Jun 21, 2009
People with MS and their families are connecting with each other in group meetings
Across our Chapter community, people with MS and their families are connecting with each other in group meetings that offer useful information while also welcoming honest exchanges about the trials, fears – and yes, even laughable moments – of living with MS. A recent meeting of a “self-help group” in Tacoma gave us insights into why people find help and hope from coming together.
Larry Shank is the long-time group leader. He and his wife, Gloria, have a daughter who, like Larry, also has MS. “Our group decides which issues we want to learn about – long-term care, nutrition, wills and trusts, physical therapy – and then we invite attorneys, financial planners, neurologists and other experts to meet with us. That’s the first hour. Then we all just open up and share what’s going on in our lives. Coming here gives us peace of mind and helps us live better with MS.”
Thelma Carlson, who came with her mother, Jean Beattie, joked about going to her “dizzy doctor” that day for help with balance. “Everyone here is experiencing the same things I am so it makes it less scary. It builds my confidence because I see everything they’ve been through and what we’re all still accomplishing.”
Coralie Rowan was attending for the first time. “I just needed some support. Sometimes, I feel like it’s just me. But listening to people laugh here tonight, it made it better. We all have our unique problems, but I can look at people around me and be able to say, ‘Well, she made it through.’ I think it’s going to help.”
Anna Heupel had the group laughing with tales of her fuzzy vision while taking a recent drivers license test. She has two sisters and a niece who also have MS. “She’s on a high the week after she takes her Tysabri, but then she bottoms out. It’s frustrating, unpredictable,” said her husband, Rodney. “Going to these meetings as a spouse and a care provider, I learn about how to be more compassionate.”
Jeri Kirkegaard shared her emotions about having to retire from work and got encouragement from others about volunteering. “The first time I came I was afraid to admit to people that I had MS. I didn’t want to use a cane. People in the group told me, ‘Don’t be embarrassed. You’ll be more embarrassed if you fall.’ Each month I got to feeling that coming here was something special that I could do for myself.”
David Lewtas came to the meeting even though his wife, Cathy, who has MS, was laid up at home with a broken ankle. “I’m inspired by what everybody here goes through. To hear the camaraderie of the group, we just get inspired by each other.”
VIEW A LIST of more than 30 groups across Washington state. Don’t see one near you? It’s easy to start one up yourself. To learn how, Email Gregg Robinson or 206-284-4254, ext. 243.