Alicia Lowther’s husband Dan found out after years of misdiagnoses that he had inclusion body myositis (IBM). It was a shock to both of them. “Dan decided he was going to spend his energy enjoying his life rather than delving into myositis issues, which I support,” Alicia said. She reached out to The Myositis Association (TMA) for resources and support for both of them.
“Finding TMA online was like being thrown a lifesaving ring,” Alicia said. She was so relieved to find other people who had the same rare disease and spouses who had experience dealing with the same things she was facing. Alicia met people at TMA who not only provided information to help Dan, but they gave her a safe space to express how it feels to be a care partner.
Will you help people like Alicia connect with and receive support from other TMA members?
Through TMA’s Military Veterans Affinity Group, Alicia met friends who helped her prepare for what will happen to Dan in the future. “You can’t believe how generous people have been to me. People in this group share so much detail about what they experience, partly to help me prepare for our future.”
Her TMA friendships continue to deepen and multiply. “On one zoom call, a newcomer joined our group from Louisiana where I’m from. It turns out our families know each other, and I visited Ervin over Christmas. We are both so happy to have friends who help us with all this. Everyone feels so alone before connecting through TMA.”
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Thank you for your generosity and being a vital part of our community during Myositis Awareness Month!
TMA hopes to raise $70,000 for Myositis Awareness Month – please help us reach our goal!