merrygirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12041
posted
I want to start a local support group in my area. The closest locations are over an hour away. I live in a heavy tick area (we have the second most reports of Lyme in our county)
The thing is that I am relatively new to Lyme disease. Is this going to pose a problem?
I just thought even if a few Lymies got together to discuss what everyone is going through etc.
Any advice appreciated. Melissa
Posts: 3905 | From USA | Registered: May 2007
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CaliforniaLyme
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 7136
posted
You just need 2 people to have a meeting!!!
If you have one, THEY WILL COME*)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Local libraries rent out rooms or donate them for free- so do churches-
and you can put up flyers or get local radio stations to announce you!!!!!!!!!!
Yay*)!*)!! One more support group*)!*)!! We need every one*)!!!!!!!! & Everyone*)!*)!!!!!
Take care-
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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merrygirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12041
posted
Thanks! I will start calling around.
Melissa
Posts: 3905 | From USA | Registered: May 2007
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posted
Merrygirl and I have been in contact, small world actually.
So the question is what works, what doesn't...what is the best way to avoid the pitfalls...and what are the common ones anyway?
Posts: 115 | From USA | Registered: May 2006
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lymednva
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9098
posted
I am also interested in this thread.
Lymeout and I are working on starting a group at our church. Their first inclination is to lump us with the autoimmune support group. We did our best to explain why we don't belong there!
There are quite a few members at our church who have Lyme, in varying stages.
-------------------- Lymednva Posts: 2407 | From over the river and through the woods | Registered: Apr 2006
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merrygirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12041
CaliforniaLyme
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 7136
posted
Diva, you could explain that maybe some of those people belong with *you**)!*)!!
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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posted
I would be willing to share the information I compiled. I posed this question here longer ago and got little response, so I wrote up my own info using resources I found.
I have - Guide to Starting a LD support group Tips for Running a Support Group (includes pitfalls) Support Group Membership Rules
Just send me a pm. I like to share.
-------------------- **Eat Chocolate** Posts: 942 | From USA | Registered: Mar 2005
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merrygirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12041
posted
Thanks imanurse! PM sent!
melissa
Posts: 3905 | From USA | Registered: May 2007
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posted
Good for you, merrygirl... I have been "toying", actually more than toying, with the very same idea myself... There is nothing around where I live either, but I am just not sure how to go about starting it... I have not yet even been diagnosed with Lyme, only Fibromyalgia, so I have been very hesitant.. Hope it works out well for you...
Posts: 50 | From Port Crane, NY | Registered: Apr 2007
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posted
I almost posted about this same topic the other day. I am interested in started a group too. There are no support groups in my area. I think the closest one is in Austin- which is like 8 hours from me. My local doc told me that he is treating over 60 patients with Lyme Disease. So there has to be a lot in my area. EVen though according to the CDC there are no incidences of Lyme Disease in my area. Posts: 248 | From Tejas | Registered: Jun 2007
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merrygirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12041
posted
Well I did it. It is official. I started the support group with the help of another Lymenetter! If you guys are thinking about it it DO IT it was relatively easy. I am glad I did.
If you have any q's about what I did PM me and I will share! Good Luck! Melissa
Posts: 3905 | From USA | Registered: May 2007
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YOu can get things made cheap; I made hundreds of large postcards for my support group but ive never gotten it off the ground. I will though; just need to feel well enough to circulate them.
13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG. Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005
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quote:Originally posted by LaurenTurner: I almost posted about this same topic the other day. I am interested in started a group too. There are no support groups in my area. I think the closest one is in Austin- which is like 8 hours from me. My local doc told me that he is treating over 60 patients with Lyme Disease. So there has to be a lot in my area. EVen though according to the CDC there are no incidences of Lyme Disease in my area.
Hi Lauren-
Have you contacted your state association and told them you are interested in starting a group in your area? They would probably be a great resource and help with announcing your group.
Send your email address to me by PM if you want some info.
-------------------- **Eat Chocolate** Posts: 942 | From USA | Registered: Mar 2005
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pmerv
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1504
posted
IMA my email is pmerv at hughes dot net thanks
-------------------- Phyllis Mervine LymeDisease.org Posts: 1808 | From Ukiah, California, USA | Registered: Aug 2001
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