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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 indiiduals 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 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.

Map of Scleroderma Foundation of Greater Chicago's Support Groups

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.

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