Leader Jane Northrop reports: Our meeting topic was “Five Things You Should Know Before Your Next PH appointment,” presented in a video by a PH doctor at the University of New Mexico. It was very informative, especially for newly diagnosed patients who don’t know what to expect or what they should know and ask.

Leader Nikole Nichols reports: Since our attendees are spread out over several hundred miles, virtual meetings work best for us. Most of us are pretty close and have been meeting together for years, but we have never met in person.

Our most recent meeting was the first time any of us had met in person. The excitement and joy we experienced was really special. It was like meeting up with long lost friends. We probably will continue to meet virtually but want to plan at least one in-person meeting a year.

Young Adult Virtual Support Group

Leader Janessa Curnow reports: In March, PHA’s Young Adult Support Group discussed support systems. We discussed why they are so important to have, but how they sometimes are difficult to find. Many people think immediate family would be the best support, but sometimes they aren’t.

We talked about not putting all our needs on one person because a support system is best when there are many people to rely on. Some may be best at helping with physical needs; others are better at mental/emotional needs.

Some people might be those whom you go to when you just need to laugh. Pets can be a vital part of your support system, whether a service animal or an emotional support animal. We also discussed how it’s hard to make new friends as an adult and how we can try to do that.

Find a support group near you.