ALS Support Group meeting set for September 25
Individuals interested in joining an ALS Support Group are invited to attend a meeting on September 25 at The Meadows.
Meetings are aimed at individuals with ALS, family, friends and caregivers.
Corinne Brown, who is one of the two individuals coordinating the initial meeting, notes that support group meetings are aimed at individuals across the entire Southwest.
She noted that when her mom was diagnosed with ALS a few years ago, and when she needed support, there were only support groups in Regina, Saskatoon and now Lloydminster.
“From my own experience, there was nobody for me to talk to. And that’s what I was looking for,” she said. “The opportunity should be there for those that wish to access support.”
“We feel there’s a need in this area.” Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), which is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive disease which gradually paralyzes people when motor neurons in the body no longer communicate with the brain. This causes an individual’s muscles to break down, inhibiting them from walking, talking, eating, swallowing, and eventually breathing.
“Each case is different. There isn’t a definite pattern to this disease other than the end result.”
Depending on the turnout at the initial start-up meeting, they are hoping to then have a monthly meeting, with a time and day of the week to be determined by the participants.
“We’re opening this up to people that are diagnosed with ALS, their families and caregivers. Along with people who have experienced ALS in their lives.”
Director of ALS Society of Saskatchewan, Mike Richter, will be in attendance for the first few meetings in order to provide support.
The September 25 meeting will be hosted in the Community Kitchen at The Meadows. Organizers are extending an open invitation, with no obligation to attend additional meetings.
More information on the ALS Society of Saskatchewan is available by visiting http://alssask.ca/en/home or by calling 306-949-4100.