Living with a rare disease like myositis can feel isolating, but connecting with others helps. TMA offers support groups for patients and care partners to share experiences (not medical advice). You can join any group, regardless of location—even internationally. Check the list of groups to register. Membership is free—join here and email us for help finding a nearby group.
TMA Worldwide: Patient & Care Partner Support by Diagnosis
Join the TMA Worldwide Myositis Support Group, held monthly on the first Saturday from 1–2:30 pm ET / 10–11:30 am PT. It offers diagnosis-specific breakout rooms and a separate space for care partners. Open to anyone worldwide, this virtual group provides a safe, supportive space to share experiences and find community. Patients and care partners should attend separate rooms for privacy and healing. No medical advice—just real stories, support, and connection.
Regional Support Groups
TMA’s regional support groups connect local members to share support and ideas. Your contact info is only shared within your group. Led by peer volunteers, these groups meet virtually or in person and may include events or speakers. If you’re outside the U.S., please attend TMA Worldwide or email us about starting a group near you!
Affinity Groups
TMA affinity groups bring together people with shared identities or experiences beyond myositis—like veterans, people of color or LGBTQIA+ members—to create safe, supportive spaces. These groups promote inclusion, amplify patient voices, and help raise awareness, improve care access, and support advocacy efforts aligned with TMA’s mission.
One-on-One Peer Support
If you’ve participated in TMA support or affinity groups but still need more personalized guidance, TMA offers one-on-one peer support. This allows you to connect individually with someone who has faced similar challenges and can offer understanding, encouragement, and insights from lived experience. While we don’t provide medical advice, these conversations can help you explore options to discuss with your healthcare team.
Becoming a TMA Support or Affinity Group Leader
If would like to become a Support or Affinity Group Leader, TMA provides training, certification and resources that can help. To volunteer for this role, please fill out our volunteer survey.
Meditation Mondays – A Space for Mindfulness & Healing
When: Every Monday (except holidays), 9-9:30am ET | 8-8:30am CT | 7-7:30am MT | 6-6:30am PT
Who’s it for: People living with myositis and their care partners
What 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.
To join us, please fill out the interest form to receive the link for the session.