Our support network was established in 2001 first as a therapeutic outlet for the creator, Nicole H. Holmes, to express her feelings of frustration while she was going through a difficult episode of flair ups with Hansen's disease. With the assistance of IDEA, the International Association for Integration, Dignity, and Economic Advancement of people with Hansen's disease, the website has expanded to become a support network for people diagnosed with Hansen's disease, as well as their family and friends. Participation is done through e-mail or by calling the number below. We continue to be a resource for people newly diagnosed who are searcing for others with this illness to talk to. We provide useful information from a personal perspective by communicating some of the experiences and challenges that we have had to overcome with Hansen's disease.