A spinal cord injury is a life-altering event for both the patient and his or her entire family. New SCI patients and those who have been living with the condition for a while can all benefit from emotional support. In addition, there is so much to learn about SCI and self-care that even patients who have been living with SCI for years can learn new methods and helpful tips. SCI support groups offer patients and their families’ emotional support, information, and much more.
Each SCI support group has its own special focus, so it is important to check out several before deciding which one is appropriate for you. For example, many SCI groups dedicate themselves to offering adaptive recreational activities for SCI patients.
There seems to be a scarcity of support groups specifically for SCI in New Jersey. You may wish to consider starting your own support group. The National Spinal Cord Injury Association does not yet have a chapter in New Jersey and would be happy to help you start one. This association also gives helpful information if you want to start a support group not affiliated with them. Their web site is: https://unitedspinal.org/.
West Orange
Spinal Cord Injury Peer and Resource Group
This group is for people with any level of SCI. Family and caregivers are welcome. Meetings are held in the second floor Day Room from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month. Please let us know you are coming. Pizza and refreshments will be served.
Meeting place:
Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation
1199 Pleasant Valley Way
West Orange, New Jersey, 07052
Contact:
Ronald Moore at (973) 243-6927 or rjmoore@kessler-rehab.com
Wheel Connections
Wheel Connections is a peer support group for people with spinal cord injuries living in New Jersey and the Tri-State area. Its main objective is to create a social network among men and women with spinal cord injuries seeking companionship, spinal cord education, resources and recreational activities. Wheel Connections will meet once a month. At each gathering, there will be time set aside for special topics to be addressed by a specialist. Afterward, members are encouraged to socialize.
Address:
Wheel Connections
P.O. Box 763
Short Hills, New Jersey, 07078
Web site: www.wheelconnections.org
Contact:
Gabe Chesman at 908-337-8883 or gabe.chesman@wheelconnections.org