There are some great surprises in store that are very exciting, and some true landmark events and measures of progress that I will be absolutely thrilled to announce to you all! We've come such a long way since I started one small page back in 1997--back when there was absolutely nothing out there for those who suffered from this debilitating neurological disease, back there when those who suffered were isolated and spread out around the globe, each thinking they were truly alone.

But there is so much more work to be done, so many more people to reach around the world who are scared, confused, and feeling like nobody else in the world understands how they suffer or how they feel. Many people still have no diagnosis, no neurologist, no treatment, no support network, no confidants, nobody who understands. Many are left without jobs, afraid they cannot care for their children or drive, left without income or insurance.

As horrible as this disease can be, particularly before it is diagnosed and treated and the symptoms at least partly alleviated, only those who know it first-hand or who are close to those who live with it everyday can know how painful it is to also live with the uncertainty about tomorrow, the paralyzing fear, and the bottomless feeling of being isolated from the rest of humanity.It can take incredible strength to make it through the months or years it takes until it finally starts to "get better." The physical and emotional drain is enormous, and sometimes it takes every ounce of courage and hope one can muster to get out of bed in the morning. But while those who fight BAM may feel that they are losing the battle, their courage and determination to fight will see them through.

Giving up is not the answer. Sticking with it when you feel you can't go on is. There are answers, there is help out there, and there are those who will help you find them both. And when you find them, you will realize you're forever changed. You'll never see life in quite the same way again.

Yes, there is life after Basilar Artery Migraine. "Bammers" can lead full, productive, and happy lives. They can drive, raise families, work, and safely do most things that "normal" people can do. There are some things they should probably be aware of in taking care of themselves. But then, isn't that true in some fashion for everybody?

Bammers are lucky, too. They are members of a unique worldwide community. They have an instant bond with people they just meet in a forum, and that bond means more than words can ever express. It can take them from feeling totally alone and isolated to having a friend and confidante for life in an instant. Bammers share their lives with each other. They seem to bypass the meaningless and go straight to what matters in life. They are known to give selflessly of their time and attention to people they've never met in person and probably never will. They things in life that other people may never think about: a day without pain, sunshine, being able to drink a cup of coffee or eat a favorite food, sleeping through the night, being able to drive, being able to take care of a child, being able to travel away from home.

To all the Bammers out there, always remember these three things: (1) you are not alone, (2) there is hope, and (3) we're here for you.

My personal best wishes for a healthy and happy 2004 to you all, and to your families and loved ones as well,

Karyn