Austin, TX Support Groups Host Second Annual "Neuropathy Awareness and Benefit Concert" on October 21st!
October 24th, 2012 

On October 21st, our Austin, TX support groups—led by Nancy Herlin and Marjory Haddix—hosted their second annual “Neuropathy Awareness and Benefit Concert” at the Nutty Brown Café in Austin. 

Featuring live music by local bands, including Audioroad and opener Joe Dowdle (a contestant on Survivor: Tocantins), a silent auction, and good food—all at the Nutty Brown Café's huge patio under the boughs of ancient oaks and hill country stars—this event provided an evening of fun and camaraderie for more than 100 family members and friends who attended! Marjory, Steve, and Christopher Haddix and Marshall Lyles shared with attendees what it was like to live with neuropathy. Additionally, Sara G. Austin, MD (NeuroTexas Institute at St. David's Healthcare)—the support groups’ medical director—talked about the importance of getting an early diagnosis and prompt treatments as well as the role of the support groups in living well with neuropathy.

Nancy and Marjory are caregivers and support group leaders in our neuropathy community; for them, beating neuropathy is a very personal cause. Nancy’s 19-year old son Peter Herlin was diagnosed with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (or CIDP—an autoimmune form of neuropathy) five years ago. Marjory’s 17-year old daughter Julie Ann was also diagnosed with CIDP twelve years ago. Both Nancy and Marjory inspire all of us who want—and are working towards—a better future for the more than 20,000,000 Americans devastated by a neuropathy diagnosis...as well as the millions more who love and care for them.

Nancy notes, “It is a wonderful feeling to be able to help people living with neuropathy as well as their family members and friends to better understand neuropathy and find answers. The empathy and compassion we, as a community, have for each other’s situation translates into support for our mission to spread the word and support those in Central Texas dealing with neuropathy.”

The Neuropathy Association congratulates the Austin, TX support groups on all of their efforts to host this wonderful day and successful event!