Many people coping with growth disorders have found answers and support on the list serve sponsored by the Human Growth Foundation. The "list serve" isn't a real-time chatroom, it is a private e-mail network that allows members from around the U.S. to sign on and pose questions or answers whenever they like.

The foundation's executive director, Patricia Costa, says that many people prefer to network with others through the list serve rather than joining a support group. "Everyone is busy. Parents are juggling kids and school and work -- the last thing they want is another night out," she says. "Besides, you can tap into the list serve whenever you have a question, you don t have to wait for the next support group meeting."

Costa says that people come to the list serve with a broad range of questions. "People grow up with us, " she reflects. "That is, they come to us before they know anything about growth disorder: maybe their child has been teased at school, for example, or suddenly stands out as shorter than her peers. Down the line they have questions about testing and interventions. If their child is given growth hormone therapy, there will be a new set of issues to deal with: what happens if I miss a shot? What's the best way to give an injection?"

According to Costa, the list serve has created a community in which knowledge and experience builds with each member. "Many of the people who come to us with basic questions will be the ones down the line who jump in with answers for newer people," she reflects. "They say, 'You were there to help us, now I want to be there for the next person.'"

The Human Growth Foundation's website is presided over by a dedicated Webmaster who works hard to help members find the answers to their queries. He doesn't offer medical advice, but conducts research and provides members with journal articles that address their questions.

According to Costa's assistant, Dorothy Holohan, adults who are on growth hormone also use the list serve. "People think they are the only one on growth hormone, then they come to the list serve and find out that there are lots of people just like them."

"My daughter was on growth hormones for 7 years, so I know what people are going through," says Costa. "I know that it helped me to be able to reach out and learn from the experiences of others. If you have questions, there are people out there who can help."

First published December 18, 2003
Last updated May 6, 2008
Copyright © 2003 Consumer Health Interactive

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