Hometown: Born in Newark, New Jersey. Residing in Burlington Township, New Jersey for the past 13 years.
Family: Myself and teen girls, Jessica & Jill, and Alex, age 11. I also have my mom and dad and two brothers. We lost one brother to Leukemia at the age of five.
Overcoming Adversity: Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS), Burning Mouth Syndrome
Education: Associates of Arts Degree, majoring in Liberal Arts, Minoring in Psychology, Middlesex County College, Edison, New Jersey; Certified Home Health Care Aide, Studied at Virtua Hospital, Mt. Holly, New Jersey; Presently attending Rizzieri Institute, Massage Therapy and Holistic Studies; Certified as Substitute Teacher in the Burlington County, New Jersey, School District.
Hobbies: Reading, movies, crafts, decorative painting, gardening, listening to all types of music, walking, yoga and power napping whenever possible. I hope traveling will become a realized hobby in the near future. I did have the privilege of traveling with twelve of my church members to Greece a few years ago as we followed the footsteps of St. Paul. It was so beautiful that I still cannot believe that I was actually there!
Favorite Quotes: "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." -- Helen Keller
"For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning." -- Psalm 30, Verse 5
"I get knocked down, but I get up again, and you're never going to keep me down." -- Song by: Chumbawamba
"I live this journey of chronic pain so that I can understand and help ease the pain of others." -- Candy Morris
"Happiness and contentment are a choice. Work to make them a priority in your life." -- Candy Morris
Role models: My parents, Helen and Alex. My dad's appreciation of people and the simple things in life have really helped me along with his strength, strong worth ethic, and his gentleness. My mom has been a great role model because she never pushed us in one direction or another but let us learn from our mistakes and make the best of them. My other role models include author Louise L. Hay, Anne Frank, and Helen Keller.
Goals: My goal is to raise my children to be healthy and compassionate individuals. I enjoy and encourage them to express themselves in their own, unique ways. I know that my goal will be reached when I send them off and let them fly towards their own dreams, not mine. As far as chronic pain is concerned, my goal is to raise awareness and support so that new treatments and eventually a cure can be found. I want to encourage people to never lose hope. I would also like to write a book and start my own home business.
Greatest accomplishment: Giving birth to my three children, who are each gifts from God; Overcoming depression and pulling myself out of the dark, bottomless pit, thereby choosing to live.
Describe the work you do to help others:
Coordinator of The Fibromyalgia Support Group of Burlington (held the first Tuesday of each month). Attending conferences on Fibromyalgia and being available as telephone support for the Fibromyalgia Network, Tuscon, Arizona. I sell T-shirts at events and also over the Internet, helping to educate and raise money for much needed Fibromyalgia research projects. My T-shirt support group logo states that, "Knowledge Brings Hope!" I also serve as a Deacon at my church.

TESTIMONIALS

"I met Candy at her support group meeting several years ago when we were both suffering from chronic illness. Her dynamic, bubbly personality was uplifting and inspiring. I was amazed how a person who was ill had such a high-energy, cheerful voice. Now, several years later (as we have both recovered), I still go to the meetings for an uplifting, enjoyable, and motivational evening!" -- Carol Weatherby, CHT and Frequency Balancing Energy Practitioner

"Candy Morris is a dynamo! If one were to try to keep up with her demanding schedule as a mother of three, a popular substitute teacher, a volunteer at her children's schools serving in myriad capacities (often of an artistic nature), a member and occasional soloist with her church choir - as well as a Deacon - it would be quite a challenge! I've personally benefited from Candy's guidance and expertise as a participant in the FMS Support Group she leads. She's so generous with her time and energy even with total strangers via her web site and telephone) in combating FMS and other related adversities, that one could scarcely believe that she has also learned to deal with these conditions herself for a decade." -- Gale Simon-Bierenbaum, Creative Dance Movement Teacher

Candy runs Fibromyalgia support groups which are a life-line for those suffering from this debilitating disease. Candy's Dream: I always dreamed of going to Europe and taking in all the spectacular sights, sounds and tastes of the many cultures. Of course I would take a few hundred of my FMS t-shirts with me and pass them out to anyone who would like one. I hope to leave a pleasant, "love of life" memory of myself with those whose paths I've crossed.