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SUE MALONEY: I have been doing crafts
and learning about my heritage now for about 18 years.
Not only do I have the fibromyalgia,
I also have what's called myophasia syndrome,
like muscle strains.
I cannot work a 40-hour job
because I cannot stand for any length of time,
I can't sit for any length of time.
Walking, at times, is a major issue.
It took my therapist and my doctor about three years
to finally convince me that it would be better
if I didn't work a regular job
and to apply for social security disability.
That was difficult for me,
but there's some days when I really can't walk.
DEE WINTHROP: If Sue's having a really bad day,
something as simple as standing up to ring the register
can be really hard,
and she needs to sit down.
And some days she's all over the place in here, and that's great.
I'm lucky I've got people in my life that are available for me,
who will step up in a heartbeat,
to come in and, you know,
ring the register for a little bit for me if I need them.
You know, if I have a doctor's appointment or whatever.
These days, I don't do as much of my own craftwork
because it's difficult.
It hurts.
I don't have the feeling in my hands like I used to,
or the dexterity to do the intricate beading.
Eventually, I'd like to start doing and showing
a little more of my own crafts,
but it's painful for me to do it.
WINTHROP: Sue gets up every day
and accomplishes something.
Whether it's small or big, she accomplishes something.
Through the pain, through whatever, she does it.
MALONEY: Coming in, I have to set up
and make sure things look nice.
Almost on a daily basis,
I'm putting up some kind of an order that I've ...
that's come in.
Paperwork.
I have to keep track of all of my artists.
Whatever has sold, I go through the consignment book
and make sure that I've given everybody credit
for what they've sold.
People do not get, um, what's going on with me
as far as my physical disabilities.
There's times that it's okay,
there's times that it's not okay.
And they're like, "What's wrong with you?
How come you look like you're normal?"
I say, "Well, define 'normal.'"
(laughs)
I vend, mostly.
Lots of dancing and lots of fun, along with some serious
ceremonial and spiritual things as well.
The energy is very uplifting and it's very healing,
and for the short time that I'm here, I feel good.
It's really kind of like a hangover.
You kind of get really tired and you don't feel good
and it lasts, you know, a couple of days sometimes,
but, you know, then you just go on.
Working with this disability is heartbreaking at times.
Frustrating.
I get angry a lot.
But I refuse to let it get me down.
I will not be down until I can't be up.
NARRATOR: For more information, call 1-877-YES-WORK.
That's 1-877-937-9675.
Or access our Web site at workwithoutlimits.org.