Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation Blog

Welcoming New Local Support Group Leaders

The RLS Foundation volunteer network consists of compassionate and motivated individuals who want to make a positive impact in their community. We are excited to introduce three new local support group leaders, who will serve Massachusetts, Georgia and the Bay Area in California. Local support group leaders hold meetings (in-person, virtually or hybrid) to foster meaningful connections and provide support within their community. Search by state to find out if there is a local support group in your area. Interested in becoming an RLS Foundation support group leader? Click here to learn more about the role and the application process.

North Shore, MA Support Group

Kelly Ebert is forming a new support group for the North Shore Massachusetts area. “I want to help others with this horrible affliction, if in no other way but to offer the idea that none of us are alone.” She plans to create a hybrid experience with a balance of in-person and virtual meetings. “I believe in-person experiences are necessary to our human existence and an in-person group does not exist in my area.”

Kelly is an Associate Professor and Program Director at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences with long term participation in support groups. She has volunteered extensively in national and state radiation therapy organizations. She lives in Amesbury, MA and her hobbies include hand-building pottery and furniture refinishing.

Next Meeting: April 8, 2025 by Zoom

Click here for meeting details and to register.

Sandra Norman is a passionate and dedicated community leader, who is beginning a Georgia support group. “I have had RLS for over 40 years, but it's only recently that I've discovered the RLS Foundation. I'm excited to start a support group to spread awareness, so physicians can pass information about this resource along to their patients.”

When Sandra finds something she is passionate about, she says, “I go at it like gangbusters!” After retiring, Sharon waited for the right volunteer opportunity and she is thrilled to say she has finally found it. Outside of her volunteer activities, she is a fitness instructor and loves taking care of her grandchildren.

Next Meeting: April 15, 2025 by Zoom

Click here for meeting details and to register

CJ Liang is eager to start a support group for the Bay Area, explaining that “I have received so much help from RLS Foundation resources, including the website and webinars. I have learned so much about how to cope with RLS and I hope to help others by leading a group."

CJ is a frequent participant in the Foundation's monthly virtual support group meetings. She recalls hearing from an emotional young woman during one of these meetings, who had joined on behalf of her mother whose RLS sypmtoms were severe. Reflecting, CJ expresses that she is fortunate to have found the help she needed, having witnessed first hand the importance of shared experiences and emotions.

Outside of community involvement, CJ enjoys being part of a group that meets weekly to sing and play instruments together - she plays the ukulele!

Next Meeting: June 8, 2025 by Zoom

Click here for meeting details and to register

Connie Jeschke previously served as an RLS Foundation support group leader in Nashville, TN RLS in 2015. During that time, Dr. Arthur Walters invited her to volunteer, and she eagerly accepted the opportunity since "RLS is a devastating condition for anyone to endure." She drove three hours each way, to lead her meetings. "Despite the challenges, I cherished the chance to learn more about RLS and enjoyed helping others,” she says today. She has since moved to Illinois and is eager to start a new virtual group in her area. Eliminating the burden of driving to meetings enables Connie to help others from the comfort of home!

Next Meeting: May 21, 2025 by Zoom

Click here for meeting details and to register

If a local support group does not exist in your area, please join one of the Foundation's monthly virtual support group meetings! Click here to view dates and to register.

Looking for RLS Foundation Volunteers

The RLS Foundation is excited to announce that our 2025 volunteer application is officially open. We are looking for compassionate and collaborative individuals interested in starting a new local RLS support group.

RLS Foundation volunteers are dedicated to supporting others within their community by coordinating meetings in person or virtually and facilitating discussions to share knowledge and experience in living with RLS. By volunteering, you can make a lasting difference to others affected by RLS and remind those in your community that they are not alone.

Local RLS Support Group Leaders serve as catalysts for building a community of mutual support and trust for individuals within their local area. If you are interested in connecting with others in your area who are looking to improve their understanding and management of RLS and you want to make a meaningful difference, starting a local RLS support group in your community may be the perfect fit.

As a local RLS support group leader, your primary responsibilities are to:

• Provide a direct avenue of support and local point-of-contact for individuals seeking to better manage their RLS.
• Foster new connections in your area to grow your group over time.
• Hold at least one meeting annually – either in person or virtually.
• Collaborate with Foundation staff to share our resources and educational materials through publications and webinars.

How to Apply:

To apply to become a Local RLS Support Group Leader, please complete the online volunteer application form. For questions about becoming an RLS Foundation volunteer, contact Elyse Hopfe at 512.366.9109 or email elyse@rls.org.