Lupus Support Group
Lupus is an auto-immune disease in which the immune system cannot distinguish between threats (like viruses and bacteria), and healthy cells and tissue. As a result, the body produces antibodies that inflict cell damage, most commonly targeting joints, skin, kidneys and the nervous system. Join the group and find support for coping with lupus.
Although this group is great, sometimes it helps to be face-to-face with someone else dealing with the disease. I thought I'd post some of the support groups available in Southern California. There is also a NEW GROUP for parents of teens with lupus. And don't forget Camp Painted Turtle for kids with serious illnesses including lupus. If you have a child with lupus, you might want to look in to that for next summer.
Adult Support Group at Cedars-Sinai
Lupus LA hosts an adult support group in the Thalian Auditorium of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on the second Wednesday of every month. Guest speakers are scheduled every other month to discuss topics related to lupus including dental care, alternative therapies and coping with stressful situations. On average, 20 people with lupus and their supporters attend these meetings.
Time and Location:
Second Wednesday of every month from 7pm to 9pm
Thalians Auditorium, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
8730 Alden Drive, Plaza Level, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Adult Support Group in Sherman Oaks
Lupus LA hosts an adult support group at the Sherman Oaks Hospital on the last Monday of every month.
Time and Location:
Last Monday of every month from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Circle of Care Conference Room, Sherman Oaks Hospital
4929 Van Nuys Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Adult Support Group in the Inland Empire
Lupus LA hosts an adult support group in the Pomona Public Library on the second Tuesday of every month. This group will have its first meeting in January 2010.
Time and Location:
Second Tuesday of every month from 6pm to 7:30pm
Pomona Public Library
625 South Garey Avenue, Pomona, CA 91769
Adult Support Group for Spanish Speakers
Lupus LA hosts a Spanish-language support group at the Ahmanson Senior Center on the first Friday of each month. Each month over 40 members gather together to share their stories and give each other support. Guest speakers are scheduled a few times a year to provide the group current and relevant information in Spanish.
Time and Location:
First Friday of every month from 7pm to 9pm
Ahmanson Senior Center
3990 S. Menlo Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Pediatric Support Group at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA)
LA recently completed its first pilot six-week summer support group for teens and parents affected by lupus. Utilizing a special curriculum developed specifically for this program, we teach parents and kids new coping skills to aid them in their management of an often confusing, isolating chronic disease. In addition, childcare is provided for siblings. After the groups graduate, periodic reunions will be held to encourage a further exchange of personal stories and suggestions for coping.
The next group will take place in February 2010 for 17-21 year olds.
For more information on any of these groups, please call or email Elyse Reyes at 310-657-5667 or ereyes@lupusla.org.
Adult Support Group at Cedars-Sinai
Lupus LA hosts an adult support group in the Thalian Auditorium of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on the second Wednesday of every month. Guest speakers are scheduled every other month to discuss topics related to lupus including dental care, alternative therapies and coping with stressful situations. On average, 20 people with lupus and their supporters attend these meetings.
Time and Location:
Second Wednesday of every month from 7pm to 9pm
Thalians Auditorium, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
8730 Alden Drive, Plaza Level, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Adult Support Group in Sherman Oaks
Lupus LA hosts an adult support group at the Sherman Oaks Hospital on the last Monday of every month.
Time and Location:
Last Monday of every month from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Circle of Care Conference Room, Sherman Oaks Hospital
4929 Van Nuys Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Adult Support Group in the Inland Empire
Lupus LA hosts an adult support group in the Pomona Public Library on the second Tuesday of every month. This group will have its first meeting in January 2010.
Time and Location:
Second Tuesday of every month from 6pm to 7:30pm
Pomona Public Library
625 South Garey Avenue, Pomona, CA 91769
Adult Support Group for Spanish Speakers
Lupus LA hosts a Spanish-language support group at the Ahmanson Senior Center on the first Friday of each month. Each month over 40 members gather together to share their stories and give each other support. Guest speakers are scheduled a few times a year to provide the group current and relevant information in Spanish.
Time and Location:
First Friday of every month from 7pm to 9pm
Ahmanson Senior Center
3990 S. Menlo Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Pediatric Support Group at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA)
LA recently completed its first pilot six-week summer support group for teens and parents affected by lupus. Utilizing a special curriculum developed specifically for this program, we teach parents and kids new coping skills to aid them in their management of an often confusing, isolating chronic disease. In addition, childcare is provided for siblings. After the groups graduate, periodic reunions will be held to encourage a further exchange of personal stories and suggestions for coping.
The next group will take place in February 2010 for 17-21 year olds.
For more information on any of these groups, please call or email Elyse Reyes at 310-657-5667 or ereyes@lupusla.org.
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My 6mo twin DD's are EBF and just started rice cereal on the first. Everything has been going fine except this morning one of them had a diaper rash (lots of redness around her anus). I read this as one of the signs of an allergy. BUT I did just buy a different brand diaper yesterday (which they have used randomly before w/no issues). Do you think its the cereal or the diaper? Im ready to start...
If you want to START a group, then it helps to have someone with theurapeutic/medical training like a psychologist or nurse or social worker. I've even seen doctors lead groups. Anyway, non-medical people can run groups, but usually the organizations like Lupus LA won't get behind them unless you know them. However, as I said before, Lupus LA may have someone willing to be THE professional at these groups who might co-chair these groups.
Melissa, I'd be willing to help you set up a group. If you want to give me a call off list, I'll see what i can do.
For people out of the area, contact the Lupus Foundation and talk to them about the above...
Tracy