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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

  • Depression Treatment ? St Johns Wart or Effexor or RAI

    Sept. 15, 2012, 7:25 a.m.

    Lilly, I went back to read all your posts. It appears that you have diagnosed with Graves' since at least...

  • Depression Treatment ? St Johns Wart or Effexor or RAI

    Sept. 15, 2012, 7:13 a.m.

    Hi Lilly, I have not checked all of your posts yet to see where you are on your Graves' journey. But both the...

  • Side effects of Methimazole

    Sept. 14, 2012, 11:02 p.m.

    Hi, I just started a week ago on 10mg daily (once a day) of Methimazole. I first took it at night since I eat...

  • Surgery to remove thyroid?

    Sept. 14, 2012, 8:19 p.m.

    Best wishes on your decision. My weight stabilized through the process, which may be a product of getting the...

  • Constant glare in sight

    Sept. 14, 2012, 5:03 p.m.

    HI S[ARERIB, I have TED, I live in Seattle. I had upper eyelid lowering surgery last Wednesday (9/5) I am...

  • Depression Treatment ? St Johns Wart or Effexor or RAI

    Sept. 14, 2012, 3:05 p.m.

    Hello all and thank you again for all your help It is really somethng to have a place to turn to while...

  • Hours until surgery

    Sept. 14, 2012, 2:14 p.m.

    I am so happy to hear that everything went okay It must be so hard to ber the momma of someone with Graves or...

  • Terrible anxiety and very depressed

    Sept. 14, 2012, 2:07 p.m.

    Hello all and thank you again for all your help It is really somethng to have a place to turn to while...

  • New Grave's Diagnosee

    Sept. 14, 2012, 1:48 p.m.

    Hi, WWW12– I'm new to the forum, too. Just recently diagnosed myself. Glad to see I'm not the only new...

  • Just diagnosed

    Sept. 14, 2012, 1:44 p.m.

    Hi, Laurel– Nice to know someone who lives in the area! Thanks for your reply. I would love to get a...

  • Just diagnosed

    Sept. 14, 2012, 1:34 p.m.

    Hi, Bobbi–Thanks for the info. What are the “huge problems” that having antibodies for...

  • Difficulty breathing and loosing voice

    Sept. 14, 2012, 1:03 p.m.

    I would see your doctor. I did have what I called “anxiety breathing” which felt like constricted...

  • Constant glare in sight

    Sept. 14, 2012, 9:43 a.m.

    I have had a lot of vision problems with TED including what you describe, tho maybe not so dramatic. You do...

  • Difficulty breathing and loosing voice

    Sept. 14, 2012, 6:17 a.m.

    I second the recommendation Kells made. I assumed my throat/chest pain and difficult swallowing (a year after...

  • Difficulty breathing and loosing voice

    Sept. 14, 2012, 2:54 a.m.

    I would see your doctor asap and get a thorough examination.

Questions? Problems? Please contact us at info@ngdf.org or 877-643-3123.

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