What we’re about
THIS GROUP IS A SAFE SPACE FOR ANYONE WITH AN INVISIBLE or DEBILITATING PHYSICAL CHRONIC ILLNESS to know that you're not alone and your suffering and pain - no matter how "good you look" on the outside - is real and valid.
We believe you, because we, too, know what it's like to be deep in the trenches of battling chronic illness - whether it's fibromyalgia, CFS, lupus, MS, Parkinson's, EDS, Sjorgens, Lyme, COPD, ALS, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Long COVID, Chronic Migraines, Huntington's, Scleroderma, Epilepsy, Cystic Fibrosis, HIV, Cancer, Diabetes, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis - just to name a few. Our spouses, co-workers, family and/or friends may not fully understand us (or struggle to), but here we all do. We are chronic illness warriors who are stronger together!
Also, this group is not limited to people residing in NYC, or even the U.S. for that matter. It's for anyone living in any part of the world that can join us.
RULES:
I repeat: this is a safe, non-judgmental space. Leave any negativity, blame, anger or aggression, attitude and ego at the door. This is a humble place to unburden yourself and know that you are seen and your feelings are valid. We do not judge based on race, color, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, religious beliefs, age, or disability. Pain and suffering don't discriminate, nor do we. All are welcome here and tolerance is not only appreciated, it's required. Plus, being angry, hateful, spiteful, etc. is exhausting! And we don't have energy for that! We have to use what little energy we do have wisely!
ALSO...
This is not a community to complain, rant, or seek professional medical advice - we are not medical professionals and if you have any concerns you should speak to yours directly or call 911 if it's an emergency. We are a social support group that focuses on positive, but yet practical encouragement as well as fostering community.
ABOUT THE FOUNDER, NICK:
Thank you so much for joining me - and all of us - on this journey we all never signed up for. It means a lot. I'm not social worker; I'm just a "regular" guy who, instead of feeling isolated and alone, wants to meet other people like me, who may have a hard time finding and connecting with each other for whatever reason. I used to be an ultra-distance runner and triathlete and (very) social drinker in my previous life, but for over a decade now I've been suffering from severe Fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease and a hearing impairment. While acceptance of this "new" life has been a long and tumultuous journey (including a lot of grieving my former life), I'm now in a place of mindful acceptance and semblance of peace. I am focused on finding happiness and meaning with what I have. I appreciate the need to slow down and focus on improving essential life habits such as nutrition, functional exercises, meditation, and mindfulness, which I'm starting to gain a deeper appreciation and acceptance of. One thing I've learned with living with multiple chronic illnesses - and now being a father to young kids (3 yrs old) - is a newfound appreciation of life, the resources and support I have around me, and the times I'm not in as much pain and spasticity. I like to spend what little energy I have focusing on positive things that bring me joy and spending time and energy with the amazing support system I have around me. And, of course, the deep, fulfilling connections I'm able to make with existing friends and now, new ones!
VIRTUAL MEETING LOGISTICS
I had initially hoped to include in-person events here around NYC but given everyone's limited health resources (including my own energy resources), especially now post-pandemic, I find that engaging with everyone online to be the easiest and most value-added way of connecting with community for this. Plus, more and more people are attending from around the US and Europe, which is amazing to see.
That said, I'm hoping to host a virtual Zoom meeting every month since it's easiest for everyone given all our health issues, logistics with work/life, etc. Stay tuned for event dates to be posted! Any questions - just message me!
LASTLY...
This is a social support group, meaning it's peer-to-peer, and not led by a psychoanalyst or any type of licensed medical professional. We want you to know you're not alone and there are awesome, accomplished, sincerely wonderful people who also battle chronic illness, like each and every one of us. It's easy to feel alone or isolated and this group is to dispel that. It's that simple. You are not alone. You're one of us and we're glad to have you!
Thank you for joining and I look forward to seeing you online soon!
Warmly,
Nick M.
