Wow!
What a big week I've
had! Magazine appearances, a TV interview, No Limits filming and my real
job. I am exhausted! And honoured.
I have been featured in New Idea magazine in Australia, and Pick Me Up magazine in the UK. I also did a radio interview on 3CR about disability in the media.
I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to read the New Idea article I featured in, especially those who have contacted me with their wishes. The response has been amazing! Nothing like I anticipated. I was portrayed so positively. I didn't write the article but my personality did shine through.
I received calls, texts, emails, tweets, Facebook comments and praise from people face to face. My parents are so proud.
Strangers have written to me to thank me for raising awareness about ichthyosis. Some of these strangers have ichthyosis too - I have helped them. People I haven't heard from in years have written to me, congratulating me. Others I know have told me they just didn't realise the severity of ichthyosis. Famous people have written to me. Like super blogger Kerri Sackville: "YES! Keep meaning to tell you, I was pointing in
the hairdresser's yesterday - I know her! (virtually). I know her!!!!
FAB article. You GO girl! xxx" And singer Genevieve Maynard wrote some kind words via email and Twitter.
Comments touched me:
"You are so amazing.
That is all."
"
Great photos Carly superstar! you look fantastic!"
"Your an inspiration to everyone out there Carly ,
thanks for being u:) ps loved the article and so did our little boy who
decided to eat it! Hehe.... Well done"
"I'm
proud to be able to call Carly my friend. She might be brave, inspiring
and confident but she's also caring, funny & honorable. I'm proud
of you Carly!
I'm REALLY proud of you Carly. Not only have you
excelled in your career but you've exelled at life (AND not just because
in the article it said that the doctors warned your parents you may not
survive). And I hope you are told that every day, that what you have...
Is special and you DO have the power to change peoples minds and
perceptions. "
"I saw you. I read about you. I showed everyone at work your article."
And comments made me laugh:
"
Great article, Carly.
My 2 year old son was kissing your photo last night."
"I blame you for the
fact that I now have an interest in the Royal Wedding in Monaco &
Daniel Radcliffes booze consumption, but seriously congrats on landing a
great piece of stereotype busting & awareness raising (paint
pallette lol). A win +++++ I wanted to avoid any misunderstandings so went in
Sarah Leonardi's wedding outfit while awkwardly clutching a giant white
carnation. Meant I could say ""just checking how the cover shoot turned
out boys"."
There have been hundreds more comments. Wow.
I also received this comment:"Your new idea article
is lovely Carly :)
... but I read your untouched blog post and
it made me all teary. I have to be honest, I much prefer to read your
writing! I think you should consider writing an autobiography. and then
when you start a changing faces in Australia you can write part 2 :) you
are much more than a new idea story of the week!"
I have also been so moved by the response I've received from my Untouched blog entry. This is one of the realities of my life. And I am so proud that the words I've written about my own experiences have resonated with so many, from people with ichthyosis and other disabilities to the man whose arms I fell asleep in.
I think I am reaching the right people. I think I am changing perceptions. I know I am doing this by just being myself. And for that I am proud.
