Tuesday, August 12, 2008

KAAWS-Karen And Arthritis Women's Support-NYC

Hi Friends,
I am proud to announce the first meeting of the KAAWS group -
Karen and Arthritis Women's Support. It will be held on
Thursday September 25, 2008 at 7.45 p.m in midtown Manhattan. Venue - TBA

Recently, I have been contacted by many young women who are struggling to come to terms with their arthritis. These are women from all walks of life. Some are in their 20's and are fearful of their future, yet they know they must persevere with guts and determination to build a career and juggle their personal lives. Being single or dating with the disease doesn't seem to matter, their profound feelings of helplessness are the same. Then there's the women who have arthritis, along with powerful jobs, husbands and families to take care of. They're trying to 'do it all', but are feeling like they are failing. Depression or anger soon follows. We also have to face the daily intense fatigue that comes with chronic disease. It's just another thing to cope with. Whichever way you look at it, it's overwhelming.

Most women choose not to blog, preferring to contact me directly through my website where the mail automatically drops into my personal box. It's time to go public ladies! We have to because we all need each others support. Please start blogging, rather than emailing, so we can share the burden. You are not alone.

In response to these women reaching out, I have decided to start the
Karen And Arthritis Women's Support group (KAAWS). The meetings will be informal and over a glass of wine, or Pellegrino if you prefer. The first meeting will be on
Thursday September 25, 2008 at 7.45 p.m. in midtown Manhattan. The exact venue will be announced via blog as soon as I can gauge the numbers. This will be the first of many which I hope will expand across the country. The meeting is open to anyone suffering a chronic condition and any woman who feels she needs support in general. It doesn't matter whether you have arthritis or Lupus, MS, Parkinson's, or if you're a mom and feeling alone in Manhattan. Come along and talk about it; perhaps we'll even have a laugh.

For now, remember to make the present moment your friend.
Cheers
Karen

1 Comments:

Blogger MermaidDianna said...

Karen.
I have been reading your blog and other information you have posted on line.
I am heading into year three of living with RA and have been seeking out a support group ever since.
I would love to attend the next group meeting that you mentioned would be end of Feb or March 09.
Has a date/venue been set yet?
Thanks so much for letting me know.
Best,
Dianna

February 17, 2009 6:29 PM  

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