Alabama’s Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) provides various programs and resources for children impacted by a whole spectrum of neuromuscular conditions. Katie has volunteered for four years in various roles with the kids involved in MDA. However, Katie realized that there was a need for support of the parents. Therefore, Katie created an online parent support group called Muscles Connect to bring together parents that are often socially and physically isolated from other adults due to the full time care needs of their children. Each month in the online group, a parent shared his/her story or a speaker would talk on topics that were meaningful to the group. In addition, Catherine, another Schweitzer Fellow and local artist, conducted an in-person art session so that meaningful connections could be formed among the group.

As a result of the program:

• 42 participants joined the online group, despite the fact that half of potential participants surveyed before the fellowship project ranked their likelihood to engage in online support groups as neutral, unlikely, or not likely
• 29 parents became more connected to the caregiver community and less isolated
• Parents reported the online social media group, Muscles Connect, as the second best way they are able to connect with other parents of children with neuromuscular conditions, compared to social media previously being the seventh best way

Parents have taken leadership of Muscles Connect and Alabama MDA will assist.

“I have grown significantly as person and a professional through The Schweitzer Fellowship. Participating in this program has taught me to have a deeper respect for other professions and what we can accomplish when sharing ideas. As I move forward in my professional career, I will always keep in mind the concepts I have learned through a year of service learning. I will strive to first listen to a community’s needs before trying to act upon my own idea of what the need may be for a particular group or area.”