renaissance2010
Turning to photography as a creative outlet during a valiant fight with breast cancer at age 34, renaissance10 survived and set up a photo contest to help raise funds for the Lavender Trust, a nonprofit that provides information and support to younger women with breast cancer. In the first two years, the competition brought in over £65,000 (that's $107,260.73 U.S.!), with entries from 130 countries last year. Renaissance10 recently joined LiveJournal to meet other passionate photographers and find supportive friends.

Tags: cancer, renaissance2010

curiouscupcakes
Holy buttercream frosting! If you have a sweet tooth for sugary goodness or a wandering eye for whimsical confection, this is pure ecstasy iced in deliciousness. Hailing the beloved cupcake as the artisinal canvas of choice, you'll enjoy recipes, photos, and bountiful tips to bake up a batch, whether your taste leans toward French classics or funky and flavorful.

Tags: cupcakes, curiouscupcakes, desserts

mission101
With New Years in the offing, it's an ideal time to reflect on past accomplishments, make peace with disappointments, and refocus the lens on future goals. This community welcomes you to create a bucket list of 101 things you plan to accomplish in the next 1,001 days. Offering support, guidance, and inspiration, this is a great way to jumpstart those pesky resolutions.

Tags: bucket list, mission101

So I thought I had a stomach bug on Monday...and maybe I did/do but things are getting OUT of control!!!

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i_hope_that
For many of us, the holidays can be kind of rough. If you're searching for a network of understanding friends, this ultra-nurturing community encourages you to express your heartfelt wishes and offer other members encouragement and acceptance. Not for the terminally snarky or emotionally-challenged, this is a good-spirited place to lend comfort and support.

Tags: i_hope_that, support, wishes

diygifts
Feeling crafty? If you've got a few last folks on your holiday gift list, this is a great place to seed your creativity and generosity. You'll also discover wonderful DIY tips to decorate your home and entertain guests. Offering a no-frills-no-skills attitude that welcomes the cash-challenged and arts-phobic, you're sure to get ideas and make friends in the process.

Tags: crafts, diygifts, do it yourself

cooking_club
A fun and friendly community dedicated to those who love to cook, whether you're a meat-and-potatoes type, an aspiring gourmand, and/or a vegan. In search of a brilliant dish to use up those weekly leftovers? Post your ingredients and you'll be whipping up a feast by dinner. You can also share favorite recipes. For Type A chefs, you can spice up your culinary repertoire with exciting cooking challenges.

Tags: cooking_club

I've been depressed for the last 6 months now. I know it, and yet can't (won't?) do anything to change it. My therapist and i are trying to work through it without the use of drugs... but i'm starting to give up hope of being happy again. I was afraid of more drugs... but i'm on so many... what's one more? *sigh*
I've been to a fun waterpark, went on 2 vacations (one being a dream vacation), seen friends and family... and there's still a part of me saying... "Why are you doing these fun things? You don't deserve to be happy." I can remember sliding down a waterslide and laughing out loud. The only thought that went through my head was, "Hey! I remember this! This is having fun!". And then once the experience is over, I'm sad again.
I've watched those commercials about depression and about pushing those who care about you away. Its true. My family and friends love me, yet I can't get over how I don't deserve their love or time or friendship. That I'm a failure because I have no job (can't work right now), no boyfriend (who wants all my extra baggage?) and live at home (almost 30 and living with my parents). My mom says i'm too hard on myself and that i can't expect to live the life my siblings have with my medical history, and in my head i know its true... but I just can't shake this feeling of failure. Why can't I be normal?
I've been dx'd with lupus, arthritis, sclero, etc. for 3.5 years and my docs were watching me in the beginning for signs of depression. When they started to show about a year ago, they sent me to a therapist. Its like they were waiting for it. Have any or all of you gone through this?
My worst days include the thoughts already written here, plus the famous: "There's no hope i'm going to get better, i might as well just die now. Why bother do anything? you're never going to change, just get sicker." There are good days... just so few.

stepstomarrow
When granddaughter, Jada, was born with leukemia, a donor-match was located and Jada made a miraculous recovery. In honor of her grandaughter's health, Jeanna has decided to walk across the country (in the dead of winter) to raise awareness and build support for the bone marrow registry (all that's required is a cheek swab). Follow Jeanna's remarkable journey as she travels the United States by foot.