Carole, Sherri & Wayne Connell,

Founder & President of IDA.

   The Cleaner Indoor Air Campaign was inspired by the needs of Sherri Connell and her mother, Carole. They both suffer from very severe Multiple Chemical Sensitivities. Just leaving their homes puts them in danger of an exposure to various chemicals.

   For Sherri and Carole, going to a gathering, grocery store, church, restaurant or medical facility almost guarantees they will have a serious neurological reaction to chemicals in fragrances, soaps, shampoos, deodorants, laundry detergents, cleaning products, paints, new carpet, etc. that can last for days or even weeks at a time. Therefore, they must live their lives avoiding these places in order to lower their risk of attack, causing them to feel isolated and barricaded from the world.

   In 2004 they were having such horrible reactions when attending a church service, that by 2005 they could no longer go at all. To make matters worse, they were having reactions nearly every time they went to a doctor's office for their necessary appointments. That is when they knew it was time to bring down the barriers by educating the people around them towards a change!

   Because Sherri and Carole are both dealing with other debilitating illnesses as well, they are unable to spread the word beyond their own circle of doctors, friends and family. Therefore, The Invisible Disabilities Advocate decided to sponsor and run this campaign to help others like Sherri and Carole inform their own loved ones, favorite businesses, medical facilities and religious organizations about this growing problem.