Sunday Conversations - April 2025

Details: Last Updated: 16 March 2025 16 March 2025

"Twisted Connections: The Dynamic Relationship of ME/CFS and Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome"

Sunday, April 27, 2025, 4 p.m. Eastern Time

Sallie Rediske, MPT

In this edition of Sunday Conversations, the increasingly recognized "twisted connections" between ME/CFS and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos will be discussed. Sallie Rediske, MPT (Master of Physical Therapy) will offer a casual yet informed understanding of the challenges of simultaneously living with and managing both conditions.

For those who work with or are primarily familiar with hEDS, fatigue is often misunderstood as the main symptom of ME/CFS rather than the even more multifaceted post-exertional malaise (PEM). When "chronic fatigue" is misrepresented as synonymous with this hallmark feature of ME/CFS, inappropriate and harmful management strategies are recommended, including graded exercise therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. But how does a person with both of these navigate the healthcare landscape when information is often conflicting and expertise is limited?

This presentation will provide you with some direction! Sallie will explain the similarities and differences in the definitions of fatigue relative to ME/CFS and hEDS and why understanding this matters. She will share how understanding PEM is paramount for the person living with simultaneously occurring ME/CFS and hEDS and is necessary to manage both diagnoses. She will share biomechanical strategies, adaptive devices, and modifications that most people living with ME/CFS and hEDS can use daily to optimize their function and quality of life. The focus will be on simple things people can implement at home with little expense. Sallie will also discuss specialized situations that disproportionately impact people with hEDS, such as CCI/AAI (craniocervical instability/atlantoaxial instability) and occult tethered cord within this context. A recording will be available after the event.

NEW! Gen Z & Millennial Groups Mar/Apr 2025

Details: Last Updated: 07 March 2025 07 March 2025

website new group banner

Hey Gen Z and Millennials, we got you!

You must live in MA to attend the Wellness Workshop and New England for the meetup.

Click here for Wellness Workshop Details

Click here for New England Meetup Details

New England Meetup for Millennials & Gen Z Feb/Mar/Apr 2025

Details: Last Updated: 30 January 2025 30 January 2025

New England Meetup for Millennials & Gen Z

*Please Note: You must be a resident of Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, or Connecticut to attend this group.

There is one registration for all three sessions.

Wednesday, February 26th from 2:00-3:30pm ET

Wednesday, March 19th from 2:00-3:30pm ET

Wednesday, April 30th from 2:00-3:30pm ET

Group leader: Kerry Lang

This group is free for members, with any donations to offset costs welcome. A contribution of $40 or more will include annual membership.

Wellness Workshop for Millennials & Gen Z Mar/Apr 2025

Details: Last Updated: 07 March 2025 07 March 2025

Wellness Workshop for Millennials & Gen Z

*Please Note: Due to professional licensing issues, you must be a Massachusetts resident to attend this group.

There is one registration for all sessions.

Each session will feature a different theme or activity followed by reflection, processing, and sharing as a group.

Saturday, March 15th from 10:30am-12:00pm ET

Tangle Doodle/Zen Doodling

Particpants will be guided through several meditative drawing techniques that help facilitate mindfulnes. No experience necessary.
Suggested Materials: blank paper, fine pointed pens/markers

Saturday, April 12th from 10:30am-12:00pm ET

Art Therapy for the Mind and Body

Participants will be guided through several exercises dealing with the mind and body

Facilitator: Kerry Lang, LMHC

Kerry Lang
I am a mental health counselor, wellness coach and expressive art therapist who specializes in populations diagnosed with ME/CFS, Long Covid, Chronic Lyme disease, and similar illnesses. In addition to my personal experience of surviving and reaching remission from late stage neurological Lyme disease, I have over 7 years of experience working directly with patients dealing with complex medical issues. Before embarking on my private practice full time, I was the Mental Health Manager at a Harvard University and MGH affiliated hospital, where I provided individual psychotherapy to patients in addition to running support groups and wellness programs for those with Lyme disease and Long Covid. I currently sit on the boards of Ride Out Lyme and Invisible International, where I continue to advocate for the mental health of those with invisible health conditions. My approach is integrative and patient-centered, utilizing mind body medicine along with mindfulness, meditation, and the creative arts.

This group is free for members, with any donations to offset costs welcome. A contribution of $40 or more will include annual membership.

Sunday Conversations - January 19, 2025

Details: Last Updated: 01 January 2025 01 January 2025

Sunday Conversations has a new schedule in 2025

Events will be held every other month (starting in January)
Some months will have guest speakers.
Others will be community conversations about a topic important to the community

“Going into the new year, what are your hopes and dreams?”

A community conversation focusing on positive visions for the coming year.

Sunday, January 19, 2025, 4 p.m. Eastern Time

Join with others to generate a positive outlook for the future. Hopes are always with us; dreams can be for things big or small. Hopes and dreams can bring us joy. Let’s imagine together and be inspired!

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