MS group that meets in Elk Grove turns 20
The Multiple Sclerosis Support Group that meets monthly at the Elk Grove Village Public Library celebrated 20 years Oct. 21 at Elly's Pancake House in Elk Grove Village.
"It's a celebration that's close to my heart and for members of our group," said Diane Tegtmeier, the MS Support Group's facilitator.
"When you hear the words, 'Your diagnosis is multiple sclerosis,' so many thoughts are conjured up about what the future will hold when living with MS and how you're going to cope with this very unpredictable disease.
"For many of us living with MS in the Northwest suburbs, we come together once a month to meet at the Elk Grove Village Library to lend support to each other as we journey through the MS maze."
One of the original members attending was Connie Mascenic of Addison, who Tegtmeier credited with molding the group into what it is today. While the disease has taken away Mascenic's ability to walk, her perseverance and spirit have been instrumental in the group's success, she said.
"How incredible it is for me to say that we're celebrating our 20th year as a MS Support Group," Tegtmeier said. "MS has brought us together, but it's also keeping us together as a group."
Meetings draw about 25 people, and about one-third of them have been with the group from about the time it began.
The group meets at 10 a.m. the third Wednesday of the month at the library to discuss MS issues and the everyday concerns that impact members' daily lives. For example, neuropsychologist Alona Ramati of Northbrook spoke on cognitive issues in September, while an upcoming meeting will deal with managing bladder and bowel issues. But members make sure to have fun at meetings, too, Tegtmeier said.
"We're a diverse group," she said. "Everyone's MS is different, so some members can walk into the meetings while others may need the assistance of a cane, or walker; a few others will use a scooter or a wheelchair."
The support group helps members learn new information and strategies for confronting problems, find support from others, help others, feeling empowered and self-confident in coping with challenges. Members of self-help groups share a belief that positive personal change happens through individual efforts with the support of others.