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.

Support groups often feature speakers specializing in scleroderma or related topics. To find out information about upcoming speakers or meeting topics, please contact the support group leader or chapter office.

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.

ALLEN

Greater North Dallas Support Group
Aug. 2 - Dr. Cash, rheum., Sept. 6 - Social Security speaker, Oct. 4, Nov. 1 - Sherry Weller – Actelion, Dec. 6 - Annual Christmas party.
3–5:00 p.m. the first Sunday of every month
Texas Health Resources – Presbyterian Hospital of Allen See map and directions. The meetings will be held in Conference Room #1 (main floor, right hall), Refreshments will be provided.
Support Group Leaders: Emily Woods, 972-342-7797, allen@scleroderma.org or Cindi Brannum, 972.954.7185, cbrannum@att.net

AUSTIN

Austin Support Group
Aug. 16, Dr. Chris Spradley, Pulmonologist; Sept. 20, Dr. Manuel Cortez, Psychiatrist; Oct. 18, TBA; Nov. 15, Thanksgiving Dinner; No meeting in December.
2:30–4 p.m., the third Sunday of every month
North Austin Medical Center, 12221 Mopac Expressway N., at the Parmer Lane Exit, Austin, Texas, in Classrooms one and two, 2nd floor, at the main entrance (signs on doors). Directions.
Support Group Leaders: Scott and Julie Tefft, 512-863-0039, austin@scleroderma.org

CONROE

Conroe Support Group
Aug. 8, Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8, Dec. 13, Holiday Celebration
3–5 p.m. the second Sunday of the month
The Women's Hospital of Texas at Conroe Regional Hospital, 504 Medical Center Blvd., Conroe, Texas. See map.
Support Group Leader: Cheryl Clendenen (Leader), 832-867-3145, conroe@scleroderma.org

CORPUS CHRISTI

Contact only:  Tina Villegas  361.442.4421

EL PASO

El Paso Support Group
August 1, Oct. 3, Dec. 5
10:30am-12:30pm at United Blood Services,  424 S. Mesa Hills, in the Community Room See map and directions.
Contact:  Marianne Nelkin, 915.584.6504, tifnick@sbcglobal.net

HOUSTON

Houston Support Group

2009 meeting dates:  August 9th, Sept. 13th, Oct. 11th, and Dec. 13th
Meets the 2nd Sunday of every month from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m.
Memorial Hermann NW, 1635 North Loop West, South Tower, Meeting Rm. B See map and directions
There is close surface parking off W. 27th St. at no charge (clearance through Security) Garage 1 and Garage 2, no attendant on duty Sundays – N/C, longer walk
Shirul Patel, Co-Support Group Leader, sclerodermaHouston@gmail.com / 281-773-6916, Bhoomieka Patel, Co-Support Group Leader, sclerodermahouston@gmail.com

LONGVIEW

Longview/Piney Woods Support Group
Aug 9, Trish Borman, PhD - Psychology @ UTSW MC); Sept 19 (Walk), Nov. 8, Opal Payton - Camouflage Makeup
2– 4 p.m. at Regional Hospital, Senior Circle, 3000 North 4th Street, Longview, Texas
Support Group Leaders: Alice Youngblood, 903-808-1607 and Shirley Sawyer, 903-987-1822, longview@scleroderma.org

LUBBOCK

Lubbock Support Group
Aug. 1, The Frustrations of Dealing with a Chronic Illness; Oct. 3, Scleroderma Kidney Involvement, Dr. Joel Starnes, III, Nephrology; Dec. 5, Pot luck holiday luncheon 
1– 3:00 p.m. at LIFE/RUN Center for Independent Living 4902 34th Street, Suite #5 Lubbock, Texas
Support Group Leaders: Mickey Goodwin 806.794.1507 and Chris Zavala 806.368.6777

MIDLAND/ODESSA

Midland/Odessa Support Group
The second Sunday of odd number Months, 3 p.m.
Sept. 13, Physical Therapy; Nov. 8, Massage
LEECO office at 3501 Billy Hext Rd., Odessa, TX 79765 Map and directions.
Support Group Leader: Tammy Brown, 432-631-8148 (cell), odessa@scleroderma.org Co-leader Denise Roberson, 432-262-6462 , denise_zka@hotmail.com

PARIS

SAN ANTONIO

San Antonio Support Group
November 15
3–5 p.m. at University Hospital, 4502 Medical Drive, Cafeteria 3rd Floor “Foundation Room” Phone:  210.358.4889  See map and directions
Support Group Leaders: Deborah Charlton, 210-264-9310, sanantonio@scleroderma.org

TARRANT COUNTY

Tarrant County Support Group
3–5 p.m. the third Sunday of every month (Refreshments)
Harris Methodist HEB Hospital, 1600 Hospital Parkway, Bedford, Texas, 817-355-7700 West Conference Room See map and directions.
Support Group Leaders: Elaine Beck, 817-251-1978 and Amber Paris, 817-577-7020 email tarrantcounty@scleroderma.org
LIST OF MEETINGS AND TOPICS:

• Aug. 16 – Dermatology Issues by Dr. Melissa Costner
• Sept. 20 – TBA
• Oct. 18 – Raynaud's Syndrome and Wound Care
• Nov. 15 – Nutrition and the Immune System
• Dec. 20 – Holiday party at Mike and Elaine Beck's home

WACO

Waco Support Group
3:00–5:00 p.m. 2009 dates: Sept. 20, Nov. 15
Providence Medical Center, Meeting room: Classroom 3 & 4. Classrooms are located next to the cafeteria.
6901 Medical Parkway
Waco, TX 76712
Map and directions
Support Group Leader: Sandy Gilbert, 254-752-8550, waco@scleroderma.org; co-leader, Sue Fitch