There's always something happening for the chronic illness community. Here, you'll find info about upcoming webinars, conferences, support groups, and more. If you have an upcoming event you'd like to include here, email me at floatlikeabuttahfly@gmail.com. *Note all times listed below are in Eastern Time unless otherwise noted.
Upcoming Webinars:
- Thursday, September 24 | 7:00PM
Is Joint Surgery Right for You? | Arthritis Foundation
Wondering if joint surgery is the right next step? Join three experienced orthopedic surgeons as they discuss when surgery may be recommended, what your options are and what to expect before, during and after the procedure so you can make informed decisions with confidence. Learn more and register here. - Monday, September 28 | 1:00PM
Making Pain Research Easier to Understand: A Listening Session | U.S. Pain Foundation
Join the U.S. Pain Foundation and the United States Association for the Study of Pain (USASP) for an interactive listening session focused on making pain research easier to understand and use. People with lived experience will have the opportunity to share directly with pain researchers what makes research findings feel clear, accessible, relevant, and meaningful. Feedback from the discussion will help inform the development of a future communications toolkit designed to help researchers better share their findings with the pain community. Learn more and register here. - Thursday, October 1 | 7:00PM
Discover Arthritis: Take Control | Arthritis Foundation
This webinar will offer important information about arthritis, including its different types, as well as pain relief strategies and tools for treating and managing the disease. Learn more and register here. - Thursday, October 15 | 7:00PMWhole Body Healing for Arthritis | Arthritis Foundation
Arthritis affects more than joints. This session explores complementary and whole-body treatments to support overall health. By attending this webinar, you will understand holistic approaches to arthritis care, learn about safe complementary therapy options and build a whole-body care plan alongside medical treatment. Learn more and register here. - Thursday, October 22 | 1:00PM
Make an Impact with Your State's Rare Disease Advisory Council | National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
Rare Disease Advisory Councils (RDACs) give people impacted by rare diseases a meaningful voice in state government, and an opportunity to help shape policies and programs impacting the rare disease community. During this webinar, we’ll teach you how RDACs operate, and the different ways that advocates can advance and strengthen the work of a council. Learn more and register here. - Thursday, October 29 | 7:00PMOA Basics & First Steps Forward | Arthritis Foundation
Being newly diagnosed with osteoarthritis can bring a lot of questions. This webinar will help you understand what osteoarthritis is, what changes to expect and the practical first steps you can take to manage symptoms and stay active. You'll learn simple strategies to protect your joints, improve daily function and connect with trusted resources and support to help you move forward with confidence. Learn more and register here.
Ongoing Series:
- First Sunday of the month
AiArthritis Voices 360 Talk Show | International Foundation for Autoimmune & Autoinflammatory Arthritis (AiArthritis)
This show is so much more than a "podcast", which is why we call it a Talk Show. We have one main show that airs (audio & video) the 1st of each month, then we spin the conversation out to "360its", various communication methods - indefinitely - to expand learning & resource building. View (or listen to) all episodes here. - Every other Monday
Sarc Fighter Podcast | Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research
Sarcoidosis warrior and advocate John Carlin is working with FSR to produce a podcast specifically for individuals whose lives are impacted by sarcoidosis and other rare or chronic illnesses. He’s tackling all the big topics that affect sarcoidosis patients and their loved ones from the basics of the disease, lifestyle changes, treatment options, research progress, and most importantly: the voices of those affected by this disease. Listen to all episodes here. - Every other Tuesday
Arthritis Foundation Live Yes! Podcast | Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation's podcast helps patients and caregivers overcome arthritis obstacles by offering practical solutions, expert advice on nutrition, fitness, and pain management, and a supportive community. Listeners can share feedback, tips, or episode suggestions by emailing podcast@arthritis.org. Listen to all episodes here. - Second Thursday of the month | 8:00PM
Sarcoidosis Speaker Series | Life & Breath Foundation
The Life & Breath Foundation hosts monthly webinars with leading doctors and specialists. These sessions provide an opportunity to educate patients and caregivers, while also allowing them to gain advice from experts. Learn more and register here.
Virtual Support Groups:
- Every Weekday (Monday - Friday) | 11:00AM
Daily Chronic Pain Support Group | U.S. Pain Foundation
Pain Connection, a program of the U.S. Pain Foundation, offers free peer-led support groups for people living with chronic pain. These groups provide a welcoming space where participants can connect with others who understand the challenges of living with pain, share experiences, and support one another. Significant others are welcome. Learn more and register here. - Second Monday and Last Thursday of the month | 7:00PMDaily Chronic Pain Support Group | U.S. Pain Foundation
One popular coping technique for managing pain is creative art. The Creative Arts group provides a compassionate space for individuals to participate in instructed activities. (Check website for the activity of the month and supplies needed!) Learn more and register here. - Second Wednesday of the Month | 7:00PM
Peer-to-Peer Sarcoidosis Virtual Support Group | AnCan
With this national online support group, you will be able to do a video chat with others who are affected by sarcoidosis and their caregivers: if you don’t feel comfortable with video, you will be able to call in also, but we do ask that we are able to put your first name in the room so we know who is talking. Learn more and join a group here. - Second Thursday of the Month | 8:00PM
Dealing with Sarcoidosis Support Group | Life & Breath Foundation
The mission for this support group is to provide support, empowerment, and hope to individuals and families affected by sarcoidosis. Through a compassionate and understanding community, we strive to create a safe space where members can share their experiences, find valuable resources, and gain knowledge about this complex condition. Learn more and register here. - Third Thursday of the Month | 4:30PM
National Chronic Pain Support Group | U.S. Pain Foundation
Pain Connection, a program of the U.S. Pain Foundation, offers free peer-led support groups for people living with chronic pain. These groups provide a welcoming space where participants can connect with others who understand the challenges of living with pain, share experiences, and support one another. Significant others are welcome. Learn more and register here. - Third Thursday of the Month | 6:00PM
Sarcoidosis Support Group | Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research
In response to feedback received and a growing need to support patients where they are, FSR has launched an online peer-led support group for people living with sarcoidosis. We will continue to address the emotional needs of sarcoidosis patients everywhere through these virtual groups. Learn more and register here.