Mission Statement:
Swirl of Hope is a beacon of support and awareness for individuals navigating the challenging journey of long Covid-19 disorders. Our organization is dedicated to shedding light on the often-overlooked post-Covid conditions, such as anosmia, agnosia, ageusia, cacosmia, dysgeusia, dysosmia, heterosmia, hyposmia, hypogeusia, and parosmia. We are committed to helping those affected by these conditions find their way towards a brighter, healthier tomorrow.
What We Are Doing
1. Raising Awareness
Swirl of Hope is on a mission to educate the public about the various post-Covid conditions that can persist long after the initial infection has passed. Through social media campaigns, awareness events, and collaborations with healthcare professionals, we strive to shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by those with long Covid-19 disorders.
2. Providing Support
We understand that living with post-Covid conditions can be isolating and overwhelming. Swirl of Hope connects individuals with dedicated support groups where they can share experiences, find understanding, and offer encouragement to one another. We believe that together, we can provide strength and hope.
3. Comprehensive Resources
Our website serves as a central hub of information and resources for anyone affected by long Covid-19 disorders. Here, you can find a wealth of information, including:
News Articles: Stay up-to-date with the latest research and developments related to post-Covid conditions.
Patient Advocacy Groups: Discover organizations dedicated to advancing research and advocating for individuals with long Covid-19 disorders.
CDC Information: Access trustworthy guidance and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Mental Health Resources: Find guidance on managing the emotional toll of long Covid-19 disorders.
Videos: Engage with informative and inspiring video content to learn more about these conditions.
Facebook Support Groups: Join a community of individuals who share your experiences and challenges.
4. Uniting for a Swirl of Hope
Swirl of Hope is a place of unity and solidarity. We believe that by coming together, we can turn the swirling uncertainty of post-Covid conditions into a swirl of hope. Our organization is committed to fostering a compassionate and understanding community where no one has to face the journey of recovery alone. Join Swirl of Hope in our mission to bring awareness, support, and hope to those affected by long Covid-19 disorders. Together, we can make a difference and help individuals find their way back to a brighter, healthier future.
Pam Flynn lives in Atlantic Beach, NC. She is happily married to John and is blessed with two children, their spouses, and five precious grandchildren. Pam’s greatest joy comes from spending time with her family and friends. Volunteering and helping those in need are important to her. You can often find her spending hours walking on various local beaches, enjoying nature and searching for treasures.
Pam spent thirty rewarding years teaching kindergarten and first grade in Morehead City, NC. She calls it “the job that keeps on giving” as she delights in seeing her many former students and their families during her daily life out and about in the community.
Following Pam’s years in education, she was employed at Le Chris Counseling Services for ten years. There, she mentored children and adults facing mental health issues, which she found very insightful and rewarding.
During the following five years, Pam enjoyed her next adventure as a substitute teacher at local elementary schools. Spending time with little ones again reminded her of the true reason she chose to be a teacher. Most mornings included stops to buy Little Debbie Cakes on her way to class!!
For eight years, Pam owned and operated a vacation rental she named “Bettie’s Best Kept Secret.” She was pleased and gratified when families and friends made happy memories at her vacation home.
Pam pondered over a year developing the idea behind “Swirl of Hope™”. She spent many hours of reading and researching, and feels it is the perfect time to share this knowledge publicly.
I contracted COVID-19 in August of 2021 and within two weeks, I lost all taste and smell capabilities. I tried many remedies in hopes of restoring these important senses: essential oils, acupuncture, chiropractic adjustment, castor oil, nasal sprays (both over-the-counter and prescription), Stellate Ganglion shots, cinnamon capsules, zinc, vitamin C, Lion’s Mane, smelling kits, prescription steroids, Tens 7000 Unit to stimulate the vagus nerve, appointments with an ENT doctor and an ENT Otolaryngologist, a four-hour smell test, Neti pot, antibiotics, alpha lipoic acid, turmeric curcumin, nicotine patches, niacin, albuterol sulfate inhaler, fish oil, B12, and more.
At times, my condition would change into distortion of taste and smell. Everything tasted and smelled rancid, rotten, putrid, or sour. There were times I couldn’t stay in my house if food was cooking.
The first year I suffered from these disorders, I rarely cooked, which was one of my favorite hobbies. However, I made sure my husband was fed well by getting him healthy take out! Because I could slightly taste sweets, like honey buns, vanilla milkshakes, and lemon cookies, I gained weight. Finally, I started cooking, despite the fact that the food often smelled and tasted distorted. I found research that indicated by continuing eating my “normal” foods, my brain might reconnect with my olfactory nerves. Unfortunately, nothing has changed, and I still suffer from this.
I struggle when eating out with friends, attending parties, and other social events. So often a friend will say to me, “Taste this, it’s awesome!”, or “How’s your food?” I often just say, “I don’t know.” Unlike a physical injury, mine is silent. How often I wished I had a sign or symbol to share my condition without having to explain time and time again.
I began thinking of creating a symbol that would explain that I had taste and smell issues. I thought for months about what symbol would be best to share the information, and every time, my mind went back to a painting my daughter, Amanda, created over twenty years ago. She named it “The Swirl”. Each time I looked at it, I saw bright colors of hope, dark colors of frustration, a swirl of emotions and feelings. I named it “Swirl of Hope™”. I feel it truly represents the many facets of taste and smell disorders.
Swirl of Hope™
Browse our list of products created to spread the awareness for people living with long COVID-19.
“Loss or distortion of taste and smell causes one to lose a very important and emotional way of experiencing the world and affects our quality of life. These two senses play a huge role in our lives, this becomes apparent only when one experiences this loss or distortion.”
Pam Flynn
Founder, Swirl of Hope™
Long COVID-19
Resources and Support
Browse the resources that have been developed to help individuals with Post COVID-19 conditions obtain the treatment, care, support, and information they need.
Do you have any questions or suggestions?
Contact us to be a part of this mission of HOPE.