New York City
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Meetings offer education, encouragement, emotional support, and allow for open discussion about managing and living with spondyloarthritis.

Upcoming Meeting(s)

Virtual meeting, using Zoom:

Sunday, December 10, 2023
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM EST

Location: virtual meeting, using Zoom!

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtc–qpzIpEtyL8PV3vl2Yz1N2VBJjYF8K  

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

If you have any questions, please contact support group leader, Charlotte Zeman via email at LongIslandSAA@gmail.com

Social Media

Join our social media channels:

Facebook: @spondylitis 

Twitter: @spondylitis 

Instagram: @spondylitis 

YouTube: Spondylitis

LinkedIn: Spondylitis Association of America

Regular Meeting Location

The New York City group meets once per month. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the group has primarily been meeting virtually on Zoom. If weather permits and if COVID-19 cases have fallen, the group occasionally meets for an outdoor, in-person meetup. We plan to eventually try a hybrid meeting format so that group members can join both in person and via Zoom.

If you have any questions, please contact support group leader, Charlotte Zeman via email at LongIslandSAA@gmail.com

 

* We are seeking a new leader (or co-leaders) for this group! If you’re interested, please email me, or you can also email Manny Caro, the SAA’s wonderful Senior Manager of Member Engagement at manny.caro@spondylitis.org, and he can tell you more about being a group leader and answer any questions you might have. *

Topic: Roundtable Discussion

Leadership

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Charlotte Zeman

New York City's Support Group Leader

Charlotte Zeman

I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis in 2012 at the age of 41 after experiencing symptoms for more than 20 years. I had been to various doctors throughout my adulthood who treated my symptoms, but could never pinpoint the underlying causes of my illnesses. I was prescribed medicine for countless diagnoses which failed to improve my condition. When my body didn’t heal from a car accident at age 24, my doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, and family believed that my pain was psychosomatic. By the time I was in my 30s, I presented with flu-like symptoms 24/7, along with the original pain from the car accident.  My rheumatologist took x-rays and bloodwork which confirmed the presence of HLA-B27.

I’m an active person with AS who loves to walk, hike, swim, ski, and kayak with my husband and children. I continue to strengthen my body and mind through various forms of treatments, and my faith uplifts me and carries me through the challenging times.

I would like to facilitate discussions and offer support to my fellow Long Islanders who may not have access to other support groups. The commitment to the support group begins with my own thirst for knowledge. I attend as many virtual conferences as possible and read-up on the latest research about spondylitis. Whether by zoom or in-person, people who have spondylitis benefit from connecting with others walking through similar journeys. Listening, sharing, and learning about spondylitis can bring peace of mind and empathy among members. In a world that still struggles to understand spondylitis, we can lift each other up and be the positive light for one another. 

About NYC Support Group

At our meetings, we hope to offer members a place to meet others with spondylitis, learn about resources, treatments, and strategies for managing the condition, and receive support with their challenges. We also welcome family members, friends, and significant others of people with spondylitis, who would like to learn more about how to support their loved ones.

Group Guidelines

If this is your first time joining us, welcome! We are excited to have you. To make sure that all meetings are a supportive, safe space for all, we’ve put together some group guidelines. Check it out!

1. Confidentiality. What is said in the group stays in the group. You can share general information with others outside the group, but please don’t use names or identifying information of members.
2. Respect. Treat other group members with respect and understanding
3. Remember that everyone’s experience is different, and what worked for you might not work for someone else. As we say in social work, everyone is an expert on their own life!
4. Give everyone a chance to speak. Try not to monopolize the discussion!
5. Ask a doctor. Remember that most of us (group leaders included) are not doctors, so be careful about giving or taking medical advice.

Want to Start a New Support Group?

We’d love to have you join our team of passionate volunteers leading our spondylitis educational support groups! Learn more about how to get started here, and reach out to manny.caro@spondylitis.org