Seeking Support Online

(04/25/06 - DURHAM) (WTVD) -- Many patients suffering with chronic diseases often turn to support groups to find way to cope with their illness, but the disease itself can often make traveling and communicating difficult.

Sarah Roberts-Witt is battling what her doctors believe is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). She first started noticing changes in her health two years ago.

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects muscle control. Once an avid runner, Sarah now needs assistance to get around and speaking is more difficult.

Sarah is now learning more about living with ALS by talking with other women online. A support group set up by Duke specifically for women with ALS. It's a place where patients can connect without leaving home.

Selena Helms, a clinical speech pathologist at Duke helped with the site. "Some people are in wheelchairs, have a ventilator to assist their breathing and it's a huge, huge deal to get up and out of the house and by the time they get in the car their exhausted."

Helms says the women talk about everything from their illness to family issues. "I do think women have unique and feelings where they don't think they identify as well with men."

Sarah says the online support group helps her to prepare for what lies ahead. "Seeing what the kind issues I might have to deal with in the future and how they're approaching them."

But Sarah finds the most comfort in just knowing she's not alone. There are currently 46 registered members.

You can find information about the ALS support group by following this link.

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