[countryprincess]

#1018566

I live in Southern Oregon and I cant find one support group in my area and I dont think their are ever any conventions for Graves’ sufferers here. It sucks cause we are tight on money like everyone else, so traveling is out. Just wish I new some people from my area to connect with that suffer from Graves’ like I do.

[Bobbi]

#1065744

I spend half of my year out in the West. I go into Oregon frequently. It is such a beautiful part of this country.

I know it is frustrating not to have support systems close by, but I live in a major city, and there is no support group here, either! IF you look at the list of where the groups are, you will see that it’s a pretty short list. Most people have to rely on internet "virtual" support groups, rather than the real thing. It may not be ideal, but it can help.

Wishing you a good day,

[snelsen]

#1065745

I am in Seattle. There is nothing here, either. If I had some energy, I would start one. But right now I don’t. Having found this site, I am not very interested in another meeting to attend.
I find this site probably preferable to a local support group. This site is the best of the best. Browse some topics, write with concerns.
shirley

[Kimberly]

#1065746

Hello – We are slowly starting to see more and more support groups around the country. I attended the GDF’s Leadership Training Session in Brevard, NC in February and will be starting up a support group in Phoenix, AZ. The other attendees either have groups or will be starting groups in Salt Lake City, UT, Atlanta, GA, Raleigh-Duram, NC and Asheville, NC. There are a LOT of logistical issues to tackle in terms of setting up a support group, so the process tends to unfold slowly. Once you start feeling good again, perhaps you might want to explore setting up a support group in your own area to help other patients! In the meantime, as Bobbi said, online support groups are the next best substitute. This is a great forum to have questions answered, get advice, or just plain old vent when you need to! ” title=”Very Happy” />

The convention moves around from location to location each year to provide "equal opportunity" to all attendees. This year it will be in San Diego, so perhaps you can start saving now and keeping an eye on air fares. I have been to the last two conferences, and the GDF usually manages to snag a really nice rate on the hotel rooms. I would definitely enourage you to attend…you do get a lot of great info from the presentations, but it’s an especially uplifting and empowering experience to meet fellow patients in person!

[Ski]

#1065747

There is also a method for types of "scholarships" available to people without means to pay for their trip ~ as well as a method for people on the other side of the equation to give extra to allow for those scholarships to exist. Don’t lose hope ~ check with the Foundation when the registration goes live. We’d love to see you there.

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