Southern California Support Groups
Support groups provide a forum to share feelings, concerns, information, 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.
These schedules are 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, including patients, caregivers, family and friends.
Click a link to jump below to view more information about one or our support groups:
Bakersfield/Kern County | Camarillo/Ventura County | Central Coast | Crescenta Valley/Pasadena
Imperial County/El Centro | Inland Empire/San Bernardino | Los Angeles | Orange County
Palm Desert | San Diego/Encinitas | San Diego/Mission Valley | San Fernando Valley/Sherman Oaks
Santa Barbara | Whittier/San Gabriel | San Gabriel Valley
Support Group Announcements and Updates
Note: Due to COVID restrictions and for the safety of our participants all meetings will be held virtually until further notice.
Please visit our Facebook page for announcements, changes, alerts, etc. www.facebook.com/sclerodermasocal
Bakersfield
Kern County Support Group
Meetings are on Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., every other month
Location: The Office of Timothy M. Osborn at: 2200 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Contact: Stephen Elrod
Phone: 661-201-1759
Email: stephenelrod168@yahoo.com
2020 Schedule:
Oct 24 Combined Scleroderma Support Group Meeting (ALL support groups are invited)
When: Saturday, October 24th at 10:30 AM PST.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Susan Nyanzi
Topic: The Challenges Scleroderma Patients Face When Admitted to the Hospital.
Susan was diagnosed with scleroderma when she was only 8 years old. As a scleroderma patient, Susan has faced many challenges in multiple hospitals after being admitted for complications of her disease, when medical staff and physicians do not understand the needs of someone diagnosed with scleroderma.
With the protocols in place with COVID-19, many hospitals will not allow you to have any visitors, leaving you alone and vulnerable when faced with decisions that need to be made in your best interest. For that reason, Susan will be addressing what those challenges are and how you can be your own advocate should you find yourself needing to be admitted to the hospital.
Please register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0pdOGvqzouGdEZ8eJNi-h57qTEDkOPI8SI
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Nov 14
Camarillo/Ventura County
Ventura County Support Group
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location:Camarillo Health Care
3639 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo, CA (Bldg E Sierra Room)
Contact: Robin D'Angelo
Phone: 805-701-9467
Email: robind318@gmail.com
2020 Schedule:
Oct 17 Scleroderma Foundation's Combined Peer Support Group Meeting for the Central Coast, Santa Barbara and Camarillo
When: Oct 17, 2020 10:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Please register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIod-GoqDwpHNTbrLjrw2D-0Dg2V-mL4sKL
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Oct 24 Combined Scleroderma Support Group Meeting (ALL support groups are invited)
When: Saturday, October 24th at 10:30 AM PST.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Susan Nyanzi
Topic: The Challenges Scleroderma Patients Face When Admitted to the Hospital.
Susan was diagnosed with scleroderma when she was only 8 years old. As a scleroderma patient, Susan has faced many challenges in multiple hospitals after being admitted for complications of her disease, when medical staff and physicians do not understand the needs of someone diagnosed with scleroderma.
With the protocols in place with COVID-19, many hospitals will not allow you to have any visitors, leaving you alone and vulnerable when faced with decisions that need to be made in your best interest. For that reason, Susan will be addressing what those challenges are and how you can be your own advocate should you find yourself needing to be admitted to the hospital.
Please register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0pdOGvqzouGdEZ8eJNi-h57qTEDkOPI8SI
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Nov 14
Central Coast
Central Coast Support Group (Servicing Northern Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo County)
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., every other month
Location: Saint John's Lutheran Church
959 Valley Rd, Arroyo Grande, CA
Contact: Jennifer Wood
Phone: 805-878-6261
Email: sclerodermawarrior2021@yahoo.com or
Contact: Pat Muran (Habla Español)
Phone: 805-459-2362
Email: pat.ccssg@gmail.com
2020 Schedule:
Oct 17 Scleroderma Foundation's Combined Peer Support Group Meeting for the Central Coast, Santa Barbara and Camarillo
When: Oct 17, 2020 10:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Please register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIod-GoqDwpHNTbrLjrw2D-0Dg2V-mL4sKL
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Oct 24 Combined Scleroderma Support Group Meeting (ALL support groups are invited)
When: Saturday, October 24th at 10:30 AM PST.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Susan Nyanzi
Topic: The Challenges Scleroderma Patients Face When Admitted to the Hospital.
Susan was diagnosed with scleroderma when she was only 8 years old. As a scleroderma patient, Susan has faced many challenges in multiple hospitals after being admitted for complications of her disease, when medical staff and physicians do not understand the needs of someone diagnosed with scleroderma.
With the protocols in place with COVID-19, many hospitals will not allow you to have any visitors, leaving you alone and vulnerable when faced with decisions that need to be made in your best interest. For that reason, Susan will be addressing what those challenges are and how you can be your own advocate should you find yourself needing to be admitted to the hospital.
Please register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0pdOGvqzouGdEZ8eJNi-h57qTEDkOPI8SI
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Dec TBD
Crescenta Valley/Pasadena
Crescenta Valley Support Group
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (see schedule below)
Location: USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, 1812 Verdugo Blvd, Glendale, CA 91208
Council Room C/D, 4th floor, behind the gift shop. The hospital is on a hill. Drive up hill from traffic light entrance, past the Emergency Room. Go up hill a small way and turn right into public parking lot. Enter from parking level. You will be on the 4th floor. Go past reception. Room in corridor on the right.
Contact: Alejandra Serrano
Phone: 213-245-7439
Email: sclerowarrior18@gmail.com
2020 Schedule:
Oct 24 Combined Scleroderma Support Group Meeting (ALL support groups are invited)
When: Saturday, October 24th at 10:30 AM PST.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Susan Nyanzi
Topic: The Challenges Scleroderma Patients Face When Admitted to the Hospital.
Susan was diagnosed with scleroderma when she was only 8 years old. As a scleroderma patient, Susan has faced many challenges in multiple hospitals after being admitted for complications of her disease, when medical staff and physicians do not understand the needs of someone diagnosed with scleroderma.
With the protocols in place with COVID-19, many hospitals will not allow you to have any visitors, leaving you alone and vulnerable when faced with decisions that need to be made in your best interest. For that reason, Susan will be addressing what those challenges are and how you can be your own advocate should you find yourself needing to be admitted to the hospital.
Please register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0pdOGvqzouGdEZ8eJNi-h57qTEDkOPI8SI
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Imperial County/El Centro
Imperial County Support Group
Call for next meeting date and location
Contact: Debi Gray
Phone: 760-554-4942
Email: ivsclerogroup2017@yahoo.com.
2020 Schedule:
Oct 24 Combined Scleroderma Support Group Meeting (ALL support groups are invited)
When: Saturday, October 24th at 10:30 AM PST.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Susan Nyanzi
Topic: The Challenges Scleroderma Patients Face When Admitted to the Hospital.
Susan was diagnosed with scleroderma when she was only 8 years old. As a scleroderma patient, Susan has faced many challenges in multiple hospitals after being admitted for complications of her disease, when medical staff and physicians do not understand the needs of someone diagnosed with scleroderma.
With the protocols in place with COVID-19, many hospitals will not allow you to have any visitors, leaving you alone and vulnerable when faced with decisions that need to be made in your best interest. For that reason, Susan will be addressing what those challenges are and how you can be your own advocate should you find yourself needing to be admitted to the hospital.
Please register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0pdOGvqzouGdEZ8eJNi-h57qTEDkOPI8SI
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Inland Empire/San Bernardino
Riverside Support Group
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: The Canyon Club
36189 Champion Drive, Beaumont, CA 92223
Contact: Lisa Parks
Phone: 951-288-0728
or
Contact: Christine Haddad
Phone: 909-754-5934
Email: iesclerogroup@gmail.com
2020 Schedule:
Oct 17 Scleroderma Foundation's Combined Peer Support Group Meeting for Los Angeles and the Inland Empire/San Bernardino
Oct 24 Combined Scleroderma Support Group Meeting (ALL support groups are invited)
When: Saturday, October 24th at 10:30 AM PST.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Susan Nyanzi
Topic: The Challenges Scleroderma Patients Face When Admitted to the Hospital.
Susan was diagnosed with scleroderma when she was only 8 years old. As a scleroderma patient, Susan has faced many challenges in multiple hospitals after being admitted for complications of her disease, when medical staff and physicians do not understand the needs of someone diagnosed with scleroderma.
With the protocols in place with COVID-19, many hospitals will not allow you to have any visitors, leaving you alone and vulnerable when faced with decisions that need to be made in your best interest. For that reason, Susan will be addressing what those challenges are and how you can be your own advocate should you find yourself needing to be admitted to the hospital.
Please register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0pdOGvqzouGdEZ8eJNi-h57qTEDkOPI8SI
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles Support Group
10am – 12pm
Location: Scleroderma Foundation SoCal Office
8929 S Sepulveda Blvd Suite 412, Los Angeles, CA 90045
***Please Note*** There is parking available in our building parking lot, located behind the office building. Enter from La Tijera blvd and Westchester Parkway (1 block west of Sepulveda). Note there is no attendant on duty Saturdays. Make sure you sign in and tell the security guard you are here for the Scleroderma Support Group Meeting on the 4th floor, suite 412.
Contact: Tina Burger
Phone: 310-699-7290
Email: tburger@scleroderma.org
2020 Schedule:
Oct 17 Scleroderma Foundation's Combined Peer Support Group Meeting for Los Angeles and the Inland Empire/San Bernardino
Oct 24 Combined Scleroderma Support Group Meeting (ALL support groups are invited)
When: Saturday, October 24th at 10:30 AM PST.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Susan Nyanzi
Topic: The Challenges Scleroderma Patients Face When Admitted to the Hospital.
Susan was diagnosed with scleroderma when she was only 8 years old. As a scleroderma patient, Susan has faced many challenges in multiple hospitals after being admitted for complications of her disease, when medical staff and physicians do not understand the needs of someone diagnosed with scleroderma.
With the protocols in place with COVID-19, many hospitals will not allow you to have any visitors, leaving you alone and vulnerable when faced with decisions that need to be made in your best interest. For that reason, Susan will be addressing what those challenges are and how you can be your own advocate should you find yourself needing to be admitted to the hospital.
Please register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0pdOGvqzouGdEZ8eJNi-h57qTEDkOPI8SI
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Orange County
The Orange County Scleroderma Support Group
Meetings are held on the SECOND Saturday of alternate months, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Fountain Valley Regional Hospital, 17100 Euclid Ave, Fountain Valley.
We're meeting in the Saltzer Room.
Park on the Euclid Avenue side and enter under the big canopy marked “Emergency.” Ask the guard or receptionist for directions to the Saltzer Room.
Contact: Bonnie Copeland
Phone: 714-606- 6059
Email: bonmail@pacbell.net
or
Contact: Roberta Hines
Phone: 562-745-8075
Email: hines.roberta50@gmail.com
2020 Schedule:
Oct 10. Peer Support Group Meeting for Whittier and Orange County on Zoom.
Please register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJctf--hrj4qHtW98rkQiKCL5ji8bf7oZUkA
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Oct 24 Combined Scleroderma Support Group Meeting (ALL support groups are invited)
When: Saturday, October 24th at 10:30 AM PST.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Susan Nyanzi
Topic: The Challenges Scleroderma Patients Face When Admitted to the Hospital.
Susan was diagnosed with scleroderma when she was only 8 years old. As a scleroderma patient, Susan has faced many challenges in multiple hospitals after being admitted for complications of her disease, when medical staff and physicians do not understand the needs of someone diagnosed with scleroderma.
With the protocols in place with COVID-19, many hospitals will not allow you to have any visitors, leaving you alone and vulnerable when faced with decisions that need to be made in your best interest. For that reason, Susan will be addressing what those challenges are and how you can be your own advocate should you find yourself needing to be admitted to the hospital.
Please register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0pdOGvqzouGdEZ8eJNi-h57qTEDkOPI8SI
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Nov 14
Palm Desert
Desert Area Support Group
We are looking for a new support group leader. If you are interested in leading a support group in this area, please contact Tina Burger tburger@scleroderma.org. No experience needed; we will help train and get things started.
Contact: Tina Burger
Phone: 424-227-6475
Email: tburger@scleroderma.org
2020 Schedule:
Oct 24 Combined Scleroderma Support Group Meeting (ALL support groups are invited)
When: Saturday, October 24th at 10:30 AM PST.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Susan Nyanzi
Topic: The Challenges Scleroderma Patients Face When Admitted to the Hospital.
Susan was diagnosed with scleroderma when she was only 8 years old. As a scleroderma patient, Susan has faced many challenges in multiple hospitals after being admitted for complications of her disease, when medical staff and physicians do not understand the needs of someone diagnosed with scleroderma.
With the protocols in place with COVID-19, many hospitals will not allow you to have any visitors, leaving you alone and vulnerable when faced with decisions that need to be made in your best interest. For that reason, Susan will be addressing what those challenges are and how you can be your own advocate should you find yourself needing to be admitted to the hospital.
Please register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0pdOGvqzouGdEZ8eJNi-h57qTEDkOPI8SI
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
San Diego/Encinitas
Encinitas Support Group
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., every other month
Location: Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024
Contact: Kelly Clemeshaw
Phone: 760-855-3449
Email: kclemeshaw@gmail.com
2020 Schedule:
Oct 24 Combined Scleroderma Support Group Meeting (ALL support groups are invited)
When: Saturday, October 24th at 10:30 AM PST.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Susan Nyanzi
Topic: The Challenges Scleroderma Patients Face When Admitted to the Hospital.
Susan was diagnosed with scleroderma when she was only 8 years old. As a scleroderma patient, Susan has faced many challenges in multiple hospitals after being admitted for complications of her disease, when medical staff and physicians do not understand the needs of someone diagnosed with scleroderma.
With the protocols in place with COVID-19, many hospitals will not allow you to have any visitors, leaving you alone and vulnerable when faced with decisions that need to be made in your best interest. For that reason, Susan will be addressing what those challenges are and how you can be your own advocate should you find yourself needing to be admitted to the hospital.
Please register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0pdOGvqzouGdEZ8eJNi-h57qTEDkOPI8SI
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
San Diego/Mission Valley
Mission Valley Support Group
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., every other month
Location: Mission Valley Library, 2123 Fenton Parkway, San Diego, CA 92108
Contact: Susan Okuno
Phone: 619-246-9393
Email: sokuno1@yahoo.com
2020 Schedule:
Oct 24 Combined Scleroderma Support Group Meeting (ALL support groups are invited)
When: Saturday, October 24th at 10:30 AM PST.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Susan Nyanzi
Topic: The Challenges Scleroderma Patients Face When Admitted to the Hospital.
Susan was diagnosed with scleroderma when she was only 8 years old. As a scleroderma patient, Susan has faced many challenges in multiple hospitals after being admitted for complications of her disease, when medical staff and physicians do not understand the needs of someone diagnosed with scleroderma.
With the protocols in place with COVID-19, many hospitals will not allow you to have any visitors, leaving you alone and vulnerable when faced with decisions that need to be made in your best interest. For that reason, Susan will be addressing what those challenges are and how you can be your own advocate should you find yourself needing to be admitted to the hospital.
Please register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0pdOGvqzouGdEZ8eJNi-h57qTEDkOPI8SI
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Nov 7
Dec - Holiday Party
San Fernando Valley/Sherman Oaks
San Fernando Valley Support Group
Sunday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., every other Month (2nd Sunday)
Location: Sherman Oaks Hospital, Doctors Conference Room
4929 Van Nuys Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Map and directions
Contact: Kelly Ryan
Phone: 818-974-2428
Email: Kelly@kellycryan.com
2020 Schedule:
Oct 24 Combined Scleroderma Support Group Meeting (ALL support groups are invited)
When: Saturday, October 24th at 10:30 AM PST.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Susan Nyanzi
Topic: The Challenges Scleroderma Patients Face When Admitted to the Hospital.
Susan was diagnosed with scleroderma when she was only 8 years old. As a scleroderma patient, Susan has faced many challenges in multiple hospitals after being admitted for complications of her disease, when medical staff and physicians do not understand the needs of someone diagnosed with scleroderma.
With the protocols in place with COVID-19, many hospitals will not allow you to have any visitors, leaving you alone and vulnerable when faced with decisions that need to be made in your best interest. For that reason, Susan will be addressing what those challenges are and how you can be your own advocate should you find yourself needing to be admitted to the hospital.
Please register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0pdOGvqzouGdEZ8eJNi-h57qTEDkOPI8SI
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Support Group
Meetings are on Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Beneflex Insurance Office, 101 W. Anapamu St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (corner of Anapamu and Chapala)
Contact: Elizabeth Duprey
Phone: 408-829-2718
Email:dupreyeliz@yahoo.com
or
Contact: Cindy Cattaneo
Phone: (805) 895-7384
Email: ccattaneo123@gmail.com
2020 Schedule:
Oct 17 Scleroderma Foundation's Combined Peer Support Group Meeting for the Central Coast, Santa Barbara and Camarillo
When: Oct 17, 2020 10:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Please register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIod-GoqDwpHNTbrLjrw2D-0Dg2V-mL4sKL
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Oct 24 Combined Scleroderma Support Group Meeting (ALL support groups are invited)
When: Saturday, October 24th at 10:30 AM PST.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Susan Nyanzi
Topic: The Challenges Scleroderma Patients Face When Admitted to the Hospital.
Susan was diagnosed with scleroderma when she was only 8 years old. As a scleroderma patient, Susan has faced many challenges in multiple hospitals after being admitted for complications of her disease, when medical staff and physicians do not understand the needs of someone diagnosed with scleroderma.
With the protocols in place with COVID-19, many hospitals will not allow you to have any visitors, leaving you alone and vulnerable when faced with decisions that need to be made in your best interest. For that reason, Susan will be addressing what those challenges are and how you can be your own advocate should you find yourself needing to be admitted to the hospital.
Please register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0pdOGvqzouGdEZ8eJNi-h57qTEDkOPI8SI
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Dec 5
Whittier/San Gabriel
Whittier/San Gabriel Support Group
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital
12401 Washington Blvd.
Whittier, CA 90602
Contact: Penni LaVoot
Phone: 714-313-8539
Email:plavoot@gmail.com
2020 Schedule:
Oct 10 Peer Support Group Meeting for Whittier and Orange County on Zoom.
Please register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJctf--hrj4qHtW98rkQiKCL5ji8bf7oZUkA
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Oct 24 Combined Scleroderma Support Group Meeting (ALL support groups are invited)
When: Saturday, October 24th at 10:30 AM PST.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Susan Nyanzi
Topic: The Challenges Scleroderma Patients Face When Admitted to the Hospital.
Susan was diagnosed with scleroderma when she was only 8 years old. As a scleroderma patient, Susan has faced many challenges in multiple hospitals after being admitted for complications of her disease, when medical staff and physicians do not understand the needs of someone diagnosed with scleroderma.
With the protocols in place with COVID-19, many hospitals will not allow you to have any visitors, leaving you alone and vulnerable when faced with decisions that need to be made in your best interest. For that reason, Susan will be addressing what those challenges are and how you can be your own advocate should you find yourself needing to be admitted to the hospital.
Please register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0pdOGvqzouGdEZ8eJNi-h57qTEDkOPI8SI
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
