Support groups

Our volunteer-led support groups enable individuals with scleroderma to meet and exchange information with others who face similar challenges. All Support Group Leaders are trained by our partners at SPIN (Scleroderma Patient-centered Network). Support groups often feature speakers specializing in scleroderma or related topics.  

PLEASE NOTE: Some support groups are only meeting virtually. Please contact the Support Group Leader for updates.

We currently have Support Groups located in the following communities:  

California: Bakersfield/Kern County, Camarillo/Ventura County, Central Coast, Fresno, Imperial County/El Centro, Inland Empire/San Bernardino, Los Angeles/South Bay, Los Angeles County/San Gabriel Valley, Orange County, Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage, Palo Alto, Sacramento, San Diego/Encinitas, San Diego/Mission Valley, San Fernando Valley/Sherman Oaks, Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa, Turlock.

Hawaii: Honolulu and Maui

Nevada: Las Vegas.

Other: Young Adult (Ages 17 - 30's) and Parents of Children and Teens Living with Scleroderma.

SUPPORT GROUP CONTACTS AND MEETING SCHEDULE 

Young Adult Support Group (Ages 17 - 30's) 

Meeting in-person and virtually, alternating every other month. (Contact leaders for zoom link)

Location: Office of the Scleroderma Foundation of California

8929 S Sepulveda #401

Los Angeles, CA, 90045

Support Group Co-Leader: Alejandra Serrano

Phone: 213-245-7439

Email: sclerowarrior18@gmail.com

Support Group Co-Leader: Brittany Rudy-Morris

Phone: 909-263-8662

Email:  YASGBRITTANY@gmail.com

2023 IN PERSON Meeting Dates: Saturday, February 11 (11AM to 1PM) Saturday, April 8 (11AM to 1PM) Saturday, June 10 (11AM to 1PM) Saturday, August 19 (11AM to 1PM) Saturday, October 14 (11AM to 1PM) Saturday, December 9 (11AM to 1PM) 

2023 VIRTUAL Meetings Dates: Monday, March 13 (7:30PM to 9:00PM) Monday, May 8 (7:30PM to 9:00PM) Monday, July 10 (7:30PM to 9:00PM) Monday, September 11 (7:30PM to 9:00PM) Monday, November 13 (7:30PM to 9:00PM)

Parents of Children and Teens Living with Scleroderma

Meeting in-person and virtually, alternating every other month. 

Location: Office of the Scleroderma Foundation of California

8929 S Sepulveda #401

Los Angeles, CA, 90045

Support Group Co-Leader: William Pena

Phone: 323-772-0947

Email: williamscleroparent@gmail.com

Support Group Co-Leader: Isabel Reyes

Phone: 626-703-0619

Email: 4me4us.curescleroderma@gmail.com

Bakersfield/Kern County Support Group

Location: The Office of Timothy M. Osborn

2200 Truxtun Ave.

Bakersfield, CA 93301

Support Group Leader: Stephen Elrod

Phone: 661-201-1759

Email: stephenelrod168@yahoo.com

2023 Meetings: Wednesday, April 19 (6PM to 8PM )Wednesday, June 7 (6PM to 8 PM) Wednesday, August 16 (6PM to 8 PM) Wednesday, October 18 (6PM to 8 PM) December TBD.

The Bay Area Scleroderma Support Group (OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS) 

This is an independent group of scleroderma patients and caregivers serving the San Francisco Bay area and they are currently meeting virtually via ZOOM monthly, on the 3rd Saturday, from 1PM-3PM (PST).  

Meeting Location (once meetings in person return): Kaiser Hospital

West Niles Building

Conference Room G (110) First Floor

39400 Paseo Padre Parkway

Fremont, CA 94538

Support Group Leaders: Pat and Mary Lou

Phone: 408-926-4314/510-471-5831   

Email: SFBayAreaSclero@gmail.com

2023 Meetings: May 20, with guest speaker Dr. Andrew Gross from UCSF Scleroderma Center who will join us for a Q & A session. June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16, October 21, November 18 (No meeting in December)

PLEASE CLICK HERE to join their email list for updates and full meeting details.

or visit https://www.bayareasclero.org/

Camarillo/Ventura County Support Group

Location: Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District

1605 Burnley St, Camarillo, CA 93010. 

Support Group Leader: Tina Burger

Phone: 310-699-7290

Email: tburger@myscleroderma.org

2023 Meeting Dates: Saturday, February 11 (10:30 AM to 12:30 PM) Saturday, April 8 (10:30 AM to 12:30 PM) Saturday, June 10 (10:30 AM to 12:30 PM) Saturday, August 12 (10:30 AM to 12:30 PM) Saturday, October 14 (10:30 AM to 12:30 PM) Saturday, December 2 (10:30 AM to 12:30 PM)

Central Coast Support Group 

(Servicing Northern Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo County)

Meeting Location: Saint John's Lutheran Church

959 Valley Rd.

Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Support Group Co-Leader: Pat Muran (Habla Español)  

Phone: 805-459-2362 

Email: pat.ccssg@gmail.com

Support Group Co-Leader: Daisy Perez

Phone: 805-363-5257

Email: brighterthansclero17@gmail.com

2023 Meeting Dates: Saturday, February 18 (11:30AM to 1PM) Saturday, March 18 (11:30AM to 1PM) Saturday, May 20 (11:30AM to 1PM) Saturday, July 15 (11:30AM to 1PM) Saturday, September 16 (11:30AM to 1PM) Saturday, November 18 (11:30AM to 1PM) 

Fresno Support Group 

(All Meetings are Virtual Until Further Notice. LINKS TO REGISTER FOR ZOOM MEETINGS ARE LISTED UNDER CALENDAR OF EVENTS)

Support Group Leader: Jennifer Wood

Email:jen4fresnoSGL@gmail.com

Phone: 805-878-6261

2023 Meeting Dates: Wednesday, July 27 (6:30PM to 8PM) Wednesday, August 23 (6:30PM to 8PM) Wednesday September 27 (6:30PM to 8PM) Wednesday, October 25 (6:30PM to 8PM) Wednesday, November 29 (6:30PM to 8PM) IN-PERSON END OF YEAR PARTY: Saturday, December 16

Honolulu and Maui Support Group

(All Meetings are Virtual Until Further Notice. LINKS TO REGISTER FOR ZOOM MEETINGS ARE LISTED UNDER CALENDAR OF EVENTS)

Support Group Leader: Allie Alonzo

Email: AleAhawaii2023@gmail.com

Support Group Leader: Lynn Kim

Phone: 808-344-5007

Email: backtonature.kim@gmail.com

2023 Meeting Dates: 

Saturday, January 28 (10AM-12PM) Saturday, March 25 (10AM-12PM) Saturday, May 27 (10AM-12PM) Saturday, July 22 (10AM-12PM) Saturday, September 23 (10AM-12PM) Saturday, November 18 (10AM-12PM)

Imperial County/El Centro Support Group

(All Meetings are Virtual Until Further Notice. LINKS TO REGISTER FOR ZOOM MEETINGS ARE LISTED UNDER CALENDAR OF EVENTS)

Contact leader for next meeting location

Support Group Leader: Debi Gray

Phone: 760-554-4942

Email: ivsclerogroup2017@yahoo.com

2023 Meeting Dates: Saturday, January 28 (10AM to 12PM) Saturday, March 25 (10AM to 12PM) Saturday, May 27 (10AM to 12PM) Saturday, July 22 (10AM to 12PM) Saturday, September 23 (10AM to 12PM) Saturday, November 18 (10AM to 12PM) 

Inland Empire/San Bernardino Support Group

Meeting Location (Cindy's home - call leader for location)

Support Group Co-Leader: Mercedes Howard

Phone: 909-994-7495

Email: mercedes.howard@ymail.com

Support Group Co-Leader: Cindy Hoverson

Phone: 909-896-9848  

Email: cindyscupoftea@gmail.com

2023 Meeting Dates:  Sunday, March 12 (10AM to 12PM at Loma Linda) 

Saturday, July 1 (10AM to 12PM at Cindy's home in Rancho Cucamonga - call leaders to RSVP and for location) Saturday, September 156(10AM to 12PM at Cindy's home in Rancho Cucamonga - call leaders to RSVP and for location) Saturday, November 11 (10AM to 12PM at Cindy's home in Rancho Cucamonga - call leaders to RSVP and for location) Saturday, December 16 (Party at Cindy's home in Rancho Cucamonga)

Las Vegas, Nevada Support Group

Meeting Location: Rainbow Library 

3150 N. Buffalo Dr. 

Las Vegas, NV 89128

Support Group Co-Leader: Nancy Garza

Phone: 562-307-5690

Email: LVSGLnancy@gmail.com

Support Group Co-Leader: Helene Golston

Email: LVSGLhelene@gmail.com

Phone: 719-238-8030

2023 Meeting Dates: THURSDAY, June 8 (2:30PM - 4:30 PM) Saturday, July 1 (1:00PM to 3:00 PM) Saturday, September 9 (1:30 PM to 3:30 PM)

Los Angeles/South Bay Support Group

Meeting Location: Office of the Scleroderma Foundation of California

8929 S Sepulveda Blvd # 401

Los Angeles, CA 90045

Support Group Leader: Tina Burger

Phone: 310-699-7290

Email: tburger@myscleroderma.org

2023 Meeting Dates:  Sunday, January 29 (10:30AM to 12:30PM) Saturday, March 11 (10:30AM to 12:30PM) Saturday, May 13 (10:30AM to 12:30PM) Saturday, July 8 (10:30AM to 12:30PM) Saturday, September 9 (10:30AM to 12:30PM) Saturday, November 11 (10:30AM to 12:30PM)

Los Angeles County/San Gabriel Valley Support Group 

Meeting Location: The Alhambra

1000 South Fremont Ave.

Alhambra, CA, 91803 

(MAKE SURE YOU COME TO SOUTH FREMONT) 

There is no charge for parking. Enter parking lot from Fremont Street and park near the Green Awning that says "THE ALHAMBRA" 

Follow "Scleroderma Meeting" signs for meeting room.

Support Group Co-Leader: Penni Lavoot

Phone: 714-313-8539

Email: plavoot@gmail.com

Support Group Co-Leader: Catherine Baca 

Phone: 626-232-8449 

Email: MyLivingSpecialist@gmail.com

2023 Meeting Dates: THURSDAY JULY 27TH: (SUMMER BEACH GATHERING)

We have planned a Summer Gathering at Bolsa Chica State Beach for the San Gabriel and Orange County Support Groups along with your family and friends.

When:  Thursday, July 27, 2023 - 10AM - Whenever you want to leave!

Arriving at 10:00 or close to that time is recommended due to parking.

Where:  Bolsa Chica State Beach - Station/Tower 19: 17851 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA. 

(SEE THE SUPPORT GROUP CALANDER UNDER "SUPPORT GROUP RESOURCES" FOR FULL DETAILS including directions, parking information, what to bring and more)

Orange County Scleroderma Support Group

Meeting Location: Chateau Blanc Clubhouse

18650 Brookhurst Street

Fountain Valley, CA 92708

Support Group Co-Leader: Bonnie Copeland

Phone: 714-606- 6059

Email: bonmail@pacbell.net

Support Group Co-Leader: Roberta Hines

Phone: 562-745-8075

Email: hines.roberta50@gmail.com

2023 Meeting Dates:  Saturday, April 8 (11AM) Saturday, July 8 (11AM) Saturday, October 14 (11AM) 

Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage

(All Meetings are Virtual Until Further Notice. Call support group leader for zoom link)

Support Group Co-Leader: Christine Haddad

Phone: 909-754-5934

Email: christinesfie@gmail.com

2023 Meeting Dates: Saturday, July 22 (10AM to 12PM) Saturday, September 23 (10AM to 12PM) Saturday, November 18 (10AM to 12PM) 

Palo Alto Support Group

(All Meetings are Virtual Until Further Notice. Call support group leader for zoom link)

Support Group Leader: Rachel Ho

Phone:415-680-4389

Email: rachelhosf@gmail.com

2023 Meeting Dates: Saturday, August 19 (10:30AM to 12:30PM), Saturday, September 9 (10:30AM to 12:30PM), Saturday, November 11 (10:30AM to 12:30PM)

Sacramento Support Group

(All Meetings are Virtual Until Further Notice. LINKS TO REGISTER FOR ZOOM MEETINGS ARE LISTED UNDER CALENDAR OF EVENTS)

Support Group Co-Leader: Tomisa Starr

Phone: 916-662-7088      

Email: sacra.scleroleader@gmail.com

Support Group Co-Leader: Sa'Ronda Ary

Phone: 707-310-1299

Email: HeartforSclero@gmail.com

2023 Meeting Dates:  Friday, July 7th at 6:30 PM, Friday, August 4th at 6:30 PM, Friday, September 8th at 6:30 PM, Friday, October 6th at 6:30 PM, Friday, November 3rd at 6:30 PM, Friday, December 1st at 6:30 PM. 

San Diego/Encinitas Support Group

Location: Encinitas Community Center

1140 Oakcrest Park Drive

Encinitas, CA 92024

Support Group Leader: Kelly Clemeshaw

Phone: 760-855-3449

Email: kclemeshaw@gmail.com

2023 Meeting Dates:  Saturday, February 4 (10AM to 12PM) Saturday, April 1 (10AM to 12PM) Saturday, June 3 (10AM to 12PM) July, TBD (Annual Picnic) Saturday, August 5 (10AM to 12PM) Saturday, October 7 (10AM to 12PM) December, TBD (Annual Holiday Party)

San Diego/Mission Valley Support Group

Location: Mission Valley Library

2123 Fenton Parkway

San Diego, CA 92108

Support Group Leader: Susan Okuno

Phone: 619-246-9393

Email: sokuno1@yahoo.com

2023 Meeting Dates: Saturday, March 4 (10AM to 12PM) Saturday, May 6 (10AM to 12PM) July, TBD (Annual Picnic) Saturday, September 2 (10AM to 12PM) Saturday, November 4 (10AM to 12PM) December, TBD (Annual Holiday Party)

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

Support Group Leader: Kelly Ryan

Phone: 818-974-2428

Email: Kelly@kellycryan.com

2023 Meeting Dates: Sunday, May 14 (11AM to 1PM) Sunday, July 9 (11AM to 1PM) Sunday, September 10 (11AM to 1PM) Sunday, November 12 (11AM to 1PM)

Santa Barbara Support Group

Meeting Location: Beneflex Insurance Office (corner of Anapamu and Chapala)

101 W. Anapamu St, 

Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Support Group Leader: Cindy Cattaneo                              

Phone: (805) 895-7384

Email: ccattaneo123@gmail.com 

2023 Meetings: New dates TBD

Santa Rosa Support Group

(All Meetings Are Virtual Until Further Notice. LINKS TO REGISTER FOR ZOOM MEETINGS ARE LISTED UNDER CALENDAR OF EVENTS)

Support Group Co-Leader: Mary Lamb

Phone: 415-246-4501   

Email: ncalsclero@gmail.com

Support Group Co-Leader: Melisa Brown

Phone: 707-246-3520

Email: livingitupin2030@yahoo.com

2023 Meeting Dates: Saturday, January 28 (10AM to 12PM) Saturday, March 25 (10AM to 12PM) Saturday, May 27 (10AM to 12PM) Saturday, July 22 (10AM to 12PM) Saturday, September 23 (10AM to 12PM) Saturday, November 18 (10AM to 12PM) 

Turlock Support Group 

(All Meetings Are Virtual Until Further Notice. LINKS TO REGISTER FOR ZOOM MEETINGS ARE LISTED UNDER CALENDAR OF EVENTS)

Support Group Leader: Julie Reid

Phone: 530-906-3519

Email: jujuannr@att.net

Support Group Co-Leader: Tina Burger

Phone: 310-699-7290

Email: tburger@myscleroderma.org

2023 Meeting Dates: Saturday, January 28 (10AM to 12PM) Saturday, March 25 (10AM to 12PM) Saturday, May 27 (10AM to 12PM) Saturday, July 22 (10AM to 12PM) Saturday, September 23 10AM to 12PM) Saturday, November 18 (10AM to 12PM) 

VIRTUAL PEER MEETINGS FOR ALL 

Come One-Come All!!! Families from our neighboring support groups will be joining together to share updates, get advice and give support) (LINKS TO REGISTER FOR ZOOM MEETINGS ARE LISTED UNDER CALENDAR OF EVENTS)

2023 Meeting Dates: Saturday, January 28 (10AM to 12PM) Saturday, March 25 (10AM to 12PM) Saturday, May 27 (10AM to 12PM) Saturday, July 22 (10AM to 12PM) Saturday, September 23 (10AM to 12PM) Saturday, November 18 (10AM to 12PM) 

For further information about any of our support groups, or information on how to start a Support Group in your community please contact:

Tina Burger, Patient Services Director

Phone: 310-699-7290 

Email: tburger@myscleroderma.org