdays at 5 pm Pacific/ 8 pm Eastern the alternating week. Our upcoming meetings:
Monday, July 7th
Wednesday, July 16th
Monday, July 21st
Wednesday, July 30th
COMING SOON:
Topic focused meetings like dating & relationships with chronic illness, medical trauma, and more. We’re always open for suggestions on topic-based meetings. Let us know! Drop Elle a DM on Discord. As always, we’ll see you on Discord, where we have giveaways and contests coming up. Come find us https://discord.gg/Fqm4YADQeY and hang out for a while.