Good morning Warriors!

[Lindaofficial]

My name is Linda and it's wonderful to be here.

My question to you all; I'm new in town and the closest support group that I know of is 2hrs away from where I live.

How can I start my own support group? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Linda

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

Hi Lindaofficial how are you doing today? Welcome to your new closest support group ☺ 🤣😂

Honestly I think it's National MS Society who puts on the the support groups. nationalmssociety.org

You are more than welcome to stay here though!

🤗💕

Jes🌠

[Lindaofficial in reply to Jesmcd2]

Jesmcd2

I think I need more support. I just moved to Oregon and I have nothing going on but sleep. Lol not good.

[Fancy1959]

Hello Linda 97402. This is fancy 1959 and I would like to officially welcome you to this awesome chat room. You have found a safe place to come and ask questions, seek information, voice concerns, or simply speak to others who truly understand. We're glad you found this and you will soon find out this chat room is full of some of the most kindest, caring and compassionate people you have ever met.

Now do you mind me asking what town have you recently moved into? And in what state is that town? Sometimes it is hard to pinpoint resources available if we're not certain where you're located at. If we cannot locate anything closer to you than 2 hours away a great resource to use in starting a support group would be to put notices up at your neurologist office and other neurologist office, then pick a neutral location to me for the support group. You can try libraries because they often have large meeting rooms they can let you reserve, you can try restaurants that will have party rooms you can reserve as long as you let everyone know that they are responsible for their own tabs or unless you get your local Ms specialist involved and they get support for your group from various pharmaceutical and drug companies. Many of these are done through MS Lifelines and are generally based on a educational topic such as bringing your MRI into Focus, understanding relapses and what can help prevent them, Etc.

There is much beneath the surface of creating a support group that I am unaware of so I'm just giving you a couple basic ideas. Contact MS lifelines and pick their brain about starting up a support group in your area. I hope this helps a bit. I look forward to talking to you in the near future. Until then please take care of yourself and remember together we are stronger!

[Lindaofficial in reply to Fancy1959]

Thank you so much Fancy!

[Lindaofficial in reply to Fancy1959]

I'm in Eugene Oregon. I found the Ms Foundation in Portland. But, it's 2 hours away. Something closer is what I really need.

[Hidden in reply to Lindaofficial]

Hi, I have a friend who moved from Sacramento to Eugene a few years ago. He has found a yoga group for people with MS there. I will ask the location and get it to you. I am terrible with checking and answering promptly. But I promise by next week to get you the info, I hope. 8;

[greaterexp]

Welcome to this wonderful group. I hope you find lots of support here.

I have found what I needed support-wise right here and over time have come to consider this group just like family. I know many who really desire a face-to-face relationship with others who have the same issues as ourselves, and I can understand that a "virtual" relationship doesn't fill that need well.

I hope you find a support network soon. I know how helpful this forum has been to me since my diagnosis.

[Lindaofficial in reply to greaterexp]

Thank you! I know I need more support. After 16yrs of ms, I'm just now coming to reality. I've really been in denial that long.

[JeanieU]

Welcome! I find this online support group (((often))) better than an in person one. Mostly because someone's always available with a response, kind word, advice, or just a virtual shoulder to lean on.

[Lindaofficial in reply to JeanieU]

Hi JeanieU

Thanks for the response.

I've done online support before. I really think I need more support.

[JeanieU in reply to Lindaofficial]

I understand. Fancy gave some great suggestions, I was going to suggest putting up a notice at your neuro's office. Good luck, and keep in touch.

[Lindaofficial in reply to JeanieU]

Thanks and yep she really did.

[greaterexp]

nationalmssociety.org/Chapt...

[FearlessMsMimi]

Contact the MS Society and they can get you information and a starting point with a guide book. nationalmssociety.org/Resou...

If you can’t find a group on here you can ask to start one.

[Kenu]

When I ran a group in Pocatello Idaho MSAA was great in sending me information and handouts to give away 👍. I also got with the local hospital and they gave us a room to meet in and refreshments and treats at every meeting. They also helped with information for speakers to come in👍. We had meetings every first Tuesday of the month at 2:pm and worked out great as people who could not drive could use transit system. Those in rest homes used there vans to attend. We had:35 members and averaged over twenty at every meeting. Good luck and I hope it works out for you 🙏😉🐾. Ken

[tbalbinot]

The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation also has support groups and TONS of educational materials.

Msfocus.org