Families dealing with serious illness, whether of the parents or a child, often face challenges which may seem overwhelming. If the disease is HIV/AIDS, the problem is made worse by the likelihood that they will not be able to be open about their situation or that they will not receive the level of support that would have been forthcoming had the disease been, say, cancer or diabetes. Parents and children both often have no one sympathetic with whom to discuss their issues.
To provide a resource for sharing with others who will understand, the CARE Unit of Austin-Travis County MHMR has organized two new support groups: a children’s group for kids ages 6-12, plus a group to nurture family and friends.
The Children’s Support Group is open to any youth aged 6-12 who has HIV or who is impacted by HIV in the family. The group will meet on Thursdays, 6-7pm at the CARE Unit, 1633 East Second. For detailed info, call Elene at 473-2273×101.
The Family & Friends Support Group also meets Thursday evenings 6-7pm at the CARE Unit. Lee Miranda will guide that group and may be reached at 473-2273×113.
This article appears in November 12 • 1999.