| Gene and Becky Roberts of Shell Knob want to get the word out about support groups being offered to all brain and spine injury patients in Southwest Missouri, regardless of what hospital provides the care. Becky Roberts is a 3-1/2 year survivor of brain cancer and one of the support group members of Pat Auston (CNRN, CCCN), neuroscience support group coordinator at St. John's Health Systems in Springfield. Auston coordinates over a dozen monthly support groups, classes and luncheon meetings for patients and caregivers with neurological disorders, injuries and diseases.
"Pat struggles to reach the many patients and caregivers in the area who would benefit from these support gatherings each month," Gene Roberts reports. "Because of privacy laws it is very difficult for Pat to locate patients and caregivers. So many patients and caregivers are battling the unkowns--trauma, etc.--alone."
Brain tumor, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson's disease and other brain and spine disorder patients and caregivers meet monthly at St. John's in Springfield. "Those attending are offered a supportive atmosphere in which to interact with others who experience the same diseases or injuries and exchange helpful information," Gene Roberts said.
According to Auston, "Our goal is to provide up-to-date information, offer support and understanding about the challenges of living with a particular neurological affliction. We help enlighten the support group members about resources such as hospitals, research centers, physicians, social workers, physical therapy, etc." She added, "We offer a place where people with common interests can get to know each other, maintain the best quality of life and gain knowledge and understanding of their individual health challenge."
The following support groups meet once a month at St. John's Medical Center, 1235 E. Cherokee, Springfield. To confirm attendance, time and meeting room location, contact Auston at (417) 820-3157 (Pager # 984) or send an e-mail here (pauston@sprg.mercy.net).
- Alzheimer's Caregiver's Support Group: 4th Thurs., 6:30 p.m.; Cancer Center, room 210
- Brain Tumor Support Group: 2nd Tues., 2 p.m.; hospital private dinning room 4
- Caregiver's Support Group: 2nd Mon., 3 p.m.; hospital private dining room 4
- Epilepsy Support Group: 3rd Mon., 6:30 p.m.; Cancer Center, room 210
- Huntington Disease Support Group: 3rd Mon., 3 p.m.; Surgery Center, room 4B
- Multiple Sclerosis Support Group: 4th Tues., 6:30 p.m.; Cancer Center, room 210.
- Myasthenia Gravis Support Group: 4th Wed., 3 p.m.; Surgery Center, room 3A
- Parkinson's Disease Support Group: 2nd Tues., 2 p.m.; Cancer Center, room 210
- Spina Bifida Support Group: 2nd Tues., 7 p.m.; hospital meeting room, 1D
- Sleep Disorder Support Group: 3rd Tues., 3 p.m.; hospital meeting room, 1D
- Spinal Cord Injury Support Group: 4th Mon., 6:30 p.m.; Cancer Center, room 210
- Stroke Support Group: 4th Thurs., 2 p.m.; hospital dining room 2
A support group luncheon is held the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 11:30 a.m., Golden Coral, 2020 E. Primrose Place (at Glenstone), Springfield.
Family Caregiver Classes meet 1st and 3rd Thursdays and last Fridays of each month. Contact Auston for times and locations. Go Back |
