Support Groups at Marianjoy

These support groups are provided at no cost to the participants as a service to the community by Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton, Illinois. All groups meet at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital unless otherwise noted.

Amputee Support Group

The Amputee Support Group meets one Tuesday every other month from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. For more information, please call Marya Kapadvanjwala at 630-909-8410. This group provides a supportive setting for educational opportunities for amputees, as well as for social contacts and events.

Caregiver's Seminar for Families of Marianjoy Inpatients

This group provides support for families new to care-giving. Learn helpful hints, suggestions and resources for empowerment, as well as how to build a team of helpers and a strong support system. The group meets once each month. For more information, call 630-909-8909.

Chronic Pain Support Group

The Chronic Pain Support Group meets the first Thursday of every month from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. at the Marianjoy Oakbrook Terrace facility. This group is for individuals living with chronic pain who are looking for support and who are willing to provide support to others, and is attended by individuals diagnosed with a variety of pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis and joint dysfunction, back pain, and chronic headaches. For more information, call Dr. Angelique Strand at

630-909-6524.

Connections—Teen and Young Adult Brain Injury Support Group

This support group for teens and young adults with brain injury meets the first Wednesday of every month from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. For more information, call Rima Birutis at 630-909-6360 or Elizabeth Witt at

630-909-6165.

Guillain-Barré Support Group

This group provides speakers on the latest research, treatment and medications for those with Guillain-Barré. The Guillain-Barré support group meets quarterly on a Sunday at 1:30 p.m. For more information on this group, call Charlean Eggert at 630-279-8122.

High Hopes Brain Injury Support Group

This group provides an opportunity for support and discussion for people who have had a brain injury and their loved ones. Education is provided regarding aspects of living with brain injury and avenues for coping with stress. Socialization is also an important aspect of this group. The High Hopes Brain Injury Support Group for adults meets the second Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. For more information, call Dr. Nancy Devereux at 630-909-8607. This group does not meet in February.

Lymphedema Support Group

At this time, there is currently no support group formed for Lymphedema. However, if you are interested in becoming part of a support group at Marianjoy specific to Lymphedema, please email Cindy Rechenmacher at crechenmacher@Marianjoy.org or call her at 630-909-6050. When several people are interested, a group will begin.

Stroke and Aphasia Support Group

This group provides speakers who offer education via socialization and support so that life continues with joy and happiness. They meet the first Tuesday of every month from 4:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. They will meet June 29, 2010 and will not meet the first Tuesday in July, 2010.  For more information, please contact Sarah Keller at 630-909-8410 or Karen Ng at 630-909-8418.  Stroke group does not meet in January or February. Some meetings are offsite, so please contact Sarah or Karen for more information.