Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 83 Adelle was determined not to give up. She turned to her faith and sought guidance as she continued her search for the right meeting location. Adelle said, “I had a vision that I believed in and a great desire to encourage others like me.” Good news came to Adelle one afternoon when a church in her neighborhood welcomed the group with open arms. She said, “Not only did they provide a wonderful meeting space (accessible to the bus and Handi-ride, the regional paratransit service) but also, kitchen privileges.” Members are encouraged to bring a bagged lunch as meetings last for a few hours. Adelle seeks out community members who may be willing to volunteer their time and talents to benefit the group. Currently, Adelle has some- one each month who does art projects with the group members and is hoping to add exercise instruction, such as T’ai Chi, soon. Reflecting on her journey thus far, Adelle said, “In the beginning it was slow going to get the word out. Much of it came from my own inability to get out and spread the word because of fatigue and walking problems.” However, Adelle knew that this hurdle only meant that she would need to be patient and continue to advertise her group when she was able to do so. She believed that her dreams would still become reality, but things would take a bit longer than she would have liked. As an affiliated support group leader, Adelle was able to have flyers printed for her by the MSF containing general information about her support group. Adelle would take these flyers with her wherever she went so that she could hand them out to anyone who might be interested in attending a meeting. Because these flyers are undated and only contain basic group information, such as the week, day, time, and location of regular meetings, they never expire and are accurate year-round. She also relied on the MSF’s monthly support group meeting flyer mailings to help spread the word, but knew that she would need to do more to really expand her group. Adelle said, “I truly believe, ‘You have not because you ask not!’ People don't know what you need unless you voice it. I think that having a group is more than just holding a meeting and counting on the mailing of flyers to make it grow. You have to put ‘legs’ (or in my case, wheels) under your vision!” Following her own advice, Adelle attends MS-related events in her area to distribute flyers, seeks new opportunities to connect with other people with MS, and has written articles for church newsletters about her group. Along with keeping her support group leader wheels turning, Adelle is still active in her ministry teaching bible studies, officiating weddings, and maintaining a Facebook page for prayer re- quests, devotions, and messages. When asked what advice she would share with someone hoping to start a support group, Adelle said, “First, believe in your dream. Know that there will be disappointments but, if you persevere, it will come together. It’s not about how many people are in the group, but the group of people who come!” Adelle and her service dog, Chico, whom she rescued from the streets of Tennessee. Today, he comforts Adelle when she is having spasms, and fetches the paper. The Peninsula Friends With MS Support Group usually meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Denbigh Church of Christ, 205 Denbigh Blvd., Newport News, VA 23608. Please contact Adelle at 757-367-0267 or revadelle@aol.com for more information.