Autoimmune Disease Support Group
A Central NJ Support Group EMAIL US AT: AUTOIMMUNEGROUP@GMAIL.COM
 
     
 

Our  Mascots are Marlie and Wilson!  

"It's nice to know someone cares"

About Us

Our Founder, Joanne Price, lived with the uncertainty of chronic illness for years before getting a diagnosis.  It took 3 years to find a doctor who identified that it was "autoimmune"; after another 6 1/2 years, she was finally given the name of the disease that had changed everything about her life!  She tried treatment after treatment, medication after medication all while watching her wellness and life crumble.  By 2008 she was disabled to work.  Looking for some support for herself she turned to the Internet.  She found it less than satisfying to "post" her questions and feelings on a "board".  Without direct responses, she felt like it was more like "venting" and most times it would be a week or more before she felt well enough to get back onto the computer. It was not easy to locate the responses to the posts she had made so long ago!!! She really craved the personal experience of a "face-to-face" support group. She set about to find something local, only to find the closest group an hour away. At that point in her illness she was only able to drive very short distances and where she was very familiar.  She made the decision that when she felt well enough, she would start a support group herself!  November of 2009 the first meeting of The Living With Autoimmune Disease Support Group met in the very same room where we meet today! Joanne's husband Patrick, who is a disabled Army Veteran and suffers from a traumatic brain injury and PTSD became disabled in 2005.  He was eventually diagnosed with autoimmune (Sjogrems) in 2012, and in 2016, after a very serious hospitalization with a collapsed lung due to pneumonia and empyema, was diagnosed with deficient immunity of IGg Sub-class 3.  He requires monthly infusions to support his immune system. It appears that those infusions may be lifelong...

Presently, Joanne brings hope to the group by having great success on her current treatment!  She took baby steps working a few hours a week for two years and is currently working more, which requires more assistance running the group. Her husband Patrick was such a proponent of the group that he now helps in any way that he can even with his health struggles!  We also have Robbin, our "Right Hand Woman" who also facilitates in Joanne's absence, and is our Marketing Liaison. She also wears the hat of Coordinator of Guest Speakers!  And we have our own Addie has become our Director of All Things Creative! From logos to name tags, Addie is our go-to!  It's important to remember that each person who has a hand in the successful operation of our group is dealing with a chronic illness and we each have to delicately balance our health with our desire to help others.

Since 2009 our group has grown from 3-4 faces at the table, to today where the norm is 12-14 active members coming together all sharing their experiences, knowledge and support for the common theme of helping others who walk in their shoes.

So far we have helped over 70 people at our group table and our website helps over a thousand visitors per month!  Members at the table come and go; some become too sick to come out, others get better and no longer need the support... some members pop back in when they are having a rough patch... still others have reached out for the information, but have yet to come to the table to meet us... but we are here when they do.

Our operating costs are offset by donations collected at each meeting but we do not require a fee to attend.

As a member of the Autoimmunegroup, you will receive peer support, which means that everyone around the table is experiencing the same kinds of symptoms that you do, so when we say that we understand, we really, truly do understand. This group is not meant to replace psychotherapy or counseling. It is merely another tool in your journey to the best level of wellness you can achieve.

We listen and we speak from the heart.

Please utilize our written Blog and Video blog for some instant support, as well as to get a feel for the kinds of conversations that take place at our meetings.

Trying out a group meeting can be a little scary. It may help to know that while everyone is given the chance to share at each meeting, it is not a requirement. No one will ever force you to speak! While our guidelines provide a trusting and confidential place to share, comfort can be found in just being present and listening to the others in the group.

After 90 minutes with our group, members leave with some new coping skills and strategies as well as with a sense of comfort and belonging.

Our new facilitator, Nancy, has been a member of group since nearly the beginning. Please email Nancy as she would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our meetings. She will then invite you to come to a virtual group meeting so that you can decide if this type of support is right for you. Email at:  autoimmunegroup@gmail.com  Please remember Nancy is also a patient and there are days she struggles with pain and fatigue just like you. It may take a day or two for a response.

You don't have to feel alone anymore.

 

 
 

EMAIL US AT:  AUTOIMMUNEGROUP@GMAIL.COM