HopeNET is about hope

I know it sounds trite but HopeNET is about hope. We aim for something higher than just being a source of information regarding Essential Tremor. We do plan to provide information but we also want to be a gathering point in which people affected by Essential Tremor can come to feel part of a community.  Almost all of us who have ET have felt that sense of being alone. At one point or another, we have been reluctant to speak or hesitant to meet people. HopeNET is not offering a magic elixir. Rather we are a forum in which we can share and help each other deal with this condition.

We want to see a better appreciation for the difficulties facing those with Essential Tremor. I am well aware that there are a number of other neurological conditions that are devastating. But I have seen first hand the lack of appreciation of the difficulties we face on the part of the overall community in which we live and the medical community in particular. One of HopeNET’s primary goals is to foster better consideration of Essential Tremor. We plan to do that by working collectively to inform others. This will require a medium for fostering mutual understanding and help for those affected by ET. HopeNET’s website will primarily be that medium.

An example is coping mechanisms for dealing with ET. We all have learned some means of dealing with the condition. There is much to be gained by sharing what we’ve learned so that our lives are made easier. But I see the need to broaden HopeNET’s scope. What about something like internal tremor? I have heard countless stories about its effects – that are almost traumatic at times. Yet few outside those with ET know about it, and that includes most of the people in the medical community. HopeNET intends to work very hard to make people aware of it and hopefully provide better consideration for those affected by it.

We want HopeNET to be a two-way street. We will all benefit by sharing our experiences. In the process, this should lead to an increase awareness of Essential Tremor – the ultimate goal.