The following support groups for people dealing with specific medical conditions exist in the Champaign-Urbana area:
Alzheimer’s
Circle of Friends Adult Day Center
609 W. Washington
Champaign, IL 61820
3rd Wednesday - 12:00 p.m.
Website: http://www.alzheimers-illinois.org/support_groups/
Brain Injury
Brain Injury Support Group of East Central Illinois
Meets monthly on the 2nd Saturday from 1030-`1230 at Mills Cancer Center at Carle, Houseworth - second floor conference room.
Carle Foundation Hospital
611 W. Park Street
Urbana, IL 61801
Telephone: (217) 383-6423
Contact: Dawn Henry, [email protected]
Description: Purpose is to provide information and resources, advocate for needs and provide a support network to brain injury survivors and their friends and family.
Accessibility: Accessible
Cancer
The Christie Clinic Breast Cancer Support Group
Website: http://www.christieclinic.com/adult-health/support-groups/
Contact: Department of General Surgery at (217) 366-5445.
Meets at 7 pm on the first Wednesday of every month.
2nd floor, Christie on Windsor, 1801 West Windsor Road in Champaign
Description: This wellness-focused group is comprised of breast cancer survivors of all ages and experienced health care professionals. Our goal is to share ideas, provide support, answer questions, and offer solutions to problems for people who are coping with breast cancer. The format of each meeting includes a short presentation by a guest speaker followed by informal group interaction. You may attend as often as you wish, and you can always bring along a family member or friend. Additional information about the Breast Cancer Support Group is available by calling the Department of General Surgery at 217.366.5445.
Carle Daytime Cancer Support Group
Website: http://www.carle.org/Classes/SupportGroups/Daytime-Cancer-Support-Group.aspx
Meets the second Wednesday of each month from noon - 1 pm
Location: The Forum at Carle, Lauhoff Conference Room, 611 W. Park Street, Urbana, Ill.
Phone: (217) 383-4581
Contact: Kate Garbacz, MSW, LCSW
Description: The Carle Daytime Cancer Support Group is held the second Wednesday of each month from noon - 1 p.m. at The Forum at Carle in the Lauhoff Conference Room. This is an open forum group for anyone who has or knows someone who has cancer. Lunch is provided. For more information please contact Kate Garbacz, MSW, LSCW at (217) 383-4581.
Carle Nighttime Cancer Support Group
Website: http://www.carle.org/Classes/SupportGroups/Support-Groups---Nighttime-Cancer-Support-Group.aspx
Meets the first and third Wednesday of each month from 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Carle Cancer Center, Houseworth Conference Room, second floor, 509 W. University Avenue, Urbana, Ill.
Phone: (217) 383-4581
Contact: Kate Garbacz, MSW, LSCW
Description: Carle Nighttime Cancer Support Group is held the first and third Wednesday of each month from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Carle Cancer Center in the Houseworth Conference Room on the second floor. Meetings are open to anyone interested in learning more about cancer and treatment options. Sessions cover a wide variety of topics related to living with cancer and its treatment. For more information, contact Kate Garbacz, MSW, LSCW, at (217) 383-4581.
Carle Head and Neck Cancer Support Group 1
Website: http://www.carle.org/Classes/SupportGroups/Support-Groups---Head---Neck-Cancer-Support-Group.aspx
Meets the second Monday of each month from 7 - 8 pm. at the Unitarian Universalist Church
Location: Unitarian Universalist Church, 309 W. Green Street, Urbana, Ill.
Phone: (217) 383-4581
Contact: Kate Garbacz, MSW, LCSW
Description: The Carle Head and Neck Cancer Support Group is held the second Monday of each month from 7 - 8 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church. Patients and survivors of head and neck cancers and their family and friends are invited to attend, regardless of where clinical care is received. For more information, contact Kate Garbacz, MSW, LCSW, at (217) 383-4581.
Carle Head and Neck Cancer Support Group 2
Website: http://www.carle.org/Classes/SupportGroups/Support-Groups---Head---Neck-Cancer-Support-Group.aspx
Meets the fourth Wednesday of each month from 2 - 3 p.m.
Location: Carle Cancer Center, Houseworth Conference Room, second floor, 509 W. University Avenue, Urbana, Ill.
Phone: (217) 383-4581
Contact: Kate Garbacz, MSW, LCSW
Description: The Carle Head and Neck Cancer Support Group is held the fourth Wednesday of each month from 2 - 3 p.m. at Carle Cancer Center in the Houseworth Conference Room on the second floor. Patients and survivors of head and neck cancers and their family and friends are invited to attend, regardless of where clinical care is received. For more information, contact Kate Garbacz, MSW, LCSW, at (217) 383-4581.
Carle Info 2 Know
Meets the third Thursday of each month from noon - 1 pm
Location: Mills Breast Cancer Institute, third floor conference room, 509 W. University Avenue, Urbana, Ill.
Phone: (217) 383-4581
Contact: Kate Garbacz, MSW, LSCW
Description: Carle Info 2 Know Group is held the third Thursday of each month from noon - 1 p.m. at Mills Breast Cancer Institute in the 3rd floor conference room. Anyone interested in breast cancer can discover strategies for optimizing health, enhancing wellbeing and managing stress while battling this disease. Each session features a guest speaker who will bring you up to date on the latest research and wellness tips. For more information, contact Kate Garbacz, MSW, LCSW, at (217) 383-4581.
Mastectomy Post-Op Exercise Class
Meets on the second Tuesday of every month from 11 am-noon and the fourth Wednesday of every month from 3-4 pm
Location: third floor conference room of Mills Breast Cancer Institute
Description: Getting back to 100 percent after a mastectomy can seem like a difficult task. The experts from Carle Therapy Services are here to help give you the tools you need to make a full recovery and get back to feeling like 'you' again. This class will help you in your recovery by: (1) Teaching simple exercises that will increase early mobility and improve function after surgery; (2) On-site demonstration of all exercises and handouts for at-home use; (3) Educating post-op mastectomy patients on techniques to avoid lymphedema; and (4) Providing a group setting for the recovery process. Patients are encouraged to attend one class prior to surgery and one class post-surgery. Classes are open to both Carle and non-Carle patients. Call (217) 383-3848 to schedule your classes.
Phone: (217) 383-3848
The Women’s Room Cancer Support Group (Carle)
Website: http://www.carle.org/Classes/SupportGroups/Support-Groups---The-Woman-s-Room-Cancer-Support-G.aspx
Meets the 4th Tuesday of each month from noon - 1 p.m.
Location: The Forum at Carle, Lauhoff Conference Room, 611 W. Park Street, Urbana, Ill.
Phone: (217) 383-4581
Contact: Kate Garbacz, MSW, LSCW
Description: Carle- The Women’s Room Cancer Support Group is held the fourth Tuesday of each month from noon - 1 p.m. at The Forum at Carle in the Lauhoff Conference Room. Meetings are open to any woman with a female-specific cancer (breast, ovarian, cervical, uterine, etc.). Lunch is provided. For more information, contact Kate Garbacz, MSW, LSCW, at (217)383-4581.
Celiac Disease
Champaign-Urbana Celiac Support Group
Contact: Karen Thomas
Diabetes
The Christie Clinic Diabetes Support Group (Diabetes Straight Talk)
Website: http://www.christieclinic.com/patients/in-the-community/support-groups/
Contacts: Certified Diabetes Educator/Nurse Educator Carole Murphy, RN, BSN, CDE, at 217.366.8020 or Clinic Dietitian/Nutrition Educator Debra Dempsey, RD, MEd, LDN, at 217.366.8142
Description: Our Diabetes Support Group, Diabetes Straight Talk, meets from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month in the Christie on Windsor (1801 West Windsor Road, Champaign) 2nd Floor Southwest Meeting Room to discuss issues and concerns that are important when living with diabetes. Both Christie's diabetes educator and dietitian are available for questions or conversation. The group is free and open to anyone who has diabetes or who has an interest in diabetes. Attendees can learn more about topics like monitoring blood sugar, understanding lab results, preparing injections, preventive care, nutrition, lifestyle, and more.
Carle Diabetes Support Group (Champaign)
Website: http://www.carle.org/Classes/SupportGroups/Diabetes-Support-Group---Urbana.aspx
Date/Time: Third Tuesday of each month (except July and December) from 7-8 p.m.
Location: Carle Champaign on Kirby, 1813 W. Kirby Avenue, Champaign, Ill.
Phone: (217) 383-3490
Contact: Martha Trenkamp
Description: Carle’s diabetes support group meets the third Tuesday of each month (except July and December) at 7 p.m. Meetings are free and open to the public. Space is limited, so registration is recommended. For more information, contact Martha Trenkamp, RD, CDE, at (217) 383-3490.
Carle Diabetes Support Group (Danville)
Website: http://www.carle.org/Classes/SupportGroups/Diabetes-Support-Group---Danville.aspx
Meets the fourth Tuesday of each month (except November and December) from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Location: Danville Family YMCA, 1111 N. Vermilion Street, Danville, Ill.
Phone: (217) 431-7601
Description: Carle’s Danville diabetes support group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month (January through October) at the Danville Family YMCA, 1111 N. Vermilion, Danville. Meetings are free and open to the public. Space is limited, so registration is recommended. For more information, call (217) 431-7601.
EDS (Ehlers-Danos Syndrome /Chronic Pain)
Champaign IL EDS Support Group
Website: http://www.chronicpainpartners.com/champaign-il/
Description: This group is just starting up.
Epilepsy
Champaign County Epilepsy Support Group
Website: http://epilepsychampaign.org/
Meets the second Monday of every month from 6:30-8 pm
First Presbyterian Church
302 West Church Street
Champaign, IL 61820
Westminster Hall (South Door)
Description: The Champaign County Epilepsy Support Group is the place to discuss and receive support for the personal challenges associated with epilepsy. The group does this in an open, honest, and safe environment. The Champaign County Epilepsy Support Group is in association with the Epilepsy Resource Center of Central Illinois.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia Support Group
Website: http://www.carle.org/Classes/SupportGroups/Support-Groups---Fibromyalgia-Support-Group.aspx
Meets the third Wednesday of every other month from 6:30-8 pm
Location/Address: Carle – Champaign on Curtis, 1701 W. Curtis Road, Champaign, Ill.
Phone: (217) 367-0136
Contact: Phyllis Sommer
Description: The Champaign Urbana Fibromyalgia Education and Support Group meets the third Wednesday of every other month from 6:30-8 p.m. at Carle – Champaign on Curtis. Meetings are open to patients and family members of patients with fibromyalgia. For more information, contact Phyllis Sommer at (217) 367-0136.
Hepatitis C
Carle Hepatitis C Support Group
Meets the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m.
Location: The Forum at Carle, 611 W. Park Street, Urbana, Ill.
Description: Meetings are open to patients, family and friends of patients, and those interested in learning more about hepatitis C.
Contact: Kristen Sheehan
Phone: (217) 383-3610
Lupus
The Lupus Foundation of America is in the process of starting a Support Group at the University of Illinois-Champaign Urbana Campus. If you are interested in participating in the group, please email [email protected].
Multiple Sclerosis
Champaign-Urbana MS Support Group
Website:http://www.nmss.org,
Facbeook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ChampaignUrbana-MS-Support-Group/236020476456987
Contact: [email protected]
Meets the second Saturday of each month 10:00am-12:00pm
First Baptist Church
1602 S. Prospect St, Savoy, IL
Drop-ins welcome.
Description: Peer support, speakers, exchange of information pertinent to living with MS.
Parkinson's
Carle Parkinson’s Support Group
Meets the first Thursday of each month from 5:30 - 7 pm
Location: Parkview Classrooms near the Carle Foundation Hospital cafeteria, Carle Foundation Hospital, Parkview Classrooms, 611 W. Park Street, Urbana
Description: Meetings are open to all patients, family members and friends of patients with Parkinson’s as well as those interested in finding out more about the disease. Light refreshments are provided.
Contact: John Goodell
Phone: (217) 369-3579.
Stroke
Stroke Support Group
First Wednesday of each month, 3-4:30 pm
Meets in Rehab Conference room, 4th Floor, OSF Healthcare Heart of Mary.
1400 W Park St, Urbana, IL 61801
Contact: 217-337-2109 ask for Beth or Rachel.
Accessibility: wheel chairs available in lobby
Description: Our group meets once a month. We have speakers that share pertinent information and some meetings have open discussion. Stroke survivors and caregivers are welcome. We also have social activities -- community outings and Christmas Party. Stroke resources online include: American Stroke Association - www.strokeassociation.org -- American Stroke Foundation - www.americanstroke.org -- National Stroke Association - www.stroke.org -- Stroke Survivors Empowering Each Other -Teleconferences every month - www.sseeoo.org -- Comprehensive Stroke Center Online Community - http://cscnetwork.heart.org.
Weight Loss Surgery
Bariatric Support Group
Meets 6:30pm to 7:30pm; speakers to be announced, starting January 2013
Meeting dates: January 10, February 14, March 14, April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12, October 10, November 14, December 12 (2013)
Location: second floor of Carle - Champaign on Curtis, 1701 W. Curtis Road, Champaign, Ill.
Phone: (217) 383-3240
Contact: Ann Carroll
Description: The support group is for bariatric surgery patients, past, present and prospective, and will give you a chance to share your ideas and concerns, talk about your frustrations, celebrate your successes, and to hear other speak about their experiences.
Gastric Bypass Support Group
Meets the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm
Location: The second floor of Carle - Champaign on Curtis, 1701 W. Curtis Road, Champaign
Phone: (217) 383-3240
Contact: Ann Carroll
The LAP-BAND Support Group
Website: http://www.carle.org/Classes/SupportGroups/Support-Groups---Lap-Band-Support-Group.aspx
Location: second floor of Carle - Champaign on Curtis, 1701 W. Curtis Road, Champaign, Ill.
Phone: (217) 383-3240
Contact: Ann Carroll
Description: The support group is for LAP-BAND surgery patients, past, present and prospective, and will give you a chance to share your ideas and concerns, talk about your frustrations, celebrate your successes, and to hear other speak about their experiences.
