Go to the Scleroderma Foundation National Web Site
Capitol, St. Paul, Minn. Firemen's Memorial at the Airport, Minneapolis, Minn. Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis, Minn. St. Anthony's Catholic Church, St. Anthony, Minn.
Home
Advocacy
Board of Directors
Calendar
Contact Us
Education
Employment/ Disability
Medical
News
Support Groups

Support

  

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.

Bimidji, Minnesota

7–9 p.m. every month
Bimidji Support Group
North Country Regional Hospital, 1300 Anne Street, N.W., Bemidji, Minn. The meetings are usually held in Conference Room 3, Main Level. See map and directions. Please call Carolyn for details.
Contact Carolyn Whitefeather, 218-554-7619, carolynw@paulbunyan.net

Duluth, Minnesota

Second Saturday of each month, 10–11:30 a.m.
Duluth Support Group
Wisconsin Room at St. Mary's Hospital, 407 E 3rd Street, Duluth, Minn. See map and directions. Contact Carole for information on the next meeting.
Contact Carole Berg, 218-721-3940, caroleberg56@yahoo.com

Edina, Minnesota

Third Wednesday of each month, 6-8:00 p.m.
West Metro Support Group
Southdale Medical Center, 6545 France Ave S, Edina, Minn. See map and directions.
Contact Bonnie Jones, bljones315@msn.com, 952-938-4668 and Marty Appleby, 952-890-1225. During winter months contact Noel Towley 952-742-2124.

Jackson, Minnesota

Southwest Minnesota Support Group
Contact: Chapter

Maple Grove, Minnesota

Last Tuesday of each month (except December) 6:30 p.pm
North Metro Support Group
Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Road, Maple Grove, Minn. Map and directions.
For more information on the next meeting contact Bev.
Contact Bev Woo, woodenver@gmail.com and Renate Melillo, rbmelillo@comcast.net
Chapter Phone: 877-794-0347

Rochester, Minnesota

Last Wednesday of each month, 6–7:30 p.m.
Rochester Area Support Group
Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 2703 9th Avenue N.W., Rochester, Minn. See map and directions.
Chapter Phone: 877-794-0347

St. Paul, Minnesota

Fourth Tuesday of the month, 7–8:30 p.m.
East Metro Support Group
East Side Community Center, 1526 6th Street East, St. Paul, Minn. Please see map and directions or call Diane or Bob for more information.
Contact Diane and Bob Piechowski, 877-794-0347, bobdiane222@usfamily.net

 

Other Support Information

Scler-Link

Support and Mentoring for Those with Scleroderma

Those of us living with scleroderma know how challenging the disease can be every day. For some, it took months or even years to get an accurate diagnosis and begin to identify and access appropriate medical care. Our families and friends don’t always understand our needs and disabilities and scleroderma presents unique challenges to them as well. We’ve had to learn to accept the limitations the disease has put on us, and to build on the strengths we’ve gained through this acceptance. We believe we can help others, especially those newly diagnosed with scleroderma and those living with and caring for someone with the disease, by sharing our experiences and supporting one another.

The board of directors of the Scleroderma Foundation/Minnesota Chapter would like to build on this idea, and has outlined what we’re calling Scler-Link. The idea is to offer individual peer assistance, especially with access to good information, services, and education. It’s based on empathy, understanding, and support. Find out more.
NEW SERVICE

EVERYDAY CONVENIENCE PRODUCTS FROM SFMC

Simplify Your Life! Maintain Your Independence!

Have trouble opening jars? Buttoning your shirt? Getting on your shoes and tying them? Or how about staying warm? Tired of asking others for help and are they worn out helping? People with scleroderma have enough concerns to deal with. Fortunately, frustration with everyday tasks may not have to be one of them. Many products are available that may be of assistance.

As a service to our membership, SFMC is making an assortment of useful convenience products available at seminars and meetings. At the recent medical seminar, the most popular selling products were: hand-held jar opener, Bed Buddy (rewarmable warmth tube), large nail clippers (easy to grip), emergency warmth blanket, and hand warmers.

See our Scleroderma Store where you can order the products above and many more.

The Value of Support Groups

We're here if you need us. Call our toll free hotline (1-877-794-0347) to talk to our advocate or get information regarding support groups, meetings and social gatherings.

Support Group Benefits
If you have not attended a support group, consider the following benefits:

  • Discover You Are Not Alone
  • Make Contact With Peers. We share many similar life issues.
  • Share Your Experience. It feels good to talk about it and may benefit others.
  • Learn from Others' Experiences. You may learn something new.
  • Learn About Different Treatments. Different things work for different people.
  • Make Contacts for Outside of Support Groups. Meet someone you relate to and exchange phone numbers.
  • Education Pamphlets, Books, Handwarmers & Products Available
  • Learn About Something You'd Like To Volunteer For. Stay connected.
  • Guest Speakers May Attend.

Support groups are free and open to those affected by scleroderma, including family members and friends, health care workers, and people interested in learning about scleroderma.
SF Nat'l Website - Disclaimer