I would like to introduce myself; I am Mary Troup. My daughter, Danielle, was diagnosed with TM in 1996. The reason I want to introduce myself is that I would like to form a support group for new and existing TM patients who live in the Memphis area and who live in Tennessee. I would like to be able to offer support, to encourage other parents not to give up, and to offer hope and faith in the research that is going on daily. I have learned to love and be patient and have the hope that one day Danielle will be able to walk. This disorder can be a very emotional and physical challenge for family and friends. When the children get to school age, the school systems can create a whole new set of challenges. Over the past five years, I have E-mailed and spoken on the phone to several persons with TM and also to parents of children with TM.

I encourage all the parents of children with TM and persons with TM in our area to get involved. There is a great deal that we can do to help each other. I will look forward to talking to you and meeting you. I am also available to any TMA parents who are seeking information and support.

My name is Kristy Matheson I live in Tullahoma, Tennessee.

I was diagnosed in 2002 with Transverse Myelitis. I was like everyone around me, Transverse WHAT? I was sick with flu like symptoms and then in an instant (it seemed) I started going numb , by the Time I got to a Major Hospital (I live in a very small town) I could not do anything. That same night a doctor then told me I would never walk again, that I would never regain my strength.
The devastation and shock of hearing such a thing made me very sad & angry and so many questions!

The emotional roller coaster that someone goes through is enough in itself muchless all the symptoms! I had lost all my muscle strength and was in a wheelchair, not even able to feed myself., from being so weak, bowel and bladder problems Seemed like you name it I had it. . If not for my daughters and PT's I would not have been able to function. Now almost 5 years later I am walking, without any devices and taking care of myself. I have good days and bad ones. I am very thankful that I am so much better now, and I would love to help anyone that needs to talk or to be directed to someone that can help. The importance of understanding can go along way. Especially in the case where TM is so rare. To talk to someone who goes through the same struggles.

I really want to set up a meeting place in Tenn, for all of us to get together. I will be contacting you through the directory to see if your interested. The benefits for us all would be great Im sure.
So be looking for my call or feel free to call me anytime. Hope to talk to you all soon!

Additional Resources:

• The Transverse Myelitis Association
• Johns Hopkins Transverse Myelopathy Center