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 individuals 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 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.
Support Groups By Region
Chicago - North Shore
Leader: Franny Kaplan
Meetings: Second Saturday every other month from 10 am -12 pm CST.
Chicago - Western Suburbs
Leader: Robin S.
Meetings: First Wednesday of the month from 6 - 8 pm 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. Check the calendar for dates and times.
Madison - Wisconsin
Leader: Jennifer Meier
Meetings: Meets the third Monday of the month at 5:30 pm CST
NW Indiana
Leader: Rosalind Parker
Meetings: Fourth Saturday of every month at 10 am CST.
Omaha - Nebraska
Leaders: Jackie Hughes and Pat Fila
Meetings: Meets the third Wednesday of every other month at 6:30 pm CST.
Texas
Leaders: Lily Witherspoon and Serita Gibson
Meetings: Meets the first Thursday of the month every other month at 7:30 pm CST.
Ohio
Leader: Demi Montgomery
Meetings: May 26, July 28, September 22, and November 24 at 6:00 pm EST.
Milwaukee - Wisconsin
Leader: Jennifer Bryson
Meetings: Meets the third Monday of the month at 5:30 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 pm CST.
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.
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.