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Nickie's Story
My name is Nickie Garrigan and I live in Chicago, Illinois. After reading a tmic posting by Tina DeBerge who lives in nearby Glendale Heights inquiring whether anyone was interested in starting an Illinois support group, we met less than a week later. After contacting Sandy Siegel, Tina and I are moving forward and starting to make plans for the first meeting.
I developed Transverse Myelitis at the age of two and was not diagnosed until some months after the onset of symptoms. Until the year 2000, I had not met another person with TM. Although I was 21, I still had outpatient physical therapy at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago. A physical therapist who was working with Rachel Dorocak, a young Ohio TM patient, referred her mother Cathy to me because she wanted to meet someone who grew up with TM . Through Cathy and Rachel, I found The Transverse Myelitis Association.
I had two additional episodes of TM, at 10 years and at 18 years of age. All of my episodes have been completely different. The first episode was shortly after receiving immunizations and shortly after having a cold and stomach flu. I went from a normal, active toddler to being able to walk less than three steps. The second episode started with weakness until I could not move from the neck down. The third episode affected the right side of my body more than the left and again I was unable to walk. After lengthy rehab, I was able to walk short distances. Several spinal fusions after I was 18 have further complicated the walking issues. Having Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus also adds additional issues.
After graduating from high school, I started college, but that has been on hold due to health issues. Continuing my education is one of my goals. After the initial meeting with Cathy and Rachel Dorocak, I attended the 2001 Baltimore Symposium and the 2002 Children's and Family Workshop. Attending these TMA sessions reinforced the feeling of isolation I felt in Chicago and the need for a local support group.
Tina and I bonded instantly and are looking forward to meeting with other people from the area. Tina has received seven replies indicating interest. At our first meeting we would like to have a general discussion and set goals. One of my priorities is working to make a Chicago area facility, a link in the network of regional centers of excellence for Transverse Myelitis. Another priority is fundraising to support research. Two local families, the Hamilton's and the Callahan's, who have young children with TM, have had successful fundraisers. As a group we could offer support to any fundraising projects in place and hopefully initiate fundraisers.
Nickie Garrigan
6121 N. Northwest Hwy., Apt. 407
Chicago, IL 60631
773-774-6554
duckprincess5778@aol.com
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