The First Tampa Area Meeting - September 20th , 2003

On September 20th, 2003, the Tampa Area (west coast) held their first ever TM Support Group Meeting. In attendance were Jim Jeffries, Rita Whitaker, Ron Raulerson, Teresa Ferrell, Elaine Rolfsen and her mother Marty, Suzanne Luttrell and friend, Nancy McDaniel and her husband, Lorelei Anderson-Francis her husband Clinton and son James,Roxanne Shukitis and her husband Corey as well as her mother. Most of the attendies were from the Tampa area, but some came from as far away as Ft. Meyers, Bradenton, Lakeland, Orlando and Hernando. All in all, there were nine TM'ers and seven guests.
The meeting started about 1:15 and lasted until 3:45. The meeting began with introductions, then we went around the room and everyone got a chance to tell their personal story about TM. Everyones story was unique and touching. After each presentation, questions were asked, and comments were made. Many at the meeting were extremely disappointed in their medical treatment. Some had been told basically, to deal with it. Overall knowledge about TM was very limited, as seems to be the case with most. We will try to hold quarterly meetings, with the next one hopefully in early December.

Message From Brad
I would like to take this time, to thank Ron Raulerson for taking the time and effort to locate our wonderful meeting facility. I would like to thank the YMCA for their generosity in letting us use this fine facility. I would also like to thank Jim Jeffries, for taking over as Director of the Tampa Area (west coast) chapter of the Florida support group. Without people like Ron and Jim getting involved, our group would still be just a plan on paper. As most of you know, I have been trying to get the ball rolling for several months now. At times, I got pretty frustrated. Seeing meetings being held, and getting to actually meet some of you that I have talked / communicated with for months, makes it all worthwhile, and reaffirms that it was the right thing to do. I want to thank each and every one of you , for the putting up with all of the e-mails and confusion that we went through to get to the point we are at today, which is being a real support group. There is still much to do, and many more people to get involved. My next goal is to work with the people on the east coast,( Melbourne to Jacksonville )and help them get a fully functioning chapter up and running ................Brad

First Official Meeting of the Florida Transverse Myelitis Support Group was a success !
On August 2nd, we held the first ever , Florida Support Group Meeting. We had a total of five TM'ers and 2 wonderful family members. The meeting lasted four hours, and covered much to much to go into here. I would like to give a special thanks to Vicki Sandberg and the PBC United Way. Without Vicki's efforts, and the PBC United Ways generosity in allowing us to use their facilities, this meeting would never have happened. In attendance were, Vicki Sandberg, Vickie Seibert, Tom Snyder, Martha Hernandez and Brad Highwood. In addition , Martha's daughter Lisa, and Tom's wife Jean were there to help, and lend support. I think it was a positive experience for all. At the meeting, the group decided to try and meet every three months. Our next meeting is scheduled for November 8th, from 11am-2pm at the Palm Beach County United Way building just like last time. Please feel free to come out and join us..