Wichita, Kan. — When three women who participate at Independent Living Resource Center needed a support group for people with fibromyalgia, they found there wasn’t one locally. The three took to heart the old adage, “If you want something done, do it yourself,” and started a group for themselves and others.

The group, nicknamed “ALF,” is a support group for people with arthritis, lupus and fibromyalgia. All of these disorders are caused by a problem with the body’s immune system. The normal immune system fights off infections and viruses. In these and other autoimmune disorders, the immune system attacks its own healthy tissues, causing pain, inflammation and damage to various parts of the body.

The three are co-chairwomen of the group. Meetings take place the first and third Thursdays of each month from 11:30-1 p.m. at ILRC, 3033 W. 2^nd St. North. The building is fully accessible to people with disabilities and comfortable seating is available. Snacks are provided and participants may bring their lunch.

ILRC is a nonprofit agency that offers information, education, a variety of services, and advocacy to people with all types of disabilities. Like all centers for independent living, it is a grassroots organization that encourages self-determination and initiative as a way for people with disabilities to help themselves and others.

For more information about ALF, call Jennifer Moore at 942-6300 or 800-479-6861.