Indiana is Supporting SRNA

I was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis on August 13, 2013. I was admitted to 3 different hospitals for 2 weeks before my diagnosis. While I was at the hospital, my dad researched and researched about TM and tried to find me a support group. He was my fighter when I was too weak to fight. I was a single mom of a 3 year old and I was totally devastated that this would change my life forever. We could not find any local support groups that met, but I did find one on Facebook. My FB support group, TM Folks, helped me during my darkest and sickest days but I still longed to meet other people face to face who had TM and other rare neuro-immunological diseases.

This is why I have chosen to help lead Indiana’s support group. I have always wanted to help people and have an interest in the medical field. Before my diagnosis with TM, I was a medical assistant in a pain doctor’s office. I feel that my experience working with many pain doctors and patients has made me knowledgeable in pain medications, therapies and treatments. Living with TM for the last two years, I feel my medical background on top of my personal experiences can help others who have rare neurological diseases.

My hope is for Indiana to have a large support group meeting every 4-6 months in Indianapolis. I would love to hear from other SRNA members in different parts of Indiana to be local support group leaders and host monthly meetings. I will also host smaller monthly meeting in Fort Wayne.

On top of providing support for people with rare neurological diseases, I have always felt that awareness is very critical. Please join me to help spread awareness, raise money for SRNA, and bring SRNA members together to host Indiana’s first Walk-Run-N-Roll in Indianapolis this Fall 2015. We will need a minimum of 5 people to form a Planning Committee. I would love to take on the responsibility as the Chairperson and we also need a Sponsorship Leader, Marketing and Communications Leader, Family Teams Leader, and Events Leader. For more information and a guide on hosting a walk, please click here. If you feel like you would be a great fit for one of the rolls in the Planning Committee please contact me.

If you would love to be involved in a support group in Indiana or would like to be a part of the Walk-Run-N- Roll please contact me. More information will be posted as soon as the details start to come together. Also, if you are in Indiana and just need someone to talk to, I’m always available. These diseases have united all of us together for a reason, let’s rise up and win together as one!!

Nicole C McFarland
(260) 466-7006
[email protected]