Western Pennyslvania Kidney Support Groups

[Angie]

For those of you living in the Southwestern Pennsylvania region, join the Western PA Kidney Support Group:

From this link: http://www.wpakidneysupport.org/

NEXT SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS

   Sunday, July 26th - 2-4PM - Westmoreland, King's Restaurant, Youngwood

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

If you have kidney disease or love someone who does, we want you to know that you are not alone.  Sharing experiences and networking with others who are (or have been) in the same position can empower you to overcome obstacles.    Our groups provide you with companionship, understanding and information.

It costs nothing to join-- just come to one of our regular meetings to meet others who understand the challenges of kidney disease.

We have three area groups meeting regularly to serve you:  Pittsburgh East, Pittsburgh West and Westmoreland.

Go to this link for more information:  http://www.wpakidneysupport.org/

Who Are We.

http://www.wpakidneysupport.org/whoweare.htm

** Posted as well by Getlife on KidneySpace.com

[getlife]

I attend the 2 of the 4 support groups here in Southwestern PA.  My friend Stephanie was one of the founders of the support groups, several years ago.  A lot of the members have been there since the beginning.  There are a total of 120 members in the 4.

I had a couple of members in the 2 I attend, want me to call them as soon as I get that call.  They are offering to advocate on my behalf.  It will be great to have people who know what is expected, and to speak up if needed.

The group is in the process of becoming a non-profit organization.  We were blessed to have a member, who was a friend of Stephanie's, donate in memory of her to start the non-profit organization.

[marcy]

This is wonderful for kidney patients. Online support is great but the opportunity for personal contact is something that I personally would want. There are no meetings in my area and I wish there were. Having a physical person to talk to meant a lot to me when I was in Al-Anon and helped me survive a difficult time in my life.
Great work Diana! This is exactly what people need.

[Tonto]

Yes, I have joined a local kidney foundation committee and we have monthly coffee group meetings.  It is good to talk face to face with people.  And, just like online, there are all sorts of people and all sorts of situations.

[Angie]

Yeah I miss the one we used to have. Even though I am on the local Kidney Foundation's Walk Committee it isn't exactly support but just promotion of events so just not the same. People can start their own support groups in their areas. Just contact your local Kidney Foundation. But it does take up some time to support others and you have to be a good listener with lots of ideas for where to meet and what to do.

[getlife]

One of our support group members interviewed on TV:

Hi Folks, thought you might want to see the tv interview. I had the Trib here this morning and watch the Saturday Trib both Pgh and Westmoreland edition, they will be running a story with a picture.
Also a Periodontist from the North Hills has offered to take care of the pero work for me free of charge, as a result of seeing the news last night. Here are a couple links...

  http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/team4/24188946/detail.html


http://www.ntafund.org/find-a-patient/profile/index.cfm/patient/A94C8DDE-FF3F-65AB-CD90A457D09870A6



--
Alan Checca

Sales / Production / Application

"A Business Without a Good Sign...Is a Good Sign Of No Business"

[Angie]

That is so cool! Thanks for sharing!