Support Groups provide a forum to share feelings, concerns, information, and as well as a place to offer peer support and encouragement. Solicitations or research projects are not conducted at support group meetings.

This schedule is subject to change. Before attending a group for the first time, please call to verify date and time. Groups are free of charge and open to everyone.

Support Group Blog

Bluefingers is a blog devoted to living with Scleroderma, a progressive autoimmune disease that does not have a cure. I hope to educate people about the disease and provide hope for those who are living with the disease.

Log on to http://bluefingers.wordpress.com/ and read and participate in Dr. Lexa Walsh's Blog.

Chicago, Illinois

10–11 a.m. second Saturday of every month
Chicago Support Group
Meetings are held at 203 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago in the 7th floor conference room. See map. Parking and other information.
Support Group Leader: Christine Jimenez, 312-480-1728, jimenez.christine11@gmail.com

Highwood, Illinois

10 a.m.– 12 p.m. second Saturday of every month
North Suburban Chicago Support Group
Our meetings are held 40 Holabird Loop in Highwood, IL. Map and directions.
Support Group Leader: Shirl Halpern, 847-432-3198, starkohalpern@comcast.com

Peru, Illinois

1 p.m. second Friday of every month. First meeting: October 12. This will be an organizational meeting. Please call or e-mail Lynn or Marsha for more information.
Illinois Valley Support Group
Meetings are held at Ivch-Valley Home Health Services, 1305 6th Street, Peru Ill. See map and get directions.
Support Group Leaders: Lynn Schmidt, 815-539-5897 illinoisvalley@scleroderma.org, and Marsha Eiten, 815-538-2012

Goshen, Indiana

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. call for dates
Northern Indiana Support Group
Meetings are held at the Goshen Public Library, 601 S. 5th St., Goshen, Ind. (unless otherwise noted) (574) 533-9531. Meetings are held downstairs in Room A/B. (See directions).
Northern Indiana Disability Advocacy Network, Inc. (NI-DAN)
Support Group Leader: Janine Capon, 574-536-8274, northernindiana@scleroderma.org

2008 meeting dates:
Tuesday, April 22 - 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 22 - Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma Walk - Shanklin Park, Goshen, IN - 8:30 AM
Tuesday, August 19 - 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (summer hrs @ library)
Tuesday, October 21 - 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Philanthropy Summit and Non-Profit Expo Tuesday, May 6th

Oak Park, Illinois

West Suburban Support group will hold its Holiday Party on Saturday, Dec. 1, 9:45 a.m. West Suburban Hospital, Oak Park.

Please bring a sampling of your favorite cookies.

The date change will allow group participants to attend the Scleroderma Seminar scheduled for Dec. 15 in Chicago.

In January 2008 and thereafter our group will return to its usual meeting date and time.
10 a.m. the third Saturday of each month
Scleroderma Support Group of Western Suburbs
Our meetings are held at West Suburban Hospital, One Erie Court., Oak Park, Ill. See map and directions. Please check at the information desk for room location. There is FREE parking in the garage. At our meetings, we give and receive support from one another.
Contact: Monica Geary, 708-386-7198, westernsuburbsil@scleroderma.org
Support Group Leaders: Pauline Geary and Natalie Nemeth

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

10 a.m.–12 p.m. first Saturday of each month
Lake Geneva Support Group
We meet at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1229 Park Row, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. (Hwy. 50, go north on Maxwell St, turn left on Park Row). See map & directions. Family members are welcome!
Support Group Leader: Shari Lundberg, 262-245-6212, lakegenevawi@scleroderma.org

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Southeastern Wisconsin Support Group
No formal meetings. Telephone support with group members. Share your concerns or just looking for information we hope we can support you in your struggle with scleroderma. Call or e-mail Sandi Walter support leader 262-338-0980 or sandi_wb@mac.com.
Support Group Leader: Sandra Walter, 262-338-0980, southeasternwi@scleroderma.org