IMPORTANT SUPPORT GROUP ANNOUNCEMENT!

Hi Everyone,

It's hard to believe, but I've been a Support Group Leader for over 6 years now. With the support of many of you, we got this group off the ground and I think that we created a very special community that I am extremely proud of. During these past 6+ years I have rarely cancelled a meeting as I’ve always wanted to provide everyone with a meaningful and helpful support group meeting.

However, as of late, I’ve found it increasingly difficult for me to concentrate and feel motivated anymore to do anything related to Parkison's Disease. Yesterday, I spoke with mySynapticureTherapist and my Movement Disorder Specialist (MDS). I related how I’ve been feeling as of late and my therapist and she strongly feels that I’m suffering from what is called, “Compassion Fatigue” . It’s a good thing for us to show compassion and concern for others. But doing so to the neglect of oneself isn’t a good thing. She used the analogy that when the oxygen masks drop from the ceiling in an airplane, you need to put yours on first before assisting anyone else. My MDS agreed and based on my visit she also wants to make a major PD medication change after I consult with my local MDS. I’m really not looking forward to this, but I do see the need to try doing so.

As a result, after much very serious thought and reflection, I’ve decided that I must step away for the time being from running our  support group meetings so that I can take better care of my mental, emotional and physical health. Therefore, as of today, there will be no morePwP“Training Wheels Off”Support Groupmeetings. Will I possibly start up the support group sometime in the future when I’m feeling better? It’s a possibility (please let me know if you change your email address). I’ve provided two links below to otherVirtual Support Groupsthat you might want to explore as an alternative to what was ours.

I want to end this email by sending out a huge THANK YOU to each and every one of you for all of your contributions and support over the years and for your understanding now of my present situation. It means the world to me and it will make this difficult decision easier for me to bear. Take care everyone and may God's rich blessings be upon all of you.

PCLA –  https://www.pcla.org/events/calendar

PMD Alliance – https://www.pmdalliance.org/directory/search/?geodir_search=1&stype=gd_place&spost_category%5B%5D=529&s=+&snear=&sparticipation%5B%5D=Virtual&slived_experiences%5B%5D=Parkinson%E2%80%99s+disease&sprovider_specializations%5B%5D=&sgeo_lat=&sgeo_lon=

Sincerely,

Roger