Nickie Coby Provides Help for People with Pain or Blindness

Forest Lake, Minnesota
June 23, 2007
Nickie Coby describes the challenges and joys found in living with chronic pain and a visual impairment with the publication of her first book Nickie’s Nook: Sharing the Journey in conjunction with Lulu (www.lulu.com), the world’s fastest growing provider of print-on-demand books.

Nickie’s Nook: Sharing the Journey is a compilation of essays, stories and blog entries which describe Coby’s experience living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and blindness. “I noticed that even though I find living as a blind person to be different, not bad, I couldn’t find that type of perspective with my pain,” Coby explained. “I wanted to share my own experiences to both educate others and provide support to those struggling with chronic pain. Most importantly, I wanted to tell others dealing with chronic pain and a visual impairment that they aren’t alone and give them suggestions on how to manage both conditions effectively.”

Coby uses personal experiences to highlight societal challenges for people with disabilities. “My goal in producing this book is not to speak for all people who are blind, nor is it to speak for all people who suffer from CRPS. Rather, I hope readers will come away having learned something about what it is like for one person who lives with pain and blindness and allowing that perspective to begin a new understanding,” said Coby.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a potentially debilitating condition in which the body’s healing process is disrupted. It causes excruciating pain, and is known to be one of the most painful conditions when ranked among other disorders and accidents.

Coby also describes life with her Guide Dog, Julio. In the book, she shares portions of her training and experiences in high school and college. The book also features a short section dealing with her experiences using Clicker Training, a method of using positive reinforcement to shape behavior when dealing with guide dogs.

Nickie’s Nook: Sharing the Journey sells for $14.94 (print) and $8.75 (PDF download). The book can be purchased from Lulu by visiting www.nickiesjourney.info
A portion of the proceeds will be used to support Guide Dogs for the Blind and research on Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

About Lulu
Founded in 2002, Lulu is the world’s fastest-growing print-on-demand marketplace for digital do-it-yourselfers. Please see www.lulu.com for more information.

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