BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//The Myositis Association - ECPv6.17.5.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:The Myositis Association
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.myositis.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Myositis Association
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20240310T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20241103T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Chicago
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20240310T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20241103T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20250309T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20251102T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20260308T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20261101T070000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Los_Angeles
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20240310T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20241103T090000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20250309T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20251102T090000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20260308T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20261101T090000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Denver
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:MDT
DTSTART:20240310T090000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:MST
DTSTART:20241103T080000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:MDT
DTSTART:20250309T090000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:MST
DTSTART:20251102T080000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:MDT
DTSTART:20260308T090000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:MST
DTSTART:20261101T080000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:Africa/Algiers
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:CET
DTSTART:20240101T000000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250624T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250624T203000
DTSTAMP:20250605T185303Z
CREATED:20250605T143756Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250605T185303Z
UID:10001263-1750791600-1750797000@www.myositis.org
SUMMARY:IBM Registry at Yale Presentation hosted by TMA Men Managing Myositis Affinity Group - Open to All
DESCRIPTION:Register Now! \n\n\n\nTMA invites everyone to attend a special speaker presentation hosted by TMA Men Managing Myositis Affinity Group on The Inclusion Body Myositis Disease Registry at Yale.  \n\n\n\nThe Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) Disease Registry at Yale houses one of the world’s largest systematic categorizations of IBM: its origins\, its biological markers\, its risk profile\, its natural history\, and its clinical management. This presentation is open to the entire myositis community. \n\n\n\nJoin us on June 24 at 7pm ET | 4pm PT. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n 
URL:https://www.myositis.org/event/ibm-registry-at-yale-presentation-hosted-by-tma-men-managing-myositis-affinity-group-open-to-all/
LOCATION:https://www.myositis.org/event/ibm-registry-at-yale-presentation-hosted-by-tma-men-managing-myositis-affinity-group-open-to-all/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250624T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250624T130000
DTSTAMP:20250605T184953Z
CREATED:20250605T143755Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250605T184953Z
UID:10001261-1750766400-1750770000@www.myositis.org
SUMMARY:TMA Ask the Expert featuring Dr. Julie Paik
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER NOW! \n\n\n\nAbout the Ask the Expert SeriesThe Ask the Expert webinar series is designed to give members of the myositis community direct access to leading experts in the field. Hosted by The Myositis Association\, each session features a trusted medical professional who answers your questions about specific types of myositis\, treatment options\, research developments\, and disease management. \n\n\n\nThese interactive sessions are a valuable opportunity to gain clarity and feel more empowered in navigating life with myositis. Whether you’re newly diagnosed\, a long-time patient\, caregiver\, or advocate\, Ask the Expert offers trusted information straight from the experts who know myositis best. \n\n\n\nThis month’s webinar features Dr. Julie Paik from the Johns Hopkins Myositis Center in Baltimore\, Maryland\, who also serves as Vice Chair of TMA’s Medical Advisory Board. Join us on Tuesday\, June 24 at 12:00 PM ET for the opportunity to ask your questions and learn from one of the leading voices in myositis care and research. \n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW!
URL:https://www.myositis.org/event/tma-ask-the-expert-featuring-dr-julie-paik/
LOCATION:https://www.myositis.org/event/tma-ask-the-expert-featuring-dr-julie-paik/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250622T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250622T173000
DTSTAMP:20250605T184731Z
CREATED:20250605T143747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250605T184731Z
UID:10001221-1750608000-1750613400@www.myositis.org
SUMMARY:TMA Rainbow Affinity Group Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Register Here \nTMA is proud to host the Rainbow Affinity Group\, a vital support community designed specifically for LGBTQIA+ individuals living with myositis. Founded in 2022\, this group offers a unique space to connect with others who share both a myositis diagnosis and a commitment to fostering inclusivity and respect within healthcare and beyond. \nIn each monthly meeting\, you’ll find solidarity\, understanding\, and valuable resources\, all while creating connections within the broader LGBTQIA+ community. Our mission is to ensure that every LGBTQIA+ myositis patient is supported in an environment that is not only affirmative but also empowering. \nWhen?\nFourth Sunday of each month at:\n5pm ET | 4pm CT | 3pm MT | 2pm PT \nWhether you’re looking for guidance on navigating healthcare\, seeking a sense of community\, or simply wanting to connect with others who understand\, TMA’s Rainbow Affinity Group is here for you. Join us and become part of a supportive\, inclusive network where you can truly thrive. \n 
URL:https://www.myositis.org/event/tma-rainbow-affinity-group-meeting-6/
LOCATION:https://www.myositis.org/event/tma-rainbow-affinity-group-meeting-6/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250621T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250621T143000
DTSTAMP:20250605T184606Z
CREATED:20250605T143718Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250605T184606Z
UID:10001093-1750510800-1750516200@www.myositis.org
SUMMARY:TMA MD\, DE\, DC\, and Northern Virginia Myositis Support Group Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Register Here \nJoin the TMA MD\, DE\, DC\, and Northern Virginia Myositis Support Group: A Community for Myositis Warriors \nThe TMA MD\, DE\, DC\, and Northern Virginia Myositis Support Group is a welcoming space for individuals living with myositis in the Maryland\, Delaware\, District of Columbia\, and Northern Virginia regions. Meeting every two months on the third Saturday at 1:00 PM ET\, this group provides a supportive environment to connect\, share experiences\, and learn from others facing similar challenges. \nWhether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing myositis for years\, this group is here to help you navigate your journey. Through open discussions and shared stories\, you can find strength\, access valuable resources\, and reduce the isolation that often accompanies chronic illness. \nWhen?\nThird Saturday of every other month at:\n1:00 PM ET \nRegister here to secure your spot and be part of this empowering community. Join us to connect\, find support\, and take the next step in your myositis journey!
URL:https://www.myositis.org/event/tma-md-de-dc-and-northern-virginia-myositis-support-group-meeting-4/
LOCATION:https://www.myositis.org/event/tma-md-de-dc-and-northern-virginia-myositis-support-group-meeting-4/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250620T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250620T183000
DTSTAMP:20250731T182943Z
CREATED:20250605T143747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250731T182943Z
UID:10001224-1750438800-1750444200@www.myositis.org
SUMMARY:TMA Northern California\, Oregon & Washington IBM Support Group Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Register here! \n\n \nJoin the TMA Northern California\, Oregon & Washington IBM Support Group: Connect\, Learn\, and Find Support\n\nThis group is a welcoming community for individuals living with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) in Northern California\, Oregon & Washington\, although all are welcome. Meeting every month on the third Friday at 5:00 PM PT\, this group offers a supportive space to connect with others who understand the unique challenges of living with IBM. \nWhether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with IBM for some time\, this group is here to help reduce feelings of isolation\, provide valuable resources\, and foster a sense of belonging. Join us to share experiences\, learn about available support services\, and build connections with others in your community who are navigating the same journey. \nWhen?Third Friday of every month at:5:00 PM PT \nAll are welcome to attend—no matter where you are on your myositis journey. This group is a chance to decrease loneliness\, access important resources\, and find strength in the support of others who truly understand what you’re going through. \n\n \n\n 
URL:https://www.myositis.org/event/tma-northern-california-ibm-support-group-meeting-31/2025-06-20/
CATEGORIES:Support or Affinity Group Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.myositis.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Northeast-Texas-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Malati Shinazy":MAILTO:Shinazy@myositis.org
LOCATION:https://www.myositis.org/event/tma-northern-california-ibm-support-group-meeting-31/2025-06-20/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250619T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250619T200000
DTSTAMP:20250605T183745Z
CREATED:20250605T143719Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250605T183745Z
UID:10001102-1750357800-1750363200@www.myositis.org
SUMMARY:TMA Missouri and Illinois Group Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Register Today \nJoin the TMA Missouri & Illinois Myositis Support Group: A Community for Myositis Warriors \nThe TMA Missouri & Illinois Myositis Support Group is a welcoming space for individuals living with myositis. Meeting every three months on the third Thursday at 6:30 PM CT\, this group provides a supportive environment to connect\, share experiences\, and learn from others facing similar challenges. \nWhether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing myositis for years\, this group is here to help you navigate your journey. Through open discussions and shared stories\, you can find strength\, access valuable resources\, and reduce the isolation that often accompanies chronic illness. \nWhen?\nEvery 3 months on the third Thursday at:\n6:30 PM CT \nRegister here to secure your spot and be part of this empowering community. Join us to connect\, find support\, and take the next step in your myositis journey!
URL:https://www.myositis.org/event/tma-missouri-and-illinois-group-meeting-7/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250618T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250618T133000
DTSTAMP:20250605T180822Z
CREATED:20250605T143756Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250605T180822Z
UID:10001264-1750249800-1750253400@www.myositis.org
SUMMARY:TMA Meet & Greet Leadership Series: MyoCon2025 Edition
DESCRIPTION:Register Now! \n\n\n\nJoin us for a special MyoCon 2025 edition of TMA’s Meet & Greet Leadership Series! Connect with TMA leadership and special guests as we dive into all things MyoCon—from exciting sessions and speakers to travel tips and ways to make the most of your conference experience. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned MyoCon veteran\, this is your chance to get the inside scoop and have your questions answered. \n\n\n\nDon’t miss this engaging and informative conversation as we gear up for the biggest myositis event of the year! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n 
URL:https://www.myositis.org/event/tma-meet-greet-leadership-series-myocon2025-edition/
LOCATION:https://www.myositis.org/event/tma-meet-greet-leadership-series-myocon2025-edition/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250614T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250614T133000
DTSTAMP:20250605T180659Z
CREATED:20250605T143745Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250605T180659Z
UID:10001214-1749902400-1749907800@www.myositis.org
SUMMARY:TMA's Military Veterans with Myositis Affinity Group Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Registration Required \nJoin the TMA Military Veterans with Myositis Affinity Group! \nFounded in 2022\, the TMA Military Veterans with Myositis Affinity Group is a dedicated space for veterans living with myositis to find support\, share experiences\, and engage in advocacy efforts. This group is particularly focused on working towards making Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) a presumptive condition within the VA\, and provides invaluable resources for navigating disability claims and appeals. \nEvery month\, veterans from all branches of service come together to discuss the unique challenges of living with myositis and to support each other in their journeys. Care partners are also warmly welcomed to participate. Whether you’re seeking help with your claim\, want to get involved in advocacy\, or simply need a place to connect with others who truly understand\, this group is here to support you. \nWhen?Second Saturday of each month at:12pm ET | 11am CT | 10am MT | 9am PT \nTo deepen your understanding and access helpful resources\, be sure to check out the group’s playlist on TMA’s YouTube Channel\, and sign the petition to help veterans with IBM gain the support they deserve. \nJoin us and be part of a movement to make a real impact for veterans with myositis!
URL:https://www.myositis.org/event/tmas-military-veterans-with-myositis-affinity-group-meeting-28/
LOCATION:https://www.myositis.org/event/tmas-military-veterans-with-myositis-affinity-group-meeting-28/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20250614T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20250614T133000
DTSTAMP:20250605T180609Z
CREATED:20250605T143705Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250605T180609Z
UID:10001042-1749902400-1749907800@www.myositis.org
SUMMARY:TMA Colorado Myositis Support Group Meeting
DESCRIPTION:TMA Colorado Myositis Support Group has reactivated and meets on the second Saturday of each month at noon Mountain Time! \nMeet Jim Milani\, a TMA member who was moved by the efforts of the late Marianne Moyer and the TMA Southwest Florida’s success in organizing a Myositis Symposium for Physical and Occupational Therapists for  Myositis Awareness Month. He called Rachel Bromley\, TMA’s Senior Manager of Patient Education\, Support and Advocacy to offer to organize one in his home state of Colorado. Rachel was ecstatic\, as Marianne’s vision had always been for this event to branch out to other TMA groups! One catch though – TMA Colorado had been dormant for quite some time. So she swung for the fences and said “How about reactivating the Colorado group at the same time? You can connect more PTs and OTs that way\, find a few volunteers to possibly help your efforts\, and provide and receive support for myositis along the way!” \nJim replied with one word “SURE!” And so this journey began. \nFor the past 20 years\, Jim has been a Physical Therapist and is Board Certified as a Geriatric Specialist. After several years of misdiagnoses\, he was correctly diagnosed with IBM in late 2023. Despite this\, Jim continues to pursue his love for activity and sports. He is passionate about sharing his personal and professional “fitness forward” philosophy\, helping people understand how to modify and adapt exercises to their functional level. Jim resides in Colorado with his wife\, Laura. He is a proud father of six adult children and has two grandchildren. Jim says his family and faith help him get through each day. While there is much about IBM that he cannot control\, he focuses on what he can: his attitude and effort. #justkeepswimming \nAnyone can join his meetings\, Colorado resident or not. The first meeting will be October 12 at noon MT and you can register here! \n 
URL:https://www.myositis.org/event/tma-colorado-myositis-support-group-meeting-9/
LOCATION:https://www.myositis.org/event/tma-colorado-myositis-support-group-meeting-9/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Algiers:20250610T190000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Algiers:20250610T203000
DTSTAMP:20250605T175847Z
CREATED:20250605T143744Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250605T175847Z
UID:10001211-1749582000-1749587400@www.myositis.org
SUMMARY:TMA Myositis Africa Global Support Group Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Register Here \nJoin TMA Myositis Africa Support Group: Connecting and Empowering the Global Community \nTMA is excited to introduce the TMA Myositis Africa Support Group\, a virtual support network dedicated to individuals living with myositis in Africa and beyond. Founded in 2024 with the help of the TMA Women of Color Affinity Group\, this monthly meeting is designed to provide support\, share resources\, and create meaningful connections among English-speaking members worldwide. \nWhether you’re newly diagnosed or managing myositis\, the TMA Myositis Africa Support Group offers a safe space to connect with others who truly understand the challenges of living with this rare condition. By sharing experiences and learning from each other\, we can work together to raise awareness\, provide encouragement\, and empower individuals across the continent and around the world. \nWhen?\nSecond Tuesday of every month from:\n7:00 PM – 8:30 PM West Central Africa Standard Time (WCAST) \nThis group is open to all English-speaking international members\, offering an opportunity to join a community of people who understand your journey and are here to support you. Whether you’re looking for advice\, resources\, or simply a place to connect\, the TMA Myositis Africa Support Group is here to help you move forward. \nTo learn more about this group\, click here!
URL:https://www.myositis.org/event/tma-myositis-africa-global-support-group-meeting-4/
LOCATION:https://www.myositis.org/event/tma-myositis-africa-global-support-group-meeting-4/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250610T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250610T200000
DTSTAMP:20250610T225005Z
CREATED:20250605T143721Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T225005Z
UID:10001108-1749578400-1749585600@www.myositis.org
SUMMARY:TMA Minnesota Myositis Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Register Here \nJoin the TMA Minnesota Myositis Support Group: Connect\, Share\, and Find Support \nThe TMA Minnesota Myositis Support Group offers a welcoming space for individuals living with myositis to connect\, share experiences\, and support one another. Meeting every two months on the first Tuesday at 6:00 PM CT\, this group provides a valuable opportunity to engage with others who truly understand the challenges of living with myositis. \nWhether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing myositis for years\, this group is here to help reduce isolation\, offer resources\, and build a sense of community. By sharing stories and learning from each other\, you’ll gain valuable insights and feel empowered to navigate your myositis journey with support from others who understand. \nWhen?\nFirst Tuesday of every two months at:\n6:00 PM CT \nJoin us to decrease loneliness\, access helpful resources\, and find strength in the power of community. We look forward to connecting with you!
URL:https://www.myositis.org/event/tma-minnesota-myositis-support-group-3/
LOCATION:https://www.myositis.org/event/tma-minnesota-myositis-support-group-3/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250609T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250609T123000
DTSTAMP:20250605T175104Z
CREATED:20250605T143749Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250605T175104Z
UID:10001230-1749470400-1749472200@www.myositis.org
SUMMARY:Meditation Mondays - A Space for Mindfulness & Emotional Healing
DESCRIPTION:Welcome to Meditation Mondays – A Space for Mindfulness & Healing (a pilot) \n\n\n\nWhen: Every Monday (except holidays)\, 12pm ET |11am CT | 10am MT | 9am PTWho’s it for: People living with myositis and their care partnersWhat we’ll do: We’ll come together for a guided meditation session that includes brief exercises\, followed by reflections. These exercises will be led either by a special guest\, a member of the group\, or through a pre-recorded exercise. Each week\, we’ll explore different types of guided mindfulness exercises\, and people of all levels of experience are welcome. Whether you’re just starting your mindfulness journey or have been practicing for years\, you’re welcome here. \n\n\n\nTo join us\, please fill out the interest form to receive the link for the session. \n\n\n\nNote: This group will not meet on:Labor Day – September 1\, 2025Fall Break from September 2 – 30 for MyoCon Indigenous Peoples’ Day – October 13\, 2025 Winter Break from December 22 – January 5\, 2026 \n\n\n\n\n\nThe Benefits of Meditation for Chronic Illness:\n\n\n\nMeditation is an accessible tool for enhancing emotional and physical well-being\, especially for individuals living with chronic illness. Here’s how it can be transformative: \n\n\n\n\nStress Reduction: Chronic illness often brings ongoing stress and uncertainty. Meditation helps to reduce the body’s stress response\, which can lower inflammation\, improve immune function\, and reduce the impact of chronic symptoms.\n\n\n\nPain Management: Mindfulness techniques\, such as body scan meditation or breath awareness\, can help shift your focus away from pain\, reducing its perceived intensity and improving your overall sense of comfort.\n\n\n\nImproved Emotional Resilience: Meditation nurtures emotional balance\, providing tools to navigate the complex feelings of frustration\, grief\, or isolation that often accompany chronic illness. This resilience can improve your overall mental health and coping strategies.\n\n\n\nBetter Sleep: Regular meditation can promote better sleep by calming the mind and body\, creating a restorative environment for rest\, which is vital for those managing chronic conditions.\n\n\n\nEnhanced Focus & Clarity: Chronic illness can make concentration difficult\, but meditation helps clear mental fog and enhances clarity\, allowing you to focus on what matters most in your daily life.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon Misconceptions About Meditation:\n\n\n\nThere are some common misconceptions that may discourage people from trying meditation. Let’s clear them up: \n\n\n\n\n“Meditation requires a completely quiet mind.”This is one of the biggest myths! Meditation is not about stopping thoughts entirely\, but about learning to observe them without judgment. Your mind might wander\, and that’s completely okay—just gently bring your focus back.\n\n\n\n“Meditation is for spiritual or religious people only.”While meditation can be practiced in many spiritual contexts\, it is not limited to any one belief system. You don’t need to be spiritual or religious to benefit from meditation.\n\n\n\n“Meditation takes too much time.”Even short sessions can bring meaningful benefits. You don’t have to meditate for hours a day to experience the positive effects. Starting small is perfectly fine.\n\n\n\n“You need to sit cross-legged on the floor to meditate.”Meditation can be done in any comfortable position. Whether you’re sitting on a chair\, lying down\, or even using a cushion\, find what works best for you.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin Us on This Journey!No matter where you are on your meditation journey\, this group is here to support you. Each session will start with a brief mindfulness exercise\, followed by time for reflection and sharing\, providing you with tools to deepen your practice and enhance your well-being. We look forward to meditating with you on Mondays! \n\n\n\n\n\nTo join us\, please fill out the interest form to receive the link for the session.
URL:https://www.myositis.org/event/meditation-mondays-a-space-for-mindfulness-emotional-healing-6/
LOCATION:https://www.myositis.org/event/meditation-mondays-a-space-for-mindfulness-emotional-healing-6/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250607T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250607T143000
DTSTAMP:20250801T204659Z
CREATED:20250605T143744Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250801T204659Z
UID:10001208-1749301200-1749306600@www.myositis.org
SUMMARY:TMA Care Partner Affinity Group Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Please note there will be no July meeting to allow our volunteers to celebrate the holiday with their families.\nJoin the TMA Care Partner Affinity Group: A Space Just for You \nBeing a care partner to someone with myositis can be emotionally and physically challenging. Whether it’s dealing with stress\, anxiety\, or the weight of daily caregiving tasks\, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and burnt out. That’s why the TMA Care Partner Affinity Group\, founded in 2022\, provides a supportive environment specifically for those who care for someone living with myositis. \nThis group meets in its own dedicated breakout room within TMA’s Worldwide Support Group Meeting on the first Saturday of each month. It’s a safe space where you\, the care partner\, are the focus—not the patient. Here\, you can connect with others who understand your unique challenges\, share coping strategies\, and discuss how to navigate the complex healthcare system. Whether it’s accessing resources like home health aides\, meal delivery\, or transportation assistance—or finding the right words to communicate with your loved one or healthcare team—this group is here to help you through it all. \nTo learn more about accessing breakout rooms\, see ACCESSING ZOOM BREAKOUT ROOMS \nWhen?\nFirst Saturday of every month at:\n1:00 PM ET | 12:00 PM CT | 11:00 AM MT | 10:00 AM PT \nThe emotional demands of caregiving are real\, and sometimes\, you just need a place to express frustrations\, share victories\, and lean on others who truly understand. The TMA Care Partner Affinity Group is here to provide the support\, resources\, and community you need to continue on your journey. Join us and find the strength to take care of yourself\, too. \nRegister Here \n 
URL:https://www.myositis.org/event/tma-care-partner-affinity-group-meeting-13/2025-06-07/
CATEGORIES:Support or Affinity Group Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.myositis.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Care-Partner.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Rachel Bromley":MAILTO:Rachel@myositis.org
LOCATION:https://www.myositis.org/event/tma-care-partner-affinity-group-meeting-13/2025-06-07/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250604T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250604T213000
DTSTAMP:20260310T185113Z
CREATED:20250605T143731Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T185113Z
UID:10001155-1749067200-1749072600@www.myositis.org
SUMMARY:TMA Flying Solo Affinity Group Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Register Here \nJoin TMA’s Flying Solo Affinity Group: Support for Those Living with Myositis Without a Live-In Care Partner \nThe TMA Flying Solo Affinity Group is a dedicated space for individuals diagnosed with myositis who do not have a live-in care partner. Whether you live alone\, are married but your spouse is unable to provide care\, or even find yourself as the caregiver for your spouse\, this group is here to offer understanding and support. \nLiving with myositis can be particularly challenging without a live-in care partner\, but Flying Solo offers a community where you can connect with others who truly understand your unique circumstances. Share experiences\, find helpful resources\, and gain insights on managing daily life with myositis while navigating the complexities of independence and self-care. \nWhen?\nFirst Wednesday of each month at:\n8:00 PM ET | 7:00 PM CT | 6:00 PM MT | 5:00 PM PT \nJoin us for this monthly meeting to connect\, find strength\, and support each other in our myositis journeys. You are not alone – come share and learn with others who “fly solo” like you! \nRegister Here \n\n \nAbout the Leader | Rhonda Rogers \nRhonda Rogers\, diagnosed with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM)\, is a passionate myositis advocate\, also known as “Myositis Warrior”\, who brings connection\, humor\, and heart to everything she does. She co-leads TMA’s Southern California Support Group and facilitates the TMA Flying Solo Affinity Group for people living with myositis who do not have a live-in care partner. Rhonda also administers the popular Myositis Warrior Facebook public group\, known for its upbeat\, candid\, and often humorous take on the unbelievable realities of life with myositis. Whether leading community groups or raising awareness in her signature Myositis Warrior cape at events like Comic-Con\, Rhonda inspires others to meet life with resilience and a smile. \nIn recognition of her outstanding leadership and support for the myositis community\, Rhonda received the Marianne Moyer Myositis Leader Award at MyoCon 2025\, along with her TMA Southern California co-leader\, Nancy Harber. This award honors TMA volunteers who lead the way by helping others and making a lasting impact.
URL:https://www.myositis.org/event/tma-flying-solo-affinity-group-meeting-23/2025-06-04/
CATEGORIES:Support or Affinity Group Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.myositis.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/flyingsolo-169.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Rhonda Rogers":MAILTO:Rogers@myositis.org
LOCATION:https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqc-GsrTksGt3aRRRGipKTWPzy7-n18ME4#/registration
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR