Support Group Meetings

In the Spring of 2011, those afflicted with BEB and related disorders in the Greater Calgary Area (GCA) will be able to attend their first Support Group Meeting. As the venue is established those in the GCA will be advised as to when and where. Already in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and the Greater Vancouver Area (GVA) patients suffering with BEB and related disorders meet at a minimum of twice yearly. However, there are those who are situated across this great country of ours, who cannot avail themselves of these meetings.

Despite the fact that most of the current literature on BEB states that you are on in years when this begins, it appears, that the median age is dropping. A growing number of our members are not middle-aged. For example, coping is very difficult for young housewives and/or working mothers with growing children. These people need a sounding board, someone who will listen. This is where those who have had the disability for some time come in. They can offer encouragement to this age group: they can function as mentors.

You are going to ask how do I get in contact with these people? Well there are two ways. Tell your doctor of your willingness to help, and, ask him to relay your name, etc. to them. Secondly, contact us. If we feel that we have someone close, we will contact them and see if they are willing to pass you their name, address and telephone number.

We would encourage you to form your own support group. Support Groups do not have to be large numbers or formal. At times we talk to patients who expresses a desire to speak to others afflicted with these disorders. It can be over a cup of coffee/tea or whatever, or, even over the telephone. It doesn't need to be during the day. Whenever and wherever it is convenient for each other.

If you do plan to go ahead with this programme, or, if you have already started one, please let us know. Perhaps we may be of some assistance and/or may be able to add contacts to your group.

If you suffer with one or more of these disorders and cannot, for whatever reason, attend any meeting whatsoever please send us your name and address and we will add you to our Newsletter mailing list. Interested members of the Medical Profession are also welcome at the meetings and/or to receive our newsletter.

See you at the meeting.