Research has shown that people who receive support from a social network cope better, feel more in control, and have better outcomes than those who are isolated. Those who live with myositis, however, face the difficulty of dealing with a chronic illness plus the extra challenge of having a rare disease that most people have never heard of. Because the disease is so rare, it can be hard to find others who understand what you are going through and the challenges posed by myositis.

TMA answers this need by offering members several support group options.

Keep in Touch Support Groups

Keep in Touch (KIT) support groups provide members the opportunity to get together with others in their area and share concerns, friendship, and ideas. As a member of The Myositis Association, you are invited to join the TMA KIT support group network. When you choose this TMA service, your name, contact information, and diagnosis will be added to the list of support group members in your area and will only be shared with those in your specific KIT support group.

Volunteer leaders manage these local support groups, devoting their personal time and energy to organizing and encouraging communication among local TMA members. KIT members interact with each other through face-to-face support group meetings, newsletters, telephone, and e-mails. Some groups have regularly scheduled meetings with speakers, meals, and local activities.

Find Your Support Group

For those living outside the US, please email us, and we will help you find the nearest support group or other TMA members living nearby.

Support group leaders

If you are or would like to be a KIT support group leader, TMA has resources that can help.

If you are not a TMA member and want to participate in TMA’s KIT groups, please join TMA now.