WINSTED – Instead of letting chronic conditions get the best of them, a new group is kickin’ sickness to the curb.
“It’s an open meeting,” said the group’s founder, Tish Kroeger. “All we’re trying to do is be a resource for people [who are suffering], and for those who love them.”
The official name of the group is “Kickin’ Ass and Takin’ Names.” Currently, meetings are at 6 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of each month at Crazi Coffee in downtown Winsted. Check the group’s Facebook page for updates.
People with any chronic condition – physical or mental – are welcome.
“We maintain confidentiality,” Kroeger said. “When I start the meeting, I remind everyone that anything said here doesn’t leave here. It’s a safe space.”
During the meeting (which usually lasts one hour), participants can share as much, or as little, as they’d like. Some meetings center on a specific discussion topic, while others feature an outside speaker. Speakers could be anyone from massage therapists, to acupuncturists, to physical therapists.
“The support has been phenomenal,” said Kroeger, who has also been contacting authors of books about chronic conditions.
Kroeger got the idea to start a support group after she was diagnosed with a chronic illness one year ago.
“I thought, instead of driving to the cities [to join a group], why don’t I start one?” she recalled.
Kroeger wrote to Amy Kurtz, an author and health coach who has learned to manage multiple health conditions. Kurtz donated copies of her book, “Kicking Sick,” which are now on display at Crazi Coffee.
Since then, a library of self-help books has been added to the shelf.
“People can take them as long as they want and read them,” Kroeger said. Also, anyone who has a helpful book they’d like to donate can contact the group for details.
To learn more about Kickin’ Ass and Takin’ Names, email katngroup44@gmail.com, or find the group on Facebook.
Tish Kroeger has started a support group for people with chronic illnesses and their loved ones. The group can be reached at katngroup44@gmail.com or through Facebook, under “Kickin’ Ass and Takin’ Names (Support Group).”
