Support Groups
Fostering Community
We have a strong community of people who are here to welcome you. Support groups provide a forum to share experiences and ask questions among people who truly understand what you're going through.
Sharing Insights
Knowledge is very empowering. By exchanging ideas and experiences, members can gain valuable insights into living with scleroderma. Discover practical tips to improve everyday life and learn about resources available to you
Finding Inspiration
The camaraderie you'll find within the group fosters an atmosphere of hope and encouragement allowing indiiduals to embrace life with renewed optimism and the knowledge that they are not alone on their journey.
Support Group
Regions and Topics
Join our community of scleroderma support, spanning across Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Nebraska, Ohio, and Texas. Although our groups are labeled by region, a majority of our meetings are held online through Zoom to ensure accessibility and allow participants to join from the comfort of home. Additionally, we have three topic-centered support groups, featuring Lung Health, Parents, and Exercise respectively.
Our groups are open to individuals at every stage of their scleroderma journey, including caregivers, long-time scleroderma veterans, those recently diagnosed, and physicians. Join us in fostering connections, sharing experiences, and finding solace.
Support Groups By Region
Chicago - North Shore
Leader: Franny Kaplan
Phone: 847-533-5075
Email: nsscleroderma@gmail.com
Meetings: 2nd Saturday every other month from 10am-12pm.
Chicago - Western Suburbs
Leader: Robin S.
Email: westburbsscleroderma@gmail.com
Meetings: 3rd Saturday of every month.
Chicago - Downtown
Leader: Mary Piper-Stanwyck
Phone: (708) 682-4193
Email: piperstanwyck@gmail.com
Meetings: Second Wednesday of the month from 6-8 pm CST.
Central Illinois (Decatur/Springfield)
Leader: Aissa Norris
Phone: (217) 853-6058
Email: 1912barn@gmail.com
Meetings: Schedule varies. Please contact the support group leader.
Wisconsin - Madison
Leader: Jennifer Meier
Email: sclerodermagroupmsn@gmail.com
Meetings: Meets monthly, Thursdays and Saturdays. Contact support group leader for schedule.
NW Indiana
Leader: Rosalind Parker
Email: nwindianassg.rparker@gmail.com
Meetings: 4th Saturday of every month
Omaha - Nebraska
Leaders: Jackie Hughes and Pat Fila
Email: sclerodermaspartans@gmail.com
Meetings: Meets the 3rd Wednesday of every other month at 6:30 pm CST.
Dallas-Fort Worth - Texas
Leaders: Lily Witherspoon and Serita Gibson
Email: sclerodermadfw@gmail.com
Meetings: Meets every other month.
Dayton/Cincinnati - Ohio
Leader: Demi Montgomery
Email: SclerodermaWaitingRoom@gmail.com
Meetings: Meet in person every other month.
Milwaukee - Wisconsin
Leader: Jennifer Bryson
Meetings: Meets the first Monday of the month.
Fill out the Google Form to sign up!
Support Groups By Topic
Parents of Children with Scleroderma
Leader: Pamela Pour
Email: scleromom9@gmail.com
Meetings: Meets the first Thursday and second Saturday of each month.
Young Adults Support Group (17-30's)
Leader: Alejandro Serrano
Email: sclerowarrior18@gmail.com
Meetings: Meets online every other month at 9:00 PM CST. Operated by the Scleroderma Foundation of California. Contact the support group leader for the Zoom link.
Scleroderma and the Lungs
Leader: Jim Stempel
Email: jas.stopscl@gmail.com
Meetings: Meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 CST
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Get Moving With Scleroderma
Topic: Exercise and wellness
Medical Advisor: Dr. Lesley Saketkoo
Meetings: Beginning in September, meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 5 pm CST.
Events Calendar
MARY P.
- Support Group Leader
"Scleroderma can seem scary at first. Getting educated and meeting other scleroderma patients helped ease my fears. The Scleroderma Foundation of Greater Chicago has been an excellent resource for me."
ROSALIND P.
- Support Group Leader
"If you have been diagnosed with scleroderma, you don't have to deal with it alone. Our support groups will help you navigate and gain valuable information. I may hate the disease but I choose to love life."
AISSA N.
- Support Group Leader
"Take a breath. You don’t have to figure it all out at once. You’ve landed in a good place. There’s a lot of people in this community that are willing to walk alongside you."
Become a Support Group Leader
Are you looking for a support group in your area to connect with others who understand your experiences with scleroderma? Then join us in becoming a support group leader! Anyone can join and gain the necessary skills to provide invaluable help to others facing similar challenges. Don't hesitate to reach out to us at info@stopscleroderma.org to get started on this rewarding journey of support and empowerment.