Support Groups

Amputees Together, Inc.

(Click Here) Amputees Together Brochure (PDF)

Amputees Together, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose membership consists of upper and lower extremity amputees, their families and friends, and interested healthcare professionals.  Amputees Together, Inc., which is sponsored by Westcoast Brace & Limb, is affiliated with the American Amputee Foundation, Inc.

The road toward recovery from an amputation can be a bumpy one. Amputees Together, Inc. members have traveled that road. Our goal is to help smooth some of those bumps by offering support and information.

Peer Visits

Individuals who have personally gone through the process of amputation rehabilitation are available to offer peer support and share their experiences with new amputees. New amputees, amputee family members, physicians, hospital staff, case managers and other rehabilitation providers can make these peer visit requests to Amputees Together, Inc.  We make every attempt to match the trained peer visitor and new amputee based on a number of factors, including age, gender, and amputation circumstances.  Peer visits can take place in-person, at a medical facility or a home, or via telephone.    

Monthly Meetings

Hillsborough County Meetings

Frequency:  Monthy, typically the third Thursday of each month.  Please call to confirm, as the meeting day can vary.

Location:  Westcoast Brace & Limb, 5311 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL 33617

Pinellas County Meetings

Frequency:  Monthly, typically the second Tuesday of each month.  Please call to confirm, as the meeting day can vary.

Location:  Varies.  Please call to confirm, as the meeting location can vary.  

Meetings typically consist of an informational/educational presentation by an area professional, a business meeting, and an informal "rap" session.

·          RSVP is appreciated for all who plan to attend  

 e-Newsletter

Amputees Together, Inc. provides a link with state, national, and international amputee organizations and related groups to remain informed of current activities, issues and trends concerning the individual, family or professional interested in rehabilitation following an amputation.

Our group’s e-Newsletter is e-mailed to group members every other month.  This e-Newsletter contains amputee-related topics, features personal stories from amputees, and contains information on our monthly meetings.  To subscribe for this free e-Newsletter, contact Amputees Together, Inc.  For those members without internet access, a paper copy of the e-Newsletter can be mailed upon request.

Beginning in 2009, Amputees Together, Inc. will be using e-mail to provide members with group information.  If we do not have your e-mail on file, please contact us and provide this information.  Again, if you do not have regular access to a computer we will mail paper copies of all information upon request.

Contact

• For more information on Amputees Together, Inc
• To be added to our mailing list, including e-mail
• To arrange a peer visit with a new amputee
•  For Hillsborough and Pinellas meeting information

Contact Jennifer Robinson at (813) 985-5000 (toll free 1-888-552-2555), or email jennifer@wcbl.com

Tampa Bay Polio Survivors Support Group

What is Post-Polio Syndrome?

According to the latest estimates, some 50-75% of those who survived polio may experience some or all of the "late effects" of polio. These are new health problems, which appear to be related to polio and generally begin occurring some 30-40 years after the onset of polio.

Are you concerned about...

• Fatigue and general discomfort?
• A new feeling of weakness not noticed previously?
• An onset of joint and muscle pain that is affecting your daily life?
• New respiratory/pulmonary difficulties or sleep disturbances?
• Heightened stress affecting daily living?
• Lifestyle changes to better use and conserve your energy, including use of adaptive devices such as canes, braces, wheelchairs, scooters, etc.?
• New medical findings about the late effects of polio?
• Educating family, friends, and medical caregivers to better understand your physical and emotional

If you know that you had polio and exhibit some or all of the previous symptoms, you may be experiencing the late effects of polio.

The Tampa Bay Post-Polio Support Group is a Tampa Bay-based group of polio survivors that have come together to learn new and better ways of treating Post Polio Syndrome (PPS) from each other and professionals in the medical community. We don't have a cure for PPS, but many have learned how to cope. If you are a polio survivor and are now experiencing new problems, perhaps you should contact us. We are an information-oriented group, dedicated to providing help and support for all polio survivors. The group meets every other month in the evening at Westcoast Brace & Limb’s North Tampa office.

For more information or to be added to the mailing list, please contact Deann at (813) 985-5000 or at deann@wcbl.com.

Tampa Bay Chapter of the Scoliosis Association

The Tampa Bay Chapter of the Scoliosis Association serves as an information resource for adults and adolescents with Scoliosis. This organization is affiliated with the Scoliosis Association, Inc., a national information and support organization. The Tampa Bay Chapter will resume holding regular meetings, in Fall 2007, but if you need Scoliosis-related information, or for more information about other local chapters, please contact Deann at (813) 985-5000 or at deann@wcbl.com. The Scoliosis Association Inc. can be reached at (800) 800-0669 or (561) 994-4435 or www.scoliosis-assoc.org / normlipin@aol.com.