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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
Minnesota 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.
West Metro Scleroderma 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

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.
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:
651-207-4615
or 877-794-0347

St. Paul, Minnesota

Fourth Wednesday of the month, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
East Metro Support Group
Battle Creek Recreation Center, 75 Winthrop Street South, St. Paul, MN. View map
Contact Diane and Bob Piechowski, bobdiane222@q.com; Chapter phone: 651-207-4615 or 877-794-0347

Note: During winter months, the group will not meet in the event of extremely cold weather (temperatures lower than 10 degrees. Call Support Group Leader to confirm, as necessary.

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 (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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