[J. Tithonus Pednaud]

I have Paget's Disease, formerly known as osteitis deformas. It pretty painful, but I've learned to deal with it and in the last few years my treatment has really stepped up and is less intrusive. I have never gone on disability or on assistance of any sort for the problem and continue to live a physical lifestyle. I just deal with the pain, my tolerance is high thanks to my years of sideshow stunts.

I know that I sometimes require surgery, or just time off, so I generally work seasonal or contract work in the arts, film and not-for-profit industries. Generally I work eight month to one year contracts, projects and shoots with a few weeks or months off in between so attendance has never been an issue. Now I work for myself, so it's never an issue.

Probably the creepiest thing about my condition is that a few months back I purchased a load of late 1800's cabinet cards. There were two in there, sideshow folk, with osteitis deformas. To see what the condition does untreated what shocking.

If you are going to volunteer, with kids, why not be a Big Brother? I doubt that would raise any sort of red flag.

Does the US government not offer self employment funding and opportunities to those with disabilities? I know those programs exist here in Canada.