Our Mission is…
To ensure, through education, discussion and peer support, people living with neuropathy and neuropathic pain have a safe place where they can talk and be heard, ask questions and receive credible information.
Our Vision is…
Over the next 10 years, the CNA will evolve into a self-sustaining association with adequate funding and staff to manage a Neuropathy Resource Centre. The Neuropathy Resource Centre’s main purpose is to teach neuropathy sufferers self-advocacy and self-management of their symptoms; and, to educate healthcare professionals on neuropathy.
Our Values are…
What we believe to be true and they guide us in every activity and decision. Our 5 core values are: Awareness | Connection | Optimism | Trust | Compassion
Below are flipboards that share the CNA Values. Each value is supported by 3 supporting values or concepts. Tap or float over each box to read more about each value.
Core Value 1 – Awareness
Awareness
Every person needs to know about neuropathy and how they can help.
We encourage continual learning through awareness and support; and we support research for the benefit all impacted by neuropathy.
Advocate and Promote
Share the wisdom of self-management for Neuropathy through advocacy and promotion.
Education
Help others through education.
Research
Research is our future. Researchers are our guide.
Core Value 2 – Optimism
Optimism
Optimism improves lives. Hope opens eyes. Positivity lifts spirits. Balance keeps us grounded.
We adopt optimism as we balance reality and hope.
Hope
With no cure, we offer instead hope for improved quality of life and relief by opening people's eyes to self-management strategies.
Positivity
Positivity, including seeking joy and practicing gratitude, is undeniably and proven to be important to our individual care and quality of life.
Balance
It is important to balance optimism and hope with the reality of our situation.
Core Value 3 – Trust
Trust
Trust means being impartial, respectful, and a safe place.
We build and exhibit trust and integrity to ensure a safe place for sharing and support.
A Safe Place
A Safe Place boosts well-being.
Respect
Respect gives dignity.
Impartial
Impartiality instills confidence.
Core Value 4 – Compassion
Compassion
Compassion is empathy, caring, and support; and is the foundation of our programs.
We display compassion through our interactions with members, supporters and the community at large.
Empathy
Empathy: Neuropathy experiences are shared experiences.
Caring
Show care by giving close attention, sharing time, and understanding needs.
Support
Compassionate support speaks to the whole person.
Core Value 5 – Connection
Connection
Connection means everything.
We, at the CNA, connect and embrace our diverse community in supporting those impacted by peripheral neuropathy including those living with a chronic disease and/or chronic pain. Our robust connections shape a community that thrives on meaningful engagement and relationships.
Community
Our community includes anyone who cares and tries to understand neuropathy and its impact.
Engagement
Engagement is key to success.
Relationships
Relationships with our members are our most important relationships.
Our Goals are…
So, where are we going with all this? Our CNA mission, vision and values are important to us as an organization because they guide everything we do and how we do it. We’ve set all our goals with them in mind.
Our highest priority goals on the path to living our mission and achieving our vision are to:
- Change from a “working board” to a “governing board” so as a board we can focus more on priorities and less on keeping the lights on
- Attain sustainability as an organization so we can be assured we exist long into the future
- Raise awareness about neuropathy, focusing on Calgary then Canada
Not to worry, our neuropathy self-management education and support programs are still a priority too. Meeting the above three goals are to help us expand those programs and to build new ones.
We hope you come along on this journey with us to: make the CNA a go-to resource for neuropathy sufferers; pull neuropathy out of the shadows of obscurity to make it known by everyone; and, ensure the CNA is around to help us all for decades to come.