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Find a Support Group



Click to view all local support group pages.

Do you have questions or concerns about a local support group?  Please contact the Foundation at 877-643-3123 or info@gdatf.org.  

You’re not alone!

Support groups are available for patients and family members impacted by Graves' disease, Thyroid Eye Disease, and other thyroid-related disorders.  They provide a forum to share feelings, concerns, and information. Support groups offer peer support and encouragement to patients seeking help on coping with their illness. Spouses and caregivers can derive a better understanding on how to help their loved on. Its a chance to meet new friends.

Support groups may feature physicians and other medical professionals specializing in related topics. For more information about meeting dates, locations, and speakers, please contact the support group leader or call the Graves' Disease and Thyroid Foundation national office at 877-643-3123.

The meeting schedule is subject to change. Before attending a group for the first time, call to verify the date and time. Group meetings are free of charge and open to patients, friends, and family members.

The Foundation is working diligently to expand the location of support groups and we are always interested in motivated, dedicated volunteers to assist us. To find out how you can help to organize a support group in your community, please send us an email from the Contact Us tab or call the National office toll-free (877) 643-3123.

NOTE: Advocates are Patients with years of experience who volunteer with the Graves' Disease and Thyroid Foundation many provide advice on the Bulletin Board. They offer phone & email support and may also run a support group. Some offer help on a specific topic as noted, while others may live close to your city which can be helpful in looking for medical assistance.

Support Groups

Click to view all local support group pages.  

Advocates

Arizona

Kimberly Dorris - Email: phoenix.gdf@cox.net or phone:  877-643-3123, x101. Bulletin Board Facilitator.
Topics: Southwest help for Graves' disease patients.

California

Sharon Barbour (Ski) - Email: skibeanie@earthlink.net. Bulletin Board Facilitator.
Topics: West Coast help and general thyroid information; family/relations issues

Colorado

Elaine Martinez - Email: lakewoodgraves@yahoo.com
Topics:  Colorado help for Graves' disease patients 

Florida

Jan Kintz - Phone: (561) 967.9659
Topics: South Florida help for Graves' patients, Graves' eye disease.

North Carolina

Nancy H. Patterson, PhD - Email: nancyngdf@bellsouth.net or home phone: (828) 698.8244
Topics: GDF Founder, available for ALL questions, help and Graves' thyroid information. 

Canada

James Sardachuk - Email: jsardachuk@shaw.ca. Bulletin Board Facilitator.
Topics: Canada West Coast help for Graves' patients, Men & Graves' disease.

Recent News

Recent Forum Posts

  • An old pro?

    May 24, 2013, 5:47 p.m.

    Hello and welcome! For patients who are stable and feeling well post-RAI, TSH testing is generally...

  • surgery to remove mass and maybe thyroid

    May 24, 2013, 5:32 p.m.

    Glad that you have a plan in place – and a wonderful vacation to look forward to! Keep us posted!

  • Hi

    May 24, 2013, 4:33 p.m.

    Barbra, when I was hyper, I was eating at least 6000 calories a day, just stating a big number, I have no...

  • Hi

    May 24, 2013, 4:02 p.m.

    Thanks, Diane. What you're saying makes sense. Too busy to get sick. The body and the mind work in strange...

  • Do I need a Psychiatrist too?

    May 24, 2013, 3:53 p.m.

    It is my strong background in Scientology that keeps me away from those people and for good reason. I did see...

  • surgery to remove mass and maybe thyroid

    May 24, 2013, 3:51 p.m.

    Hi, Just wanted to wish you the bet of luck in whatever you decide to do. I hope your surgery goes well and...

  • Hi

    May 24, 2013, 3:48 p.m.

    Hi Barbra, I too was diagnosed after taking care of my mother for 10 years with lupus, then my father was in...

  • surgery to remove mass and maybe thyroid

    May 24, 2013, 3:46 p.m.

    met with the ENT today. He is going to remove a mediastinal tumor behind my collarbone (just below my...

  • Hi

    May 24, 2013, 3:44 p.m.

    I think I'll sit down and eat until I explode.

  • Hi

    May 24, 2013, 3:43 p.m.

    I have actually always been healthy, no flu or even colds for me. I swung within a few pounds of my ideal...

  • Do I need a Psychiatrist too?

    May 24, 2013, 3:34 p.m.

    I respectfully agree to disagree. I've always had issues with anxiety and panic attacks but pretty much had...

  • Endo Appointment - surgery is now on the table

    May 24, 2013, 3:27 p.m.

    Stymie Sue that is great news that your endo is supporting your TT. he sounds like a very compassionate and...

  • A Cyclist's Two Days until TT

    May 24, 2013, 3:21 p.m.

    Glad to hear your surgery went well! Keep us posted on your recovery ! Diane

  • An old pro?

    May 24, 2013, 2:28 p.m.

    Hi there, I am new to this forum and have been on Levothyroxine for about 27 years. According to my mother, I...

  • OD Surgery and Decreased Vision

    May 24, 2013, 2:17 p.m.

    Hi all, I'm posting on behalf of my mother. She was diagnosed with GD about a year ago, and has been...

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