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.
- 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.
No Judgment Zone
Bad days, setbacks, and struggles are part of the journey. Share honestly without fear of criticism or unsolicited advice.
Practical Focus
We share what actually works during flares, not theoretical solutions. Real tools for real challenges from real experience.
Privacy Protected
What's shared in group stays in group. Your personal health information and struggles are sacred and protected.
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.
Spoon Conscious
All activities respect energy limitations. Low-energy participation is welcome and valued - listen-only attendance is perfectly fine.
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
Saturdays 10 AM ET
Multiple time zones available
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
Rotating topics and guest experts
Private group chat between meetings
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
First Sunday 2 PM ET
Educational focus with peer support
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
Emergency phone support
Professional crisis resources
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
Virtual meal prep party
Recipe sharing and modifications
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
Structured daily topics
Voice channels for those who want them
How Support Groups Will Work
When we launch in 2026, getting started will be simple and low-pressure. Here's what you can expect:
Choose Your Group
Select the support group format that matches your energy, communication style, and specific needs.
Schedule Intro Call
Brief 15-minute call with a facilitator to ensure good group fit and answer any questions you have.
Start Participating
Join at your comfort level - active participation, listening only, or anything in between is perfectly welcome.
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
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: