MG PALS
by Elaine Huntsinger
MGnet is sponsoring a new program to help MG patients and their families. We have discovered that our meetings, though very educational and provide ample time for group interaction, lack the ability to provide one-on-one support. Chat rooms are great support, but are feared by many. Some patients, especially newbies, are reluctant to enter into group discussions. MG PALS will provide a means for a support relationship to be established that will be confidential and provide support in many circumstances.
First of all, there will be a questionnaire to be completed for members of MGnet who are willing to give this support. This form can be obtained from me at support@mgfa-mgnet.org. Remember that this is not professional support, but using one's own experiences and knowledge, plus all the valuable information that is available through the MGFA.
As MGers or their family members seek support either through the MGnet website or personal request, the committee will match them up with a PALS volunteer. The meetings or correspondence between the two PALS can be done by email (since all members of MGnet have access to email), phone calls, letter writing or actual visits; whatever is preferred by the two.
Although I mentioned newbies earlier, any person with MG whose condition or lifestyle is in change would certainly be qualified for a special friend to walk with them. In fact, any MGer at any time in their life would be provided a PAL to share with. They may be getting married, going through a divorce or pregnancy, have another illness to contend with, becoming disabled, or being able to return to work after a period of disability. Others may have family problems, financial problems, grief or other major problems that going through life brings with it. It is always helpful to discuss stressful times with a friend, especially one who understands this illness we share.
Are you ready, members? Send for your application today so that you might help someone who is asking for it.
Would you like to have an MG PAL assigned to you? Don't hesitate to ask for one. That's what this program is all about.
Elaine Huntsinger
Email: support@mgfa-mgnet.org
MGnet