Scleroderma Support Groups
Our support groups
Our volunteer-led support groups enable individuals with scleroderma to connect and share information with others facing similar challenges. All Support Group Leaders are trained by our partners at SPIN (Scleroderma Patient-centered Network). These support groups often feature speakers who specialize in scleroderma or related topics. PLEASE NOTE: Some of the California support groups are currently meeting virtually. Please contact the Support Group Leader for updates.
We currently have support groups located in the following communities: California: Antelope Valley/Lancaster, 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, Monterey Bay, 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.
Hawaii: Honolulu and Maui
Nevada: Las Vegas
Arizona: Prescott
Other: - Young Adults Living with Scleroderma (Ages 17 - 30's)
- Parents of Children and Teens Living with Scleroderma.
- Spanish Speaking Scleroderma Support Group.
Calendar: For upcoming support group dates, CLICK HERE for our meeting calendar.
SUPPORT GROUP CONTACTS AND MEETING SCHEDULE
Young Adult Support Group (Ages 17 - 30's)
Parents of Kids and Teens with Scleroderma Support Group(Ages 0-19)
Parents of Kids and Teens with Scleroderma Support Group(Ages 0-19)
Join our California support groups that meet in-person and virtually, alternating every other month. (Contact leaders for the 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
2025 IN-PERSON Meeting Dates: Saturdays 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM February 8, April 12, June 14, August 9, October 11, December 13
2025 VIRTUAL Meeting Dates: Mondays 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM January 13, March 10, May 12, July 14, September 8, November 10. These support groups are designed to provide a safe space for those affected by scleroderma in California.
Parents of Kids and Teens with Scleroderma Support Group(Ages 0-19)
Parents of Kids and Teens with Scleroderma Support Group(Ages 0-19)
Parents of Kids and Teens with Scleroderma Support Group(Ages 0-19)
Navigating the journey of scleroderma with your child can be uniquely challenging. We understand the need for a supportive community and the necessity of essential information to guide you through the daunting world of scleroderma. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our new support group tailored for parents of kids and teens with scleroderma. Whether your child is dealing with localized scleroderma or systemic sclerosis (SSc), connecting with other parents who share the same journey is profoundly beneficial for both you and your child. All caregivers are welcome to join our California support groups.
We hold virtual meetings twice a month: the 1st Thursday at 8 PM EST/5 PM PST and the 3rd Saturday at 12 noon EST/9 AM PST.
Meeting Dates:
Thursdays 2025: 1/2, 2/6, 3/6, 4/3, 5/1, 6/5, 7/3, 8/7, 9/4, 10/2, 11/6, 12/4
Saturdays 2025: 1/18, 2/15, 3/15, 4/19, 5/17, 6/21, 7/19, 8/16, 9/20, 10/18, 11/15, 12/20
Location: Zoom (See 'Meeting Calendar' under 'Support Group Resources' for the Zoom link to register)
Support Group Co-Leader: Pamela Pour
Phone: 248-885-7094
Email: scleromom9@gmail.com
Support Group Co-Leader: Isabel Reyes
Phone: 626-703-0619
Spanish Speaking Scleroderma Support Group
Parents of Kids and Teens with Scleroderma Support Group(Ages 0-19)
Spanish Speaking Scleroderma Support Group
¡Buenas noticias! Estamos ofreciendo un grupo de apoyo para todas nuestras familias que hablan español en asociación con la Fundación de Esclerodermia del Área Metropolitana de Chicago. Este grupo está diseñado para todos los guerreros de la esclerodermia de habla hispana, sin importar dónde se encuentren en su camino. ¡Juntos somos más fuertes! Únase a nosotros desde casa a través de Zoom. Este es un excelente recurso dentro de los grupos de apoyo en California para aquellos que buscan conectarse y compartir experiencias.
El grupo se reúne una vez al mes el segundo jueves a las: 5 p.m. PST/7 p.m. CST/8 p.m. EST: 2025 : 9 de enero, 13 de febrero, 13 de marzo, 10 de abril, 8 de mayo, 12 de junio, 10 de julio, 14 de agosto, 11 de septiembre, 9 de octubre, 13 de noviembre, 11 de diciembre.
Por favor, regístrese con anticipación en:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrf-CprTMrHNw-_XoEX06T9K4vVHqfA0PN
Después de registrarse, recibirá un correo electrónico de confirmación con información sobre cómo unirse a la reunión.
Support Group Leader/Líder del Grupo de Apoyo: Alejandra Serrano
Phone/Teléfono: 213-245-7439
Email/Correo electrónico: sclerowarrior18@gmail.com
Northern Arizona Support Group
Antelope Valley/Lancaster Support Group
Antelope Valley/Lancaster Support Group
Location: Prescott Public Library in the Elsea Conference Room
215 E. Goodwin Street, Prescott, AZ, 86303.
Support Group Co-Leader: Roberta Hines
Phone: 562-745-8075
Email: hines.roberta50@gmail.com
Support Group Co-Leader: Bonnie Copeland
Phone: 714-606-6059
Email: bonmail@pacbell.net
2025 Meeting Dates: April 6, May 10, June 7, August 9, October 4, December 7
(Please call Roberta to RSVP your attendance)
This support group focuses on scleroderma and is part of a network of California support groups designed to provide assistance and community for those affected by this condition.
Antelope Valley/Lancaster Support Group
Antelope Valley/Lancaster Support Group
Antelope Valley/Lancaster Support Group
(All meetings for California support groups are virtual until further notice. Links to register for Zoom meetings are listed under the calendar of events.)
Support Group Leader: Michelle Schoelz
Email: avsgmichelle@gmail.com
Phone: 626-230-0524
2025 Meeting Dates: Saturdays from 10 AM to 11:30 AM: January 25, March 22, May 24, July 26, September 27, November 22. Join us to connect with others affected by scleroderma through these supportive gatherings.
Bakersfield/Kern County Support Group
Antelope Valley/Lancaster Support Group
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
2025 Meetings: TBD
Join our California support groups focused on scleroderma, where you can connect with others facing similar challenges.
The Bay Area Scleroderma Support Group (OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS)
The Bay Area Scleroderma Support Group (OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS)
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, offering a crucial support network for those affected by scleroderma in California. They currently meet virtually via ZOOM on a monthly basis, specifically on the 3rd Saturday, from 1 PM-3 PM (PST).
Once in-person meetings resume, the location will be:
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
2025 Meetings: Saturday- January 18, February 15, March 15, April 19, May 17, June 21, July 19, August 16, September 20, October 18, November 15
PLEASE CLICK HERE to join their email list for updates and full meeting details, or visit https://www.bayareasclero.org/ for more information about California support groups focused on scleroderma.
Camarillo/Ventura County Support Group
The Bay Area Scleroderma Support Group (OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS)
The Bay Area Scleroderma Support Group (OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS)
Location: Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District
1605 Burnley St, Camarillo, CA 93010.
Support Group Co-Leader: Melissa Knolls
Phone: 805-231-9573
Email: Melissa.K.VenturaCounty@gmail.com
2025 Virtual Meeting Dates: Join our California support groups on Saturdays from 9:30am - 11:00am on January 11, May 10, and September 13.
2025 IN-PERSON Meeting Dates: Attend our scleroderma support groups on Saturdays from 9:30am - 11:00am on March 8, July 12, and November 8.
Central Coast Support Group
The Bay Area Scleroderma Support Group (OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS)
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
2025 Meeting Dates: Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM: January 18, March 15, May 17, July 19, September 20, November 15. Join our California support groups focused on scleroderma and connect with others in similar situations.
Fresno Support Group
Imperial County/El Centro Support Group
Honolulu and Maui Support Group
(All California support group meetings are virtual until further notice. LINKS TO REGISTER FOR ZOOM MEETINGS ARE LISTED UNDER CALENDAR OF EVENTS)
Support Group Leader: Jennifer Wood
Email: jenn4fresnoSGL@gmail.com
2025 Meeting Dates: Saturdays from 10 AM to 11:30 AM: January 25, March 22, May 24, July 26, September 27, November 22. Join us to connect with others in the scleroderma community through our support groups.
Honolulu and Maui Support Group
Imperial County/El Centro Support Group
Honolulu and Maui Support Group
(All Meetings are Virtual Until Further Notice.)
Support Group Co-Leader: Lynn Muramaru
Phone: 808-542-9581
Email: muramarulynn@gmail.com
Support Group Leader: Lynn Kim (Maui)
Email: backtonature.kim@gmail.com
Phone: 808-344-5007
2025 Meeting Dates: Thursday from 7:00 GNT (Hawaii Time): March 27, April 24, May 22, June 26, July 24, August 28, September 25, October 23.
Join our virtual support groups, which focus on scleroderma and provide a safe space for individuals seeking connection and understanding. We also encourage participants from California support groups to join us online.
Imperial County/El Centro Support Group
Imperial County/El Centro Support Group
Inland Empire/San Bernardino Support Group
(All Meetings are Virtual Until Further Notice. LINKS TO REGISTER FOR ZOOM MEETINGS ARE LISTED UNDER CALENDAR OF EVENTS)
For more information about the next meeting location, please contact our leader.
Support Group Leader: Debi Gray
Phone: 760-554-4942
Email: ivsclerogroup2017@yahoo.com
2025 Meeting Dates: Join our California support groups focused on scleroderma every Saturday from 10 AM to 11:30 AM on the following dates: January 25, March 22, May 24, July 26, September 27, and November 22.
Inland Empire/San Bernardino Support Group
Inland Empire/San Bernardino Support Group
Inland Empire/San Bernardino Support Group
Meeting Location (please call the leader for the location)
Support Group Co-Leader: Mercedes Howard
Phone: 909-994-7495
Email: mercedes.howard@ymail.com
2025 Meeting Dates: Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Join our California support groups focused on scleroderma, where you can find support and connect with others facing similar challenges.
Las Vegas Support Group
Inland Empire/San Bernardino Support Group
Los Angeles/South Bay 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: Delores Leonard
Email: lvsgdelores@gmail.com
Phone: 702-321-9252
2025 Meeting Dates: Saturday 1:00pm - 3:00pm: January 18, February 15, March 15
This support group is part of a network that includes California support groups focused on scleroderma, providing a supportive environment for individuals affected by this condition.
Los Angeles/South Bay Support Group
Inland Empire/San Bernardino Support Group
Los Angeles/South Bay Support Group
Meeting Location: Office of the Scleroderma Foundation of California, a key hub for California support groups.
8929 S Sepulveda Blvd # 401
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Support Group Leader: Tina Burger
Phone: 310-699-7290
Email: tburger@myscleroderma.org
2025 Meeting Dates: Saturdays from 10 AM to 12 noon: January 18, March 8, June 14, July 12 (cancel), September 13, November 8. Join us to connect with others in these support groups focused on scleroderma.
Los Angeles County/San Gabriel Valley Support Group
Los Angeles County/San Gabriel Valley Support Group
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 the parking lot from Fremont Street and park near the Green Awning that says "THE ALHAMBRA."
Follow the "Scleroderma Meeting" signs for the meeting room.
Support Group Co-Leader: Penni Lavoot
Phone: 714-313-8539
Email: plavoot@gmail.com
Support Group Co-Leader: Catherine Baca
Phone: 213-590-2273
Email: MyLivingSpecialist@gmail.com
2025 Meeting Dates: January 11 - Art Therapy Program, April 5 - Yoga for Scleroderma, July 26 (MANAGING FATIGUE), August 28 (Bolsa Chica Beach), October 11.
Join us in these California support groups dedicated to scleroderma awareness and support.
Monterey Bay Support Group
Los Angeles County/San Gabriel Valley Support Group
Los Angeles County/San Gabriel Valley Support Group
(LINKS TO REGISTER FOR ZOOM MEETINGS ARE LISTED UNDER CALENDAR OF EVENTS)
Support Group Co-Leader: Cherri O'Neil
Phone: 831-334-6300
Email: mbsclero@gmail.com
Support Group Co-Leader: Annette Rahn
Phone: 650-575-8214
Join our California support groups focused on scleroderma. Here are the 2025 meeting dates: Saturdays from 10 AM to 11:30 AM: January 25, March 22, May 24, July 26, September 27, and November 22. Don't miss out on the opportunity to connect with others in support groups dedicated to scleroderma.
Orange County Scleroderma Support Group
Los Angeles County/San Gabriel Valley Support Group
Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage 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
2025 Meeting Dates: Saturdays from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM January 11, April 12, July 12, October 4, December 6
Join us at our California support groups focused on scleroderma. We provide a welcoming environment for individuals seeking support and connection.
Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage Support Group
Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage Support Group
Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage Support Group
(Join our California support groups for both virtual and in-person meetings. To attend in person, please call the support group leader for the address, or for virtual participation, request the Zoom link.)
Support Group Co-Leader: Christine Haddad
Phone: 909-754-5934
Email: christinesfie@gmail.com
2025 Meeting Dates: Saturdays from 10:00 to 12:00 - January 25, March 22. These meetings provide a valuable space for those affected by scleroderma to connect and share experiences.
Palo Alto Support Group
Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage Support Group
Sacramento Support Group
(Meet both in person and virtually at our California support groups. Call the support group leader for the Zoom link.)
Support Group Leader: Rachel Ho
Phone: 415-680-4389
Email: rachelhosf@gmail.com
2025 Meeting Dates:
Virtual: Sundays from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM - February 9
In-Person: Saturdays from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM - March 8
In-Person Meeting Location: 2000 North Shoreline Blvd. Mountain View, CA 94043
Join us to connect with others facing scleroderma in these supportive environments.
Sacramento Support Group
Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage Support Group
Sacramento Support Group
(All California support groups meetings are virtual until further notice. LINKS TO REGISTER FOR ZOOM MEETINGS ARE LISTED UNDER CALENDAR OF EVENTS)
Support Group Co-Leader: Sa'Ronda Ary
Phone: 707-310-1299
Email: HeartforSclero@gmail.com
Support Group Co-Leader: Rosemarie Brown
Phone: 707-332-7540
Email: HeartforSclero@gmail.com
2025 Meeting Dates: Second Sundays from 5 PM to 6:30 PM: February 9, March 9, June 8, July 13, August 10, September 14, October 12, November 9, December 14. Join our scleroderma support groups to connect and share experiences.
San Diego/Encinitas Support Group
San Diego/Mission Valley Support Group
San Diego/Mission Valley 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
2025 Meeting Dates: Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 12 noon February 1, April 5, June 7, August 2, October 4. This support group in California focuses on scleroderma, providing a valuable resource for individuals seeking support and connection within California support groups.
San Diego/Mission Valley Support Group
San Diego/Mission Valley Support Group
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
2025 Meeting Dates: Saturdays from 10 AM to 12 noon: January 4, March 1, May 3, September 6, November 1. Join our California support groups focused on scleroderma, where you can find support and connect with others facing similar challenges.
San Fernando Valley Support Group
San Diego/Mission Valley Support Group
San Fernando Valley Support Group
Join us for our California support groups focused on scleroderma, taking place on Sundays from 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 Co-Leader: Kelly Ryan
Phone: 818-974-2428
Email: Kelly@kellycryan.com
Support Group Co-Leader: Marissa Villa
Phone: 818-903-4575
Email: marissavilla818@gmail.com
2025 Meeting Dates: Sunday 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: January 12, May 11, July 13, September 14, November 9. Connect with others in our support groups dedicated to helping those affected by scleroderma.
Santa Barbara Support Group
COME ONE, COME ALL VIRTUAL PEER SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS FOR ALL
San Fernando Valley 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
Join our California support groups for individuals affected by scleroderma, led by Cindy Cattaneo.
Santa Rosa Support Group
COME ONE, COME ALL VIRTUAL PEER SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS FOR ALL
COME ONE, COME ALL VIRTUAL PEER SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS FOR ALL
(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
2025 Meeting Dates: Virtual California support groups will meet on Saturdays from 10 AM to 11:30 AM: January 25, March 22, May 24, July 26, September 27, November 22. Join us for our scleroderma support groups and connect with others who understand your journey.
COME ONE, COME ALL VIRTUAL PEER SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS FOR ALL
COME ONE, COME ALL VIRTUAL PEER SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS FOR ALL
COME ONE, COME ALL VIRTUAL PEER SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS FOR ALL
Come One-Come All!!! Families from our California support groups will be coming together to share updates, get advice, and provide support related to scleroderma. (LINKS TO REGISTER FOR ZOOM MEETINGS ARE LISTED UNDER CALENDAR OF EVENTS)
2025 Meeting Dates: Saturdays from 10 AM to 11:30 AM, January 25, March 22, May 24, July 27, September 27, November 22.
For further information about our California support groups or to learn how to start a scleroderma support group in your community, please contact: Tina Burger, Patient Services Director Phone: 310-699-7290 Email: tburger@myscleroderma.org
Images of Impact: Scleroderma Foundation of California Support Groups
San Diego Support Group
Young Adult Support Group
Palo Alto Support Group
San Fernando Support Group
Scleroderma Foundation of California
8929 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Suite 401