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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. 

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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

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Finding Inspiration

The camaraderie you'll find within the group fosters an atmosphere of hope and encouragement allowing individuals to embrace life with renewed optimism and the knowledge that they are not alone on their journey.

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Support Group leader helping scleroderma patient
Support Group Hug

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 ANYWHERE from the comfort of home. Additionally, we have three support groups that are centered around the topics of lung health, exercise and being a parent/guardian to someone with scleroderma.

 

Our groups are open to individuals at every stage of their scleroderma journey, including caregivers, long-time scleroderma veterans, and those recently diagnosed. Join us in fostering important connections with others who have a shared experience.

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Support Groups By Region

Chicago - North Shore

Leader: Franny Kaplan

Meetings: 2nd Saturday every other month from 10am-12pm.

Chicago - Western Suburbs

Leader: Robin S.

Meetings: 3rd Saturday of every month at    11 am CST.

Chicago - Downtown

Leader: Mary Piper-Stanwyck

Meetings: First Wednesday of the month from 6-8 pm CST.

Central Illinois (Decatur/Springfield)

Leader: Aissa Norris

Meetings: Schedule varies. Please contact the support group leader.

Wisconsin - Madison

Leader: Jennifer Meier

Meetings: Meets monthly, Thursdays and Saturdays. 

NW Indiana

Leader: Rosalind Parker

Meetings: 4th Saturday of every month at    10 am CST. 

Omaha - Nebraska

Leaders: Jackie Hughes and Pat Fila

Meetings: Meets the 3rd Wednesday of every other month at 6:30 pm CST.

Dallas-Fort Worth - Texas

Leaders: Lily Witherspoon and Serita Gibson

Meetings: Meets the first Thursday of the month every other month at 7:30 pm CST.

Dayton/Cincinnati - Ohio

Leader: Demi Montgomery

Meetings: Meet every other month.

Milwaukee - Wisconsin

Leader: Jennifer Bryson

Meetings: Meets the third Monday of the month at 5 pm CST.

Support Groups By Topic

Parents of Kids and Teens with Scleroderma

Leader: Pamela Pour

Meetings: Meets the first Thursday and second Saturday of each month. 

Young Adults Support Group (17-30's)

Leader: Alejandra Serrano

Meetings: Meets online every other month at 9:00 PM CST. Operated by the Scleroderma Foundation of California. 

Scleroderma and the Lungs 

Leader: Jim Stempel

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. 

Spanish-Speaking Support Group

Leader: Angelica Nixon 

Meetings: Meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 pm CST. 

Support Group Sign Up

Are you interested in connecting with a support group? Fill out this form below and we will get you in touch with the support group that best fits your needs. 

Support Groups by Region
Support Groups by Topic

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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.

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