Support Groups – Why attend, what do they do to help?

Give Hope, Understanding, and Support to those with lupus or affected by lupus.

The Kansas City Chapter has offered area support groups since 2000 for those interested and able to participate Comments of those that attend, “ This really helped me, I was feeling depressed” says Gwen.  “In support group I get to make sure this is really the way lupus makes you feel”, says Terri.  For those in attendance we hear support group helps and we will continue to offer them where needed and wanted.  Have you tried a support group?  Please provide the chapter office with your feedback on ways to support you, your family and friends.  We believe the chapter should continue to encourage support groups attendance and would like to offer more in more urban and rural areas with a variety of day and evening times. 

“I never thought I needed a support group.  I got diagnose with Lupus August 2004.  I always thought about going to a support group but I didn`t want to sit around and talk about depressing issues (living failure, people not in remission, bad day’s good days, etc.)  The first support group I attend In May 2007 was awesome.  I loved the meeting and the people were great.  Sometimes it`s hard to tell people I have Lupus and talk about it but I felt so comfortable and open in the group I surprised myself.  I learned a lot just about different issues I had been having.  I have been having dry skin and it was someone in there that told me the type of lotion that was good.  I have been using it ever since.  Everyone is just so open and helpful and that really means a lot to me.  Even though we still talk about different issues but just to know you are there for that person that maybe going through and you never know who God sends into your life and how.  If someone is going through a life-threatening disease, whether it`s Lupus, Cancer, etc I would highly recommend a support group.  Your family and friends will always be there for you but to have someone to talk to that is going through the same thing that you are is an awesome thing.  Your family and friends can`t imagine what we deal with on a daily basis whether it`s good or bad so just to know you have support you can lean on is great!!! I have been ramping and raving about the support group from day one.  When I attend the meetings I come out feeling revived, uplifted, and ready to tackle another month until the next meeting.” Georgean

Current Lupus Support Groups:

  • NORTH KANSAS CITY AREA North Kansas City Hospital meets the 1st Wednesday of every month.  The group will meet evenings from 6:00pm – 7:30pm, please go to the first floor of the health services pavilion, 2790 Clay Edwards Drive, N Kansas City MO 64116.  For additional information call the chapter office or facilitator Arletha Manlove at 816-761-0850.  Please join us for this opportunity to share and learn.   This group is looking for a new facilitator.
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  • KANSAS CITY AREA Kansas City meets 4th Thursday of the month 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the chapter office, 6700 Troost, Suite 501, Kansas City, MO 64131-4403.  For information call the chapter office 816-761-0850 or the group facilitator Sherry Williams.   Please Join us to share and learn. 
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  • JOHNSON COUNTY AREA Meets 1st Thursday of the every month 7:00pm – 9:00pm.  Village Presbyterian Church 6641 Missions Road Room 133, (SE corner of the building, right inside the door) for information call the chapter office 816-761-0850.   Please join us to share the many aspects of living well and lupus.  This group is looking for a new facilitator.
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  • Eastern Jackson County Area meets 4th Wednesday of every month 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm St. Mary’s Hospital, 201 R.D. Mize Road, Annex A (eastside of hospital – metal bldg) in the Classroom (3rd door on the left) for information call the chapter office 816-761-0850.  The group facilitator will be Arletha Manlove.  This group is looking for a new facilitator.
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  • SPRINGFIELD AREA Hammonds Heart Institute 1235 East Cherokee Meets quarterly for information call Cherie Montes 888-328-8613 or 417-887-1560.  This group is not a chapter affiliate.
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  • Please contact the office or support facilitator to let us know you are interested in attending or facilitating support groups.

Do we have anyone interested in leading support groups?

  • If you are interested please contact the local chapter

Understanding lupus can be just as confusing as living with lupus. If you have experiences that could help others living with lupus, share them! We are looking for volunteers, facilitators and group leaders that have a natural desire to lead and a heart to listen. The ideal person provides support thru a listening ear, an offering of solid and factual information and an empathetic heart to assist others that are learning how to have the most in their lives despite having a life with lupus.     Check the listings below for a support group near you. If you are unable to find a support group in your area, and would like to facilitate a support group we invite you to contact the office info@lifewithlupus.org or 816 – 761 - 0850 / 866 – 761 - 0850