Support Groups
“ A support group can be life saving for a patient and family during their critical recovery period. I have been amazed by the commitment, the diligence and camaraderie of their members. I have been deeply impressed by the benefit my patients and their families have received by interacting with others who have survived the same ordeal. I salute the organizers of The Joe Niekro Foundation™ for all the good that they do, and am deeply grateful for the benefit my patients have received because of their efforts.”
Dr. Robert F. Spetzler
Director Emeritus, Barrow Neurological Institute
Chairman Emeritus and President, Barrow Neurosurgical Associates
Professor of Surgery, Section of Neurosurgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ
Why Become Part of A Support Group
Social support is exceptionally important in the recovery process and social isolation is considered to be a risk factor for a poor outcome after having a Brain Aneurysm/AVM/Hemorrhagic Stroke. Most hospitals do not offer patients and families ongoing support and rehabilitation for these conditions post discharge. It is our goal to bridge the gap and encourage collaboration, resulting in a more comprehensive support program for survivors and their families.
Our meetings address issues such as depression, social reintegration, coping with disabilities, nutritional brainpower, exercising your brain and much more. JNF empowers members by offering information and emotional support, which is monumental in promoting good health and an improved quality of life. The Joe Niekro Support Groups can play a vital role for both survivor and family members by providing emotional and moral support. Members of support groups receive help by learning new coping strategies, relating personal experiences, obtaining information from health professionals and establishing social networks. JNF Support Groups help others realize that recovery is possible and designed to motivate attendees to follow wellness plans and make a difference in the community while creating a forum of mutual acceptance, understanding and self – discovery.
When you meet with others who have endured the same struggle or have suffered the same health conditions, you’re encouraged. You discover your issues are not unique. Other people understand exactly what you’re going through. You’re one of a group, rather than one of a kind.
Most groups are currently meeting virtually. Please contact your local support group to gain access to the Zoom login and meeting codes.
If a Brain Aneurysm/AVM/Hemorrhagic Stroke support group does not exist in your area and you are interested in starting one, please contact: Elizabeth at ehamburg@joeniekrofoundation.org.
JNF Support Group Locations
Nationwide Virtual Support Groups
Arkansas
Arizona
California
Colorado
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Illinois
Louisiana
Massachusetts
Maine
Michigan
Missouri
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Canada
JNF Online Support Groups
Brain Aneurysm/AVM Support Group sponsored by The Joe Niekro Foundation
https://www.facebook.com/groups/aneurysmavm/
Parents of Brain Aneurysm/AVM Children Support Group sponsored by The Joe Niekro Foundation
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ParentsBAAVM/
Young Adult Brain Aneurysm/AVM Survivors Group sponsored by The Joe Niekro Foundation
https://www.facebook.com/groups/youngadultaneurysmsurvivors/
Brain Aneurysm/AVM Caregiver Support Group sponsored by The Joe Niekro Foundation
https://www.facebook.com/groups/caregiversbrainaneurysm/
Brain Aneurysm/AVM Honoring the Taken Support Group sponsored by The Joe Niekro Foundation
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HonoringTheTaken/