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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.

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

The third Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m.
Edina Support Group
Meeting Place: Southdale Medical Building
6040 France Ave So.
Edina, MN 55435 Map and Directions
Room C-73, Lower Level
Contact: Karen Bryan, 952-926-8848, kbikegirl@aol.com

June 16, 2010 Meeting: Elaine Robashkin will present: "Put It Down on Paper - Writing and Healing"
I have kept a journal for most of my life. So I was interested in the profile of Scleroderma patient Doris Razo, in the March 2009 Scleroderma Voice. Doris wrote a memoir about her experiences with Scleroderma. The article included information from James W. Pennebaker, PhD., renowned psychologist and professor at the University of Texas. I read his landmark book - written with the lay person in mind - "Opening Up: The Healing Power of Confiding in Others". Dr. Pennebaker's research has shown that there are verifiable health benefits from personal disclosure. Many of Dr. Pennebaker's studies have used writing as a tool for this disclosure process. "Writing about emotional upheavals in our lives can offer a means of improving our physical and mental health," said Dr. Pennebaker in the Voice article. I think our support group is the perfect forum to learn more about "Opening Up". I look forward to sharing what I have learned with you.

Maple Grove, Minnesota

Northwest Metro Support Group
Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Road, Maple Grove, Minn. Map and directions. Meetings are at 6:30 p.m.

2010 Meetings

  • March 22 – Diet/nutrition news and advanced directives
  • May 24 – Interpretation of lab results
  • July 26 – TBA

For more information on the next meeting contact Bev.
Support Group Leaders: 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.
Support Group Leader: Heather Christians, 507-251-8381, Christians3@kmtel.com

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@q.com

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.
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