What we’re about
This is a community for people with a range of chronic illnesses and dynamic disabilities, visible or invisible. It is a safe space to socialize and form connections with other people who understand our unique way of existing in the world. Nearly half of Americans have some kind of chronic illness, but it can still feel really isolating to be sick, especially if your illness interferes with your daily activities, has limited treatment options, or is invisible and/or dynamic. But that's ridiculous! There are so many of us facing life like this, and we don't need to be alone in it.
There is nothing pretentious about this community group. Show up in your pajamas or lie down on the couch - we get it. I’d love to see this group expand into several sub-groups (a book club reading about disabled protagonists? a support network for doctor appointment rides, meal trains after surgeries, general help when flare ups make life tough, etc? virtual meetups? a D&D campaign of disabled characters?) but would like to get some people involved first to see what everyone’s most interested in!
This is an inclusive group, and individuals from any race, gender identity, sexuality, religion, disability status, marital status, ethnic group, economic situation, family status, etc. are welcome.
The age range is a loose suggestion intended to help us find friends at similar places in life! Disabled young adults often face a different set of issues than what older adults face. However, if you are within a few years on either side of it and relate to these issues, you are absolutely welcome!
P.S. This is NOT a therapeutic support group, it is NOT a place to give or receive medical advice, it is a social group for people who can relate to one another on the basis of chronic illness.
P.P.S. running a Meetup group is not free. Donations are appreciated but by no means expected.
Rules and policies:
-Ages 20(ish) to (40ish)
-No hate or discriminatory speech allowed
-Other group members’ information must be kept confidential (diagnoses, other personal details)
-This is not a dating site / group. No inappropriate comments, unwanted communication, attempted hookups
-Anything perceived as inappropriate can be brought to an organizer’s attention
-This is not therapy or replacement for professional therapy; we are not professionals
-Any medical information shared during discussion should be verified with your medical provider. We are not medical professionals, nor is anything here medical advice.
-Abuse of member list is grounds for expulsion (no advertising or sales)
-We speak from our own experience, what's worked for us, what we have done, etc. Please do not give forceful or unwanted advice.
-We respect all types of medical treatments and a person’s decision to do so
-Please respect others by not attending MeetUps while sick
-If you are intentionally rude to an organizer or member (name calling, etc.) you will be removed
-Actively participating members that “age out” of the group can stay in if desired
-We reserve the right to remove any member for any reason if problems arise
Disclaimer: Information in this group is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. In signing up for these events, participants accept sole responsibility for their well-being and will not hold the organizer or any member of this community liable in any way. These events are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
By signing up for these events you understand and assume all inherent risks related to the activity and agree to relieve the event host of all responsibilities and liabilities to the fullest extent allowed by law including but not limited to adverse weather conditions, potential for falls, and incidents that may occur traveling to and from the walking Meetup. By signing up you also agree to do all the research and preparation for what is needed for this Meetup.
CFS, Lyme, Mold, CIRS, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, MECFS, Autoimmune Disease, Mast Cell Disorders, MCAS, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, MCS, Multiple Sclerosis, CIDP, Chronic Headache, Migraine, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Back Pain, Chronic Pain, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, EDS, RA, JRA, TBI, PCOS, Endometriosis, Interstitial cystitis, POTS, Dysautonomia, Cancer, Hashimoto's, Graves', Lupus, Celiac Disease, Crohn's Disease, Colitis, IBS, IBD, Depression, Anxiety, Disabled from unknown illness, Genetic Disorders, Environmentally Acquired Illness, and any other related syndromes and illnesses.
