This concept “Coffee with a Buddy” is an informal connection with citizens who have Multiple Sclerosis whether newly being diagnosed or living with the disease. There will always be overwhelming feelings and uncertainty of the “unknown” What will happen to me?  Where do I go from here? What happens to my family? All the questions no one will have the answers to, but we (collectively) living day in and day out with this can provide support and compassion and hopefully find answers within each other’s discussions. Someone newly diagnosed with MS will not o\know where to turn to, what questions to ask, where to find appropriate information. This is why Coffee with a Buddy was created. For the newly diagnosed person to talk to someone who lives with MS and to share their stories. To meet one on one before introducing the newly diagnosed MS person to a group of members living with MS. To walk into a room with many members with MS could be frightening and overwhelming. Coffee with a Buddy is a process of slowly introducing a person with MS to the MS community. I see what the MY MS FAMILY community has done for me. Provided me Strength, Laughter and Guidance, but above all reassurance that we are okay, and will all COPE together as a family.  This venture that would be implemented is to provide awareness and support at different levels.  The mission is basically “pay it forward” to reach as many people who want/ need to talk to someone and seek friendships….. Which can be a huge healing power? I know it was for me. Down the road a “Java day” hopefully would be formed. A social gathering where to have a coffee, laugh, listen, vent, cry, talk ….. Simply to forget that monster that shadows us.  We are all in this together…. And one day at a time we will face our hurdles and we will conquer them together…. as a family. This program will respect your confidentiality. Who you speak to or associate with and the topics covered will remain confidential between the direct involved parties. If there is a need for further assistance, i.e. Equipment, CCAC, O.T. needs then info will be directed to MY MS FAMILY.

I was looking for a connection since being diagnosed with MS in 2005. The doctors and nurses could not answer my questions about multiple sclerosis. Somewhere somebody knows more about this new chapter in my life. The MS Clinic that I attended just pointed to a bulletin board there is info there take a look. Very cold, non involvement comment. I Inquired about members being online and discovered approximately 50% are not online. Every community has 2 things in common, Multiple Sclerosis and a Tim Horton’s coffee shop. Social media activity: Twitter is the only one I use and have helped people living with MS and little or no support. Examples are, Barbara (stumbling in Flats); Ann, Wheelchair user and close friend, Surjeet( Ritu) in Mumbai India, who’s only source of information is from social media.

The coffee buddy program is to try to connect members with MS to share a coffee together in hopes of building friendships within the chapter, by communicating with each other.

Penelope (MS member) stated: When you are going through a difficult time (as I am and I know many of you are) and there’s no one around to give you a hug, share a smile with, or hold your hand, know that we are here for each other. The battle we face each day is real, it’s hard, and it’s unrelenting. You are my biggest supporters and I am yours. Today, I’m reaching my hand out to you to grab hold of yours and hold you up. Together we will get through this. Hang on!!!!

Coffee with a Buddy is a warm, inviting non judgmental program where we listen more than we talk, encourage more than we judge, and offer a hand up rather than a hand out! Do you have time for a coffee because we have the time to listen and encourage!