TMA Arkansas Myositis Support Group Meeting
Join fellow members of the myositis community for the TMA Arkansas Support Group, a welcoming space to connect, share, and learn together.
When: Second Tuesday of every month, 12:00-1:00 PM CT
Why attend:
- Connect with others who understand. Share experiences with people who truly know what life with myositis is like, and leave feeling less alone.
- Exchange practical tips. Learn how others manage daily life, symptoms, treatments, and working with their care teams.
- Stay informed. Hear about the latest myositis education, research updates, and TMA resources and programs.
- Build a local support network. Meet other members in Arkansas and the surrounding region.
- Support for caregivers and loved ones. Family members and care partners are welcome and encouraged to attend.
All are welcome. Come as you are, listen, share, or just be present.
About the Leaders
My name is Carol Chavez, and I live in Huntsville, Arkansas. I was diagnosed with Inclusion Body Myositis in 2016 after many years of doctors, tests, pills, shots, and infusions. I was forced to retire after 50 years as a hair stylist and beauty industry educator because of a fall caused by weak muscles. Finding The Myositis Association and its support groups has been life-changing for me. I finally discovered a community of people who truly understand our struggles, celebrate our successes, and share everyday tips that make life easier — from the best can openers for weak hands to lightweight rollators and new tools that help us stay independent. I’m excited to help start an Arkansas support group where we can learn from one another, lift each other up, and make sure no one in our state faces myositis alone. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with myositis for years, you are welcome here, and you belong with us.
Robin Coggins was diagnosed with DM in May of 2022. Although her father had been diagnosed with IBM fifteen years earlier, she was not aware of the additional types of myositis. Since diagnosis, Robin has been honing her skills as an advocate attending multiple Rare Disease weeks on Capitol Hill and attending the MyoCon patient conferences as well as joining TMA to facilitate a new support group for Arkansas.
