Support Networks
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Support Networks
The OI Foundation offers several resources for connecting with individuals with OI and OI families. All of the resources listed below allow participants to ask questions, share information, and offer mutual support to others.
OI Foundation Official Facebook Page
"Like" the OI Foundation on Facebook to receive important announcements and updates from the OI Foundation.
OI Community Forum Facebook Group
Join the OI Community Facebook Forum discussion page for the OI community. Please note: In order to view and participate in Facebook groups, you will need an active Facebook account.
OI Foundation Support Program
About the OI Support Program
The OIF recognizes the importance of creating spaces for members of the OI community to connect with one another and access resources. The OIF Support Program includes the following components:
- Community Calls
- Educational sessions and presentations on various topics of interest will be held quarterly. These meetings will feature professionals and community members leading presentations and discussions.
- Quarterly Affinity Mutual Support Meetings
- The OIF Support Program will host virtual Affinity Mutual Support Meetings on Zoom, featuring breakout rooms for specific groups: women with OI, men with OI, young adults with OI, parents of children with OI, and individuals aging with OI.
- State-Based Contacts
- For those wishing to connect with community members in their state, the OIF maintains a list of state-based contacts. These contacts are volunteers who are willing to provide support and connect with others in their respective states. See the list of state-based contacts below. If you are interested in becoming a state-based contact, please reach out to bonelink@oif.org for more information.
- OI Awareness Week Events
- During OI Awareness Week, the OIF Support Program will host three community events. These will include social, support, and educational activities.
Upcoming OIF Support Group Program Events
Community Calls
Stay tuned for more information on the next Community Call...
Affinity Mutual Support Meetings
The next meeting will be in May. More information to come soon!
For questions, email Kenna Coleman at kcoleman@oif.org.
OIF State-Based Contacts
Below is a list of State-based contacts. State-based contacts are community-members that people can reach out to connect with someone in their state.
| State/Area | Contact | Phone numbers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Barbara Hicks Lauri Alexander | oifromaz@gmail.com lauri@digitalswirl.com | |
| Colorado | Christina Carney | christinalcarney@gmail.com | (970) 964-4250 |
| Florida | Gail Bunker Susie Wilson Breanna Coleman Samantha Coleman | gbunker1@aol.com oislw@aol.com coleman.faye00@gmail.com sk.coleman@yahoo.com | (407) 405-5371 (914) 261-8025 (813) 365-2687 (813) 928-7004 |
| Illinois | Jean Grys | grysmom@yahoo.com | (309) 353-4988 |
| Kentucky | Cheryl Pena | Calli1980@aol.com | (859) 744-3679 |
| Massachusetts (South Shore) | Cheryl Manduca | disneyfanatic4eva@gmail.com | (508) 292-0562 |
| Missouri | Lindsey Hoehn | Lindsey.hoehn93@gmail.com | (314)6301500 |
| New Jersey | Ricky Britner Jr. | oirickybritnerjr@gmail.com | |
| New Mexico | Amber Ohlinger Angel Pacheco | astaro95@gmail.com Angel.pac126@gmail.com | (575) 770-3523 (575) 77904775 |
| Iowa | Kyle Thompson | suevankt@gmail.com | (641)-420-8050 |
| Ohio | Erin Szavuly | eszavuly@lourdes.edu | (419) 824-3685 |
| PA (Pittsburgh) | Chaz Kellem Nikki Watson | chazkellem@yahoo.com nicolemariewatson@gmail.com | (412) 913-6357 |
| Texas | Amie Ludwig | amieludwig1@yahoo.c | (214) 334-9683 |
| Utah | Liana Teteberg | lteteberg@icloud.com | 435-714-0000 |
| Washington | Diane Wysocki (Regional Support Group Leader) | wysocki.diane@hotmail.com | (206) 713-7208 |
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