SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS
Welcome 🙂 All meetings are open to patients, their families, interested friends, and caregivers. Please remember that any information shared within a support group stays within the group, considered private and confidential.
Scheduled meetings are listed below and are added throughout the year.
Support groups provide a way for individuals suffering from Mast Cell Disorders ~and their caregivers~ to communicate with each other, support each other, provide comfort and often share information that makes their daily lives better. TMS offers a variety of support opportunities: Local Support Groups, Regional Support Meetings, a Biennial National Patient/Caregiver Conference, Facebook groups, an Inspire Forum with TMS RNs, and an international community website – find those here. Please see the Support Group Meeting listing below for a meeting in your specific area. New meetings will be posted as they are arranged, so keep checking back. Invitations and updates to these meetings will be sent out to TMS members in that area (sign up for membership here, its FREE!). Click here to find the Support Group Leader in your area if you have questions about anything.
We can only have meetings if we have Leaders – every Leader is a volunteer just like you so if you would like to become a Support Group Leader or would like to assist, please contact: supportgroups@tmsforacure.org. TMS will provide training, materials, and lots of assistance.
Please remember that meetings are scent-free (hair products, hand sanitizers, lotions, deodorants, etc), and any food and beverage that you bring should be allergy/trigger-free, odor-free, with all ingredients listed if to be shared with the group.
Have a wonderful time!
[Please understand that meeting dates/speakers may need to be canceled or changed because of changes in physician/speaker schedules, illness, weather conditions, etc and we will endeavor to notify members. If you are a TMS member but have not received an email from TMS regarding the meeting in your area please check your spam folder. Sometimes these large group emails get automatically filtered by your system. If you still do not see an email you think you should have received please contact Gail Barbera at secretary@tmsforacure.org.]
JANUARY 2019
Minnesota Support Group Meeting
When: January 19, 2019 … 1:00 – 4:00
Where: Country Inn & Suites Meeting room, 5995 Rice Creek Pkwy. (on east side of Hwy 35 W), Shoreview, MN
Special Presenter: Dr. Catherine Weiler, MD from Mayo Clinic
RSVP to Kristine Greer at kristine.greer@tmsforacure.org
Please remember to be scent-free, wear no perfumes or after shave. Thank you!
New Support Group in Dallas, TEXAS!
When: Saturday, January 26, 2019, from 1:00 – 4:00
Where: Central Congregational Church, 5600 Royal, Lane Dallas TX 75229
RSVP: supportgroups@tmsforacure.org
This meeting has limited seating. Please indicate the number of spaces needed and the meeting location in your RSVP.
FEBRUARY 2019
Scottsdale, AZ Support Group Meeting
When: February 9, 2019, from 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Where: Location: Honor Health Scottsdale, 9003 E. Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 … Room: Acacia and Mesquite
RSVP: supportgroups@tmsforacure.org
Upstate NY Support Group Meeting
When: Saturday February 16, 2019 … 2-4:40pm
Where: Please Note New Meeting Place!! Keys to Fun, 1 Charles Blvd, Guilderland, NY 12084
This will be a totally scent-free room. Please no food or drinks other than water. Some participants are very sensitive. Patients, family and caregivers are all welcome.
RSVP by Feb 13th to Jan.Hempstead@tmsforacure.org
MARCH 2019
Pittsburgh, PA Support Group Meeting
When: March, 2, 2019, from 1:00 – 4:00
Where: Upper St. Clair Township Library, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241
RSVP: Shelly Faris at Shelly.Faris@tmsforacure.org
San Francisco CA Support Group Meeting
When: March 9th, 2019 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Kaiser Medical Building, 3701 Broadway in Oakland, CA. Ground floor in Mtg. rooms B & C.
Parking: There is street parking as well as a parking lot connected to the building the meeting is in. There is no charge for parking in Kaiser’s parking garage on the weekends.
Southern California Support Group Meeting
Reno, NV Support Group Meeting
When: March 16, 2019, from 9:00 – 4:00 pm POSTPONED
Where: Renown Hospital, 1155 Mills Street, Reno, NV
Contact: supportgroups@tmsforacure.org If you would like to be a Leader for this group, let us know!
Indiana Support Group Meeting
When: Saturday, March 30 2019 from 12:00 – 4:00
Where: AVON Town Hall, 6570 E US HWY 36 (Rockville Road), Avon, IN 46123
Speaker: (Via Skype) Jan Hempstead RN, TMS Interim Vice Chair, Patient Care Coordination
RSVP: Pam Hodge at pam.hodge@tmsforacure.org
Please indicate the number of spaces you would like reserved when you RSVP.
The Mastocytosis Society Indiana Area Support Group provides support to and is open to all patients with mast cell disorders or suspected mast cell disorders, their families and caregivers. There is no fee to attend.
*Please remember all TMS events are scent-free due to severe allergies*
Please refrain from wearing scented products or using heavily scented products including laundry detergents, fabric softeners, hairspray, lotions, and hand sanitizers prior to the meeting. Some patients are negatively affected by strong scents
APRIL 2019
Greenville, SC Support Group Meeting
When: April 6, 2019, from 12:00 – 3:00 pm
Where: St. Frances Eastside Hospital, Room 201, 125 Commonwealth Drive, Greenville, SC 29615
Contact: Emily Bolden, emily.bolden@tmsforacure.org
Come into the hospital through entrance C. Go straight back toward the windows in the lobby. Elevators on the left. Go to 2nd floor. Take a right out of the elevator. Take a right when exiting the lobby. Go thru the double doors. The meeting room #201 will be in front of you on the left side of the hall.
Please don’t forget no perfumes or scented anything. We will have light snacks and water.
Kansas City, Missouri Support Group Meeting
When: Saturday, April 6th 2019 … 12-4pm
Where: Liberty Hospital – Building DOB Room 2
RSVP to Brenda and Patrick Hukriede kcMOsupport@tmsforacure.org
May 2019
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX Support Group Meeting – NEW Group!
When: Saturday, May 18th 2019 1-4 p.m.
Where: Southlake Town Hall – 3rd floor conference room (located in the heart of Southlake Town Square)
Address: 1400 Main Street, Southlake, TX 76092
RSVP to Kristy.Loper@tmsforacure.org
I sure hope you can join us in May! Remember your support person is also welcomed and encouraged to attend. We each know how challenging this disorder can be and also challenging for the person supporting us.
*Elevator and wheelchair accessible
*There are many restaurants within easy walking distance from the Town Hall so if you are feeling up to it after the meeting, plan to join for an early dinner together. We might can find a patio spot if the weather is nice. Extended family is welcome to join as well for dinner!
Our next meeting will be in September 2019.
Chicago, Illinois Support Group Meeting
When: Saturday, May 18, 2019… 12:00-4:00
Where: Indiana Wesleyan University, Naperville Service Center, 1979 McDowell Road, Suite 111, Naperville, IL 60563
RSVP to Jeannie Dunn and Emily Ploegman at chicagosupport@tmsforacure
Please remember meetings are scent-free (hair products, hand sanitizer, lotions, colognes, perfume, soaps, hairspray. etc). If you are bringing guests please let them know ahead of time.
Any food and beverage (except water) that you bring needs to be kept in your car or outside the room and away from the exit/entrance. Some of our members have severe food and fragrance triggers that we need to be respectful of so that as many people can attend as possible. We would like to be able to meet everyone’s needs (as much as possible) but each person is responsible for their own care. Feel free to bring up suggestions at the meeting.
San Francisco Bay Area Support Group Meeting
When: June 8th, 2019 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Kaiser Medical Building, 3701 Broadway in Oakland, CA. Ground floor in Mtg. rooms B & C.
Parking: There is street parking as well as a parking lot connected to the building the meeting is in. There is no charge for parking in Kaiser’s parking garage on the weekends.
Group Meeting: We will meet in a general support group meeting for all patients and caregivers from 1 pm until 2:45. From 3-4 p.m. we will break up into two support groups one for caregivers and one for patients.
Meeting Room Location: Once you enter the building from Broadway go to the bank of elevators to your left and go down one floor. When you exit the elevators go to your right. Our meeting room is a few doors down on the right
RSVP: Please RSVP to Cay.O@tmsforacure.org. If this will be the first time you are attending please RSVP so I can send you additional information about the meetings. You do not have to RSVP to attend.
Important Requests: Please refrain from wearing all scented products (including colognes, perfumes and scented body products) to the meeting. Please only wear clothing washed in unscented laundry detergent to the group! Some patients are negatively affected by scents. Some patients react to food odors so we ask that attendees refrain from eating during the meeting. Separate caregiver and patient support groups are held during the last half of our meeting time.
If you have any questions about the support group please email Cay.O@tmsforacure.org.
Raleigh/Durham NC area Support Group Meeting
When: June 15th, 2019…. 1-4 pm.
Where: Cameron Village Regional Library in room 202 located at 1930 Clark Ave Raleigh NC 27605.
Welcome all affected by Mast Cell Diseases, patients, caregivers, families, medical personnel. Please come join our support group. Please no perfume or scents.
RSVP to Emily Bolden, TMS support group leader: Emily.bolden@tmsforacure.org
Minnesota Support Group
When: July 13th 2019 …. 1:00-4:00
Where: Country Inn & Suites in Minneapolis, 5995 Rice Creek Pkwy, Shoreview, MN 651-784-6000
Dr. Catherine Weiler has offered to come present! 🙂
Please direct questions to the Leader kris.greer@tmsforacure.org
Georgia Support Group
Colorado Support Group Meeting
Everyone is welcome, Patients & Caregivers, Mastocytosis & MCAS. Water will be supplied but no food provided due to sensitivities. Some patients are negatively affected by scents, please refrain from wearing all scented products (including colognes, hairspray, deodorants, hand sanitizers, and other scented products) to the meeting. Some patients also react to food odors so we ask that attendees refrain from eating during the meeting.
Please RSVP by Aug 10th: Text or call Jan Marie Smith, TMS Support Group Leader/Colorado, 303.241.9240
10am-11am: Greetings & Intros
11am: Stories of Hope/Sharing stories (TMS members and patients-JMS will facilitate)
12noon: LUNCH (Sack lunch or nearby restaurants)
1pm-3pm: Guest Speaker: Amber Walker, Author of Mast Cells Unite (TMS is not endorsing this book, it is a topic for discussion)
3:00pm-3:15pm: break
3:15-3:45pm: Q & A with Amber
3:45-4:30pm: WRAP & CONCLUSION
(After meeting get together if interest at a nearby restaurant TBD)
Springfield-Branson MO Support Group Meeting
RSVP to Heather Largent: Heather.Largent@tmsforacure.org
SEPTEMBER 2019
Houston TX Support Group Meeting
When: Saturday September 7 2019 …1:00-5:00pm
Where: Molly’s pub, 509 Main St. in Houston.
Please RSVP to Celeste.finnerty@tmsforacure.org
San Francisco Bay Area Support Group Meeting
When: September 7th, 2019 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Kaiser Medical Building, 3701 Broadway in Oakland, CA. Ground floor in Mtg. rooms B & C.
Parking: There is street parking as well as a parking lot connected to the building the meeting is in. There is no charge for parking in Kaiser’s parking garage on the weekends.
Group Meeting: We will meet in a general support group meeting for all patients and caregivers from 1 pm until 2:45. From 3-4 p.m. we will break up into two support groups one for caregivers and one for patients.
Meeting Room Location: Once you enter the building from Broadway go to the bank of elevators to your left and go down one floor. When you exit the elevators go to your right. Our meeting room is a few doors down on the right
RSVP: Please RSVP if possible to Cay.O@tmsforacure.org. If this will be the first time you are attending please RSVP so I can send you additional information about the meetings. You do not have to RSVP to attend.
Important Requests: Please refrain from wearing all scented products (including colognes, perfumes and scented body products) to the meeting. Please only wear clothing washed in unscented laundry detergent to the group! Some patients are negatively affected by scents. Some patients react to food odors so we ask that attendees refrain from eating during the meeting.
Separate caregiver and patient support groups are held during the last half of our meeting time.
If you have any questions about the support group please email Cay.O@tmsforacure.org.
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX Support Group Meeting – NEW Group!
When: Saturday, September 21 2019, 1-4 p.m.
Where: Southlake Town Hall – 3rd floor conference room (located in the heart of Southlake Town Square)
Address: 1400 Main Street, Southlake, TX 76092
RSVP to Kristy.Loper@tmsforacure.org
I sure hope you can join us! Remember your support person is also welcomed and encouraged to attend. We know how challenging this disorder can be and also challenging for the person supporting us.
*Elevator and wheelchair accessible
Arizona Support Group Meeting
When: Saturday, September 28 2019 ***** Changed to OCTOBER 27, same location
Where: Honor Health Scottsdale Shea Medical Center, Scottsdale AZ 85260
RSVP: Susanne.Bragg@tmsforacure.org
More details to come, stay tuned!
OCTOBER 2019
* * * Mast Cell Awareness Month * * *
Gastonia NC Support Group Meeting
When: Saturday October 5, 2019… 2:30-5:30 PM
Where: GASTON CO. LIBRARY LOCATED AT 1555 E. GARRISON BLVD, GASTONIA N.C. 28054
RSVP to Emily.Bolden@tmsforacure.org
Emily writes: “I have missed my Gastonia people.. we will have lots of awareness goodies and we will have a really good time. Hope to see you all there.”
Southern California Support Group Meeting
When: October 19th 2019 …. 2-4pm
Where: Miller Children’s Hospital, 2801 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, Ca
RSVP to Davita Greenwald at SouthernCaliforniaSupport@tmsforacure.org
This a support group meeting about Adults and Children with mast cell issues. All are welcome, we look forward to seeing you. The hospital provides a safe/unscented environment for this meeting. Please do not wear anything scented. Think UNscented. This includes but is not limited to: Perfumes, Cologne, Hair Products, Laundry Soap/Fabric Softener, Essential Oils, Deodorants, Lotions Etc. Please NO Nuts, Latex or Hand Sanitizers. Thank you for considering and caring for our medically fragile patients.
Springfield-Branson MO Support Group Meeting
Dr. Minh-the Le will be speaking at the October meeting.
RSVP to Heather Largent Heather.Largent@tmsforacure.org
***Inaugural Tri-State Area New York Support Group Meeting***
When: Saturday, October 19th 2019 from 1:00 pm-3:30 pm
Where: Congregation Kol Ami- Chapel in the Woods 252 Soundview Avenue, White Plains, NY 10606
Please park in the back parking lot which is located directly by the chapel in the woods.
Please join us for a support group meeting with a special presentation from allergist-immunologist, Dr. Anne Maitland, patients and caregivers are encouraged to attend. We will meet in a general support group meeting from 1:00pm-2:15pm. Dr. Maitland will present at 2:15pm and will be available for questions before we conclude our activities!
Please RSVP to TristateNYsupport@tmsforacure.org so we can plan accordingly.
We are so looking forward to seeing everyone at this very special first meeting of our new support group!
Important Requests: Please refrain from wearing all scented products (including colognes, perfumes and scented body products) as well as clothing washed in scented laundry detergent to accommodate those patients who react to odors. No food will be served but water will be available!
Upstate NY Support Group Meeting
When: Saturday, October 19th 2019 1-4 pm
Where: Keys to Fun, 1 Charles Blvd, Guilderland, NY 12084
This will be a totally scent-free room. Please no food or drinks other than water. Some participants are very sensitive. Patients, family and caregivers are all welcome.
RSVP by Oct. 16th to Jan.Hempstead@tmsforacure.org
Kansas City, Missouri Support Group Meeting
When: Saturday, October 26th … 12:00-4:00pm
Where: Liberty Hospital, DOB (Doctors Office Building) – Room 1, 2521 Glenn Hendren Drive, Suite 200, Liberty, Missouri 64068
Please do not wear perfumes or lotions as many people are sensitive to such smells.
RSVP kcMOsupport@tmsforacure.org
Arizona Support Group Meeting
When: Sunday, October 27 2019 …. 12:00-4:00 (changed to this date instead of the September date)
Where: Honor Health Scottsdale Shea Medical Center, Scottsdale AZ 85260
RSVP: Susanne.Bragg@tmsforacure.org
Greetings to all Arizona TMS members and surounding states:
I am looking forward to meeting you all. Please RSVP as soon as possible (Caregivers, Spouses, a close friend, and/or parents are welcome if you would like them to attend.) I need a count because TMS will be sending some goodies our way for the meeting since it is TMS Awareness Month. This meeting will be a regular support group meeting format. Please come with ideas, questions, and concerns that we can discuss. Please feel free to bring your own snack and drink with you in to the conference center. With so many food allergies, it is impossible for me to provide these for you, even though I would love to.
NOVEMBER 2019
Indiana Support Group Meeting
When: Saturday November 2nd… 1-4 at the
Where: Avon Town Hall, 6570 E US Highway 36, Avon, IN 46123
RSVP: Pam.Hodge@tmsforacure.org
DECEMBER 2019
San Francisco Bay Area Support Group Meeting
When: December 7th, 2019 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Kaiser Medical Building, 3701 Broadway in Oakland, CA. Ground floor in Mtg. rooms B & C.
Parking: There is street parking as well as a parking lot connected to the building the meeting is in. There is no charge for parking in Kaiser’s parking garage on the weekends.
Group Meeting: We will meet in a general support group meeting for all patients and caregivers from 1 pm until 2:45. From 3-4 p.m. we will break up into two support groups one for caregivers and one for patients.
Meeting Room Location: Once you enter the building from Broadway go to the bank of elevators to your left and go down one floor. When you exit the elevators go to your right. Our meeting room is a few doors down on the right
RSVP: Please RSVP if possible to Cay.O@tmsforacure.org. If this will be the first time you are attending please RSVP so I can send you additional information about the meetings. You do not have to RSVP to attend.
Important Requests: Please refrain from wearing all scented products (including colognes, perfumes and scented body products) to the meeting. Please only wear clothing washed in unscented laundry detergent to the group! Some patients are negatively affected by scents. Some patients react to food odors so we ask that attendees refrain from eating during the meeting. Separate caregiver and patient support groups are held during the last half of our meeting time.
If you have any questions about the support group please email Cay.O@tmsforacure.org.
HELP! Leader Needed! Portland, OREGON Area Support Group
We are looking for folks to assist us in finding a place for members in the Pacific Northwest to meet in Portland Oregon. If you can help please contact supportgroups@tmsforacure.org for details. Once we find a spot we can arrange a definite date – or two!
FEBRUARY 2020
Springfield-Branson MO Support Group Meeting
RSVP to Heather Largent: Heather.Largent@tmsforacure.org
