Spoon theory

The Spoon Theory was developed by Christine Miserandino, a lupus sufferer from New York and founder of the website "But You Don't Look Sick." Miserandino was searching for a way to illustrate to her best friend what she endures every day in order to function with a chronic illness.

The theory uses spoons as units of measurement for personal energy, with the idea being that once the patient has depleted their supply of spoons for the day, they are too exhausted to continue with the necessities of life.

The creation of the theory led to the founding of ButYouDontLookSick.com and remains the single most widely-read article on the website today.

Miserandino went on from the creation of the Spoon Theory to found the website and continue her work as a writer and patient advocate. In 2008 she and her family will be honored by the Lupus Alliance of America for their ongoing efforts to assist the chronically ill.