I was interested to read about Jackie Brant’s trials with ankylosing spondylitis, an autoimmune disease, in last week’s issue of the Review (“More Than Just ‘Sore’”). It is so encouraging that she has found a treatment that allows her to continue to do things she loves, like play soccer.

BOFE Lupus Foundation provides monthly, free, and confidential in-person support groups (with free coffee and other hot drinks) for those who suffer from or have connections — including caregivers, family, and friends — to autoimmune diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and lupus.

The next Coffee Talk will be at the Oberlin Public Library on Tuesday, Oct. 16 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in one of the smaller meeting rooms. We find that those who attend benefit from frank discussions about the infuriating and unknown nature of these conditions, what works and doesn’t work for each of us, sharing information about pharmacies and doctors, and tangential discussions about things like concussions, depression, and whatever else comes up. I invite anyone suffering with an autoimmune disorder to attend a Coffee Talk and to spread the word to others who might be interested.

Contact the BOFE Lupus Foundation — which is local to Lorain County — at [email protected] for more information.

Kathy Perales,

Brittany Blakely,

BOFE Lupus Foundation Members