WESTFIELD — The Mast Cell Northeast Support Group, for those dealing with mastocytosis and other mast cell issues, will have its first in-person meeting since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, at the Episcopal Church of the Atonement, 36 Court St., Westfield.
This meeting is open to all patients, caregivers, family and friends, and any interested party. EMTs and nursing students are encouraged to attend. Support group leader Patty Wright said, “This disease is complicated. It presents differently for every person so it helps if our nurses and EMTs understand that our anaphylaxis and reactions may not look what they’re used to and understand what we go through trying to communicate our needs and get treatment especially in an emergency room.”
Mastocytosis is a rare condition caused by an excess number of mast cells gathering in the body’s tissues. Mast cell activation syndrome is only one of about 20 mast cell activation diseases, also known as MCADs. The support group is for all MCADs. Making family, friends, coworkers, employers and the community understand their needs is an ongoing challenge and the support group allows members to share both challenges and tips.
