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 Support Group Meetings
- The OIF Support Program will host virtual Affinity Support Group 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
Community Call: School-Aged ToolkitCommunity Calls
January 28, 2026 | 7:00pm ET
During this call, the OIF will introduce and review the Toolkit with Dr. Michelle Fynan.
The OI Foundation is excited to share our newest resource, the School-Aged Toolkit: Information on Caring for Children with OI Between the Ages of Three to Eighteen, designed to help families, healthcare providers, school personnel, coaches and other community members support children and students living with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI).
This toolkit provides practical information on navigating school life with OI, including accessibility, safety, communication, and advocacy tips. Whether you’re a parent preparing for a new school year or an educator welcoming a student with OI into your classroom, this toolkit offers the guidance and tools you need to create a positive, inclusive learning experience.
To view the School-Aged Toolkit, visit www.oif.org/schoolaged
Affinity Support Group Meetings
Affinity Support Group Meeting
March 5, 2026 | 8:00pm ET
Join us on March 5th for the OIF Affinity Support Group Meeting! This virtual gathering offers a space for members of the OI community to come together to connect, share experiences, and support one another. Breakout rooms will be available so you can join the group that best fits your experience.
This meeting will include breakout rooms for:
- Women with OI
- Men with OI
- Parents of Children with OI
- Aging with OI
Register for the meeting HERE
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 |
| 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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