You Won't Be Alone in This

We're building support groups where chronic illness warriors can connect, share, and heal together. Here's the community we're creating for 2026.

"While we build these formal support groups, you're not alone. Connect with me directly or join our Facebook community to start finding your tribe today."

- Claude Weidner, BREAK THE CHAINS™ Founder

🚀 Support Groups Launching 2026 - Join Our Newsletter to Be First to Know

Our Community Values

Every support group is built on these foundational principles that create safe, healing spaces for chronic illness warriors.

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No Judgment Zone

Bad days, setbacks, and struggles are part of the journey. Share honestly without fear of criticism or unsolicited advice.

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Practical Focus

We share what actually works during flares, not theoretical solutions. Real tools for real challenges from real experience.

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Privacy Protected

What's shared in group stays in group. Your personal health information and struggles are sacred and protected.

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Strength-Based

We celebrate every victory, no matter how small. Making Recipe 1 during a flare is just as heroic as meal prepping on good days.

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Spoon Conscious

All activities respect energy limitations. Low-energy participation is welcome and valued - listen-only attendance is perfectly fine.

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Growth Minded

We're all learning and growing together. Questions are welcomed, and curiosity is encouraged over perfectionism.

Support Groups We're Building

Here's what you can expect when we launch in 2026. Help us shape these groups by sharing what support you need most.

Weekly Check-In Circle

Share your week with understanding hearts

A gentle space to share your weekly wins and challenges with fellow warriors. Perfect for those who want regular connection without overwhelming commitment.

  • 45-minute weekly video calls
  • 8-10 participants maximum
  • Structured sharing format
  • No pressure to share if you're low-energy
  • Recording available for those who miss
Meeting Times
Wednesdays 7 PM ET
Saturdays 10 AM ET
Multiple time zones available
Get Launch Updates

Condition-Specific Groups

Deep understanding from shared experience

Connect with warriors who share your specific condition and challenges. Dive deeper into condition-specific strategies and mutual support.

  • Fibromyalgia Warriors Circle
  • Autoimmune Alliance
  • Chronic Fatigue Community
  • Chronic Pain Support
  • Multiple Conditions Welcome
Meeting Format
Bi-weekly 60-minute sessions
Rotating topics and guest experts
Private group chat between meetings
Get Launch Updates

Caregiver & Family Support

For those who love a chronic illness warrior

Supporting someone with chronic illness brings unique challenges. Connect with other caregivers, partners, and family members who understand.

  • Learn spoon theory deeply
  • Communication strategies
  • Self-care for caregivers
  • Boundary setting guidance
  • Crisis management planning
Meeting Schedule
Monthly 90-minute sessions
First Sunday 2 PM ET
Educational focus with peer support
Get Launch Updates

Crisis Support Network

Immediate support when you need it most

For warriors experiencing severe flares, mental health crises, or feeling completely overwhelmed. Immediate support from trained peer volunteers.

  • 24/7 text-based crisis support
  • Emergency protocol guidance
  • Trained peer crisis volunteers
  • Professional referrals when needed
  • No judgment emergency listening
Availability
Always available via secure chat
Emergency phone support
Professional crisis resources
Get Launch Updates

Meal Prep Warriors

Practical nutrition support and accountability

Master meal prep strategies, share spoon-saving cooking tips, and get accountability for maintaining nutrition during challenging periods.

  • Weekly meal prep sessions
  • Recipe adaptation workshops
  • Shopping strategy sharing
  • Kitchen equipment recommendations
  • Energy-conscious cooking methods
Session Format
Sundays 11 AM ET
Virtual meal prep party
Recipe sharing and modifications
Get Launch Updates

Text-Based Support

Community connection without video pressure

Perfect for those with social anxiety, appearance concerns during flares, or who prefer written communication. All the support, none of the video pressure.

  • Private Discord or Slack channels
  • Daily check-in threads
  • Resource sharing and tips
  • Anonymous participation options
  • Moderated for safety and respect
Platform Details
24/7 access to community
Structured daily topics
Voice channels for those who want them
Get Launch Updates

How Support Groups Will Work

When we launch in 2026, getting started will be simple and low-pressure. Here's what you can expect:

1

Choose Your Group

Select the support group format that matches your energy, communication style, and specific needs.

2

Schedule Intro Call

Brief 15-minute call with a facilitator to ensure good group fit and answer any questions you have.

3

Start Participating

Join at your comfort level - active participation, listening only, or anything in between is perfectly welcome.

4

Build Connections

Develop genuine friendships with people who understand your journey without explanation or justification.

Community Safety & Guidelines

Our community thrives because we maintain clear boundaries and expectations that protect everyone's emotional and physical wellbeing.

Respectful Communication

  • No unsolicited medical advice
  • Respect different coping strategies
  • Listen more than you speak
  • Use "I" statements when sharing
  • Honor confidentiality completely

Emotional Boundaries

  • No trauma dumping without consent
  • Respect others' energy limitations
  • Ask before offering support
  • Practice self-care and model boundaries
  • Step back when overwhelmed

Crisis Protocol

  • Professional help for serious mental health crises
  • Peer support supplements, never replaces therapy
  • Clear referral pathways to qualified professionals
  • Emergency contacts available 24/7
  • No pressure to share beyond comfort level

Inclusive Environment

  • Welcome all chronic illness experiences
  • Respect diverse backgrounds and identities
  • No comparison of pain or suffering
  • Validate all experiences without judgment
  • Zero tolerance for discrimination

Meet Your Community Facilitator

C

Claude Weidner

Certified Peer Support Specialist | Fibromyalgia Warrior | Poetry Writer Since 2003 | BREAK THE CHAINS™ Founder

"I facilitate our support groups because I remember how lonely and overwhelming the early years of chronic illness felt. Having people who truly understand can literally save your life - it saved mine."

"My role isn't to have all the answers or fix anyone's problems. It's to create safe space where real healing happens through authentic connection and mutual support. I'm still learning and growing right alongside everyone else."

"What I've learned in 10+ years with fibromyalgia is that community isn't just nice to have - it's essential medicine. These groups aren't about becoming different people; they're about becoming the most authentic, supported versions of ourselves."

Stay Connected While We Build

Support groups launch in 2026, but you don't have to wait for community. Connect with fellow warriors today through these channels:

Need support now? Join our informal Facebook group where warriors are already connecting and sharing their journeys.

Need Support Before 2026?

While we build these formal support groups, you're welcome to:

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Facebook Group

Join our informal community

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Email Me

Personal support available

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Newsletter

Weekly tips and connection