Wednesday, November 29, 2017

The Bolt EV and Cryoglobulinemia





Enjoying life with a Bolt!

After test driving the Bolt EV, LT and Premier models, I highly recommend this for those who have health challenges. There are several important reasons I recommend this amazing all-electric vehicle. 

It's cute and fun to drive zipping effortlessly through the mountains of Colorado with instant regeneration showing up on the screen. It can actually teach more economical driving skills. I hope to use it in teaching our teenagers how to drive. The Bolt EV gives Tesla a run for its money.  We (my children and I) test drove the Tesla Model X. The base sticker price was a shock and didn't even include the heated steering wheel. The Bolt cabin has a 10.2-inch touchscreen and a driver-facing 8.0-inch digital gauge cluster. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi are available to enhance your driving experience.

With an approximate 238-mile driving range it is more than enough for my daily driving. The Bolt also puts me more at ease with this new technology by showing three range numbers in its digital instrument panel: a maximum, a minimum, and a more prominent best estimate based on your driving style and accessory usage (headlights, audio, climate control).

The fear of running out of juice unexpectedly is very serious for those of us who suffer from cryoglobulinemia and related health issues. This leads to concerns about recharging during journeys that exceed the battery’s single-charge range. Careful planning is a must if going out of range. With the help of the "My Chevy" app on your phone, you can see all charging options so you can make a safe plan. With the Bolt’s impressive reach, after a typical day, most will only need to plug in overnight. Those who venture farther will need to map out the route carefully while the process of building infrastructure is underway.

Nothing is ever going to be perfect in this world but the Bolt shines for me in several areas. First, the heated steering wheel. Second, the heated seats. Third, never standing in the cold to get gas again is a life-saver. That's not to discount the need to charge but for around town, if I plug in at night, I can always have a full tank waiting for me in the morning. THAT IS PRICELESS. Fourth, no more oil changes and the Bolt comes with a 2-year maintenance program for rotating tires and checking fluids. How easy is that! This all-electric car will help cryoglobulinemics and those with circulation and other related health issues more safely participate in life.


I stay in bed much for safety because preventing flare-ups is paramount with this blood disorder but if I get the Bolt, I'm thinking of all kinds of adventures I might try to enjoy. Living like there is no tomorrow and loving like I'm on borrowed time is what I do. With 6 adopted children, 3 rescued dogs, my husband Paul, friends who are family to me and an international ministry that helps hurting people and animals... I try to make every moment count. And I don't want to miss a moment because of my disabling condition.

The premier would be the first choice.  Because of my distracting intense physical pain, and neuropathy, the driving assistance makes real sense. The 360-degree camera offers incredible security that you can see your surroundings. A fantastic feature! But if the basics are all you can afford the Bolt will still offer much fun and support for adventures! Jump out of your warm bed into a warm car that allows your legs to hang less which adds a huge benefit to those with circulation issues.

In all, if you are looking to buy a car, check out the Chevy Bolt, EV. It will put a big smile on your face and encourage you to get out more and enjoy life. Call my friends at Mountain Chevrolet in Glenwood, Colorado. They can help you accomplish this dream. Ask for Jeremy at 970-928-9777.


Author: Dr. Diane Dike gets no benefit from promoting or endorsing this vehicle. The sole purpose of this message is to share important news with patients, caregivers, and medical professionals so people with health challenges or circulation issues can find ways to more safely participate in life.
Dr. Diane Dike lives in the mountains of Colorado with her rescued and specifically trained service dog, Gracie, who is 14 1/2 years old. Because of her dedicated service, Diane hasn't been hospitalized overnight for over 14 years. 
Diane has fostered over 15 children and adopted 6 special needs children. She travels when possible to encourage the medically and emotionally challenged, veterans, orphans and works daily to make the world a better place through written and spoken word. To learn more, purchase her books, Gracie Babies (all proceeds go to SCwSG nonprofit)
or schedule them for your event go to: DianeDike.org 



Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Chronic Illness & Fleeting Friends


#Cryoglobulinemia Awareness - Day 5
Friendship...
My good family/friends Debbie & Michael W. Smith wrote 
a song that just about says it all. 


The only thing I would add is making friends and keeping them is truly a challenge for those who live with chronic illness and pain.

It takes an incredible person to be steadfast and true. I live a different frequency than most...  I cherish and treasure my friends more than words can say. No matter if I have them for a day or years.

This song really gets to me because my husband, Paul, Debbie and Michael have been faithful friends for about 20 years. There are a few more and I can't imagine life without them. They are the real deal. They've walked through the fire, storms, and valleys. They never give up. They are FAITHFUL. If you find one friend like this, on this side of Heaven, you are blessed.  If not, don't give up.    ...Pray.

Monday, September 4, 2017

God Made Only One of Me by Diane Dike, Ph.D.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Second Chance with Saving Grace
P.O. Box 673, Eagle, CO 81631


Inspiring autobiography tells the story of how one woman’s journey
took her far away from God and how she found her way back into his loving arms with a smile, a service dog named Gracie, and a second chance.


Sooner or later, we all need a second chance. When it doesn’t materialize, the consequences can be tragic. Yet something as simple as blatant honesty from someone who reaches out to help and who shares her own story of overcoming acute challenges can provide the incentive others need to embrace their own crucial second chances.


 "You’ll find Diane’s words to match her life – energetic, hopeful and crammed with vibrancy. She is one of my favorite people – I’m thinking her readers will say the same.” ~ Max Lucado, author
"Her courage in the face of great obstacles has always challenged and encouraged me. But her unwavering faith in the God she serves is probably the greatest lesson of her life. I see in her the walk by faith that is tested and found true." ~Michael W. Smith, musician, actor, author

To author Dr. Diane Dike’s amazement, readers overwhelmingly respond that her newly released autobiography God Made Only One of Me: A Triumphant Journey from Pain to Hope has done just that.


Throughout this deeply personal story, Diane shares how her own miraculous second chance saved her life and reunited her with the God she had turned away from. Her story is replete with painful moments, including childhood ordeals that wounded her very core, her time in a psychiatric ward with its utter despair and depression, her loss of faith, and the destruction of the life she expected to live when she was diagnosed with a rare, incurable, and life-threatening blood disease and her marriage ended in divorce.

She also shares the uplifting story of how, with Christ’s help, she clawed her way out of her depression and found her way back to God – the most amazing and wonder-filled experience of her life. Though her physical challenges remained, she met and married her soul mate Paul, fell in love with her service dog Gracie, and put her special needs education background to work embarking on a life of reaching out to those in need, all the while testifying to the power, joy, and transforming faith she finds in her relationship with God.

Diane concludes, “Whatever your challenge, this book will encourage you, inspire you, and equip you for victory.”


Author: Diane Dike, Ph.D., founder of Second Chance with Saving Grace, Inc., an international nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hope and help to those in need. 

She is the author of The Adventures of Gracie and Diane book series for children and animal lovers of all ages. All proceeds from the sale of The Adventures of Gracie and Diane book series and Gracie merchandise go to support the outreach work of Second Chance with Saving Grace, Inc., whose mission is to encourage individuals of all ages to overcome even the most daunting of life’s challenges with God’s help. 


A gifted teacher, singer, mother and speaker, Diane lives in the Vail Valley of Colorado with her husband Paul, fourteen-year-old service dog Gracie and SIX adopted children.


Day 4 - #Cryoglobulinemia Awareness - 2017

Sunday, September 3, 2017

What If... Day 3 - #Cryoglobulinemia Awareness

What if you don't get your healing and true relief from symptoms never comes? And you feel so alone...

Day 3 - #Cryoglobulinemia Awareness


I think this video says it all...

Learn more:
CryoglobulinemiaVasculitis.org

Author: Diane Dike, Ph.D., founder of Second Chance with Saving Grace, Inc., an international nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hope and help to those in need.

She is the author of The Adventures of Gracie and Diane book series for children and animal lovers of all ages. All proceeds from the sale of The Adventures of Gracie and Diane book series and Gracie merchandise go to support the outreach work of Second Chance with Saving Grace, Inc., whose mission is to encourage individuals of all ages to overcome even the most daunting of life’s challenges with God’s help.

A gifted teacher, singer, mother and speaker, Diane lives in the Vail Valley of Colorado with her husband Paul, fourteen-year-old service dog Gracie and SIX adopted children and foster children as they need her.

Saturday, September 2, 2017

#Cryoglobulinemia - Day 2 Awareness Month 2017

It began with a broken woman and a broken dog... they saved each other.

This is the story of Gracie, Diane, Second Chance with Saving Grace and its medical outreach - the Cryoglobulinemia Vasculitis Organization (CVO).



Day 2 - Cryoglobulinemia Awareness Day 2017.


Learn more:
CryoglobulinemiaVasculitis.org
Author: Diane Dike, Ph.D., founder of Second Chance with Saving Grace, Inc., an international nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hope and help to those in need.
She is the author of The Adventures of Gracie and Diane book series for children and animal lovers of all ages. All proceeds from the sale of The Adventures of Gracie and Diane book series and Gracie merchandise go to support the outreach work of Second Chance with Saving Grace, Inc., whose mission is to encourage individuals of all ages to overcome even the most daunting of life’s challenges with God’s help.

A gifted teacher, singer, mother and speaker, Diane lives in the Vail Valley of Colorado with her husband Paul, fourteen-year-old service dog Gracie and SIX adopted children and foster children as they need her.

Thursday, August 31, 2017

#Cryoglobulinemia - Day 1 - Awareness Month 2017


Day 1- September is Cryoglobulinemia Awareness Month. 

This year I will try to write a short personal blog daily on living with Cryoglobulinemia. The Goal: to increase understanding, awareness, and compassion for those suffering from Cryo and the ones who love and support us.


I was 15 when symptoms of the disease began. After many sleepless nights, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, sinusitis, hyperglycemia and gastrointestinal issues but as I think back, it was the Florida "cold" by way of outside heat and then air conditioned buildings that really got me aching.

Horrendous symptoms prevailed and by the age of 23 my legs went black. They were almost amputated. At 26, a specific blood test revealed the diagnosis of Cryoglobulinemia. 


Years with no sleep, complicated and confusing medical issues and my failing marriage sent me on a downward spiral that caused me to fall apart by the age of 27. Some of the worst years of my life taught me much.

Against all odds, I've made it to 50 years of age. 


Ice Cream Headaches
Have you ever gotten an ice cream headache? Can you imagine having that kind of ache in your entire body for one hour?  For 24 hours?  ...What about 30+ years?

The deep pain and ache settles into your bones and every muscle fiber... you stretch, use hot packs but nothing helps.  


It's Cryoglobulinemia Awareness Month.



My name is Dr. Diane Dike. This is some of my cryo story.














Author: Diane Dike, Ph.D., founder of Second Chance with Saving Grace, Inc., an international nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hope and help to those in need.


She is the author of The Adventures of Gracie and Diane book series for children and animal lovers of all ages. All proceeds from the sale of The Adventures of Gracie and Diane book series and Gracie merchandise go to support the outreach work of Second Chance with Saving Grace, Inc., whose mission is to encourage individuals of all ages to overcome even the most daunting of life’s challenges with God’s help.

A gifted teacher, singer, mother and speaker, Diane lives in the Vail Valley of Colorado with her husband Paul, fourteen-year-old service dog Gracie and SIX adopted children and foster children as they need her.

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Foster/Adoption Home Fundraiser, Eagle, Colorado

Who would have thought the idea of a little talent show in our sweet church, Grace Fellowship, would morph into a fantastic fundraising event for the Dike family? Pastor Dan Rohlwing was inspired to take that quaint notion and use it to God’s glory. The Dikes have adopted six kids this past year or so, and needed a van big enough to carry their family all together. This was the perfect venue to raise some funds to help with that.

With many hours of volunteering from the members of Grace Fellowship, the evening hosted a silent auction, the talent show, and lots of fun food. The cherry on top, of course, was a spirit filled mini-concert by award-winning Christian artist (and close family friend of the Dikes), Michael W. Smith.

The event was held at Brush Creek Pavilion, in Eagle, Colorado, and had a great turnout from not only our church, but from the local community, who know the Dikes well and love them.

Nancy Kraft spearheaded the food committee and offered walking tacos (the better to peruse all the auction items) and a delicious array of sweet goodies. The silent auction had items ranging from signed books to a week’s vacation in Costa Rica. The talent show featured singers, skits, and family acts, followed by the concert by Michael W. Smith that moved the audience to tears and worship. What an evening!

The proceeds from the fundraiser has reached over $11,500. If you’d like to contribute to the van fund, you can contact: Grace Fellowship and donateJust put the amount, choose the Dike van fund, and click “donate.”
Or go directly to the Dike Family
Second Chance with Saving Grace, Nonprofit website donate page.


Paul, Diane, and all the kids are so thankful for everyone helping them out!
Written by: Debbie Brockett










Picture Credit Debbie Brockett
(Left to right - Dike Children, Michael W. & Debbie Smith, Dr. Diane Dike, Pastor Austin, Missy Kraft & Family, Paul Dike)