Patricia has been a part of the community who attends the ALS Society Support groups since 2013. Initially, she attended the PLS group as this was her initial diagnosis, and then, in 2014 when she was diagnosed with ALS, she began attending the ALS groups.
Patricia is drawn to the sense of community and belonging that she feels when she attends the groups. Though others may not be on the exact same journey living with ALS, it means so much to her to speak openly and honestly about what she experiences living with ALS, and to know that others understand. It is also very meaningful for Patricia to be able to reciprocate and offer support to others.
Patricia says that she is grateful to have a supportive space to speak candidly about living with ALS. She doesn’t always want to be this candid with those closest to her as she is sometimes concerned that what she shares might worry them. In this sense, the group offers an outlet for the difficult aspects of the journey living with ALS.
At the same time, the ALS Support group is where Patricia also shares smiles, laughs, and updates everyone on her latest adventures that bring her joy!
Not only is the group a source of community, genuine support, and belonging for Patricia, but it’s a source of information. She says she has found the nuggets of information that other group members share to be invaluable. She also appreciates hearing the occasional guest speaker.
Patricia’s favorite…the in-person groups! Not only is it a chance to meet those she chats with in zoom groups in person, but it’s one of her favorite outings. We think it might be the cookies too 😊
For someone living with ALS, who has never attended a group, Patricia would encourage them to give it a try and has this to say…
‘There are always others willing to help at the ALS Support Group.’