Peer Connections
Histiocytosis Association Support Group Sessions
For those navigating histiocytosis, we invite you to choose the support group that best fits your needs – whether you are a patient, caregiver, grieving a loved one, or seeking connection.
Our Peer-to-Peer Support Groups provide safe, welcoming spaces to share experiences, feel understood, and find community and hope. Not sure which group is right for you? Contact our Program and Outreach Coordinator, Melinda Atnip, at matnip@histio.org for guidance.
*All times are EDT.**Our peer support groups are currently only offered in English, but you can see the info below for Spanish-language support groups put on by our friends at OR Asociación. Patients Peer to Peer Groups
Patients Peer to Peer Support Groups
These conversations are hosted by Doris Dahdouh, MSW, LSW, INHC, LMSW and co-moderated by Histio Ambassadors. There is no cost to attend.
- Every other full week on Tuesdays at 7:15pm-8:45pm ET-REGISTER HERE
Who should attend: Patients who are looking for continued support and an open forum to find connection with others managing a histio journey. All are welcome to join regardless of when you were diagnosed, whether newly diagnosed or no longer have active histiocytosis. We often have individuals who were diagnosed as a child and are joining these calls many years after for connection. All histiocytic disorders are welcome and group size allowing, we will create breakout rooms by histiocytic disorder to allow for more ‘one-on-one’ connection with those who share a diagnosis with you. There is also a young adult’s group, which patients are welcome to join in addition to these peer-to-peer sessions. None of our calls are meant to be exclusive and you are welcome to join what you feel most closely aligns with your needs.
Where will we meet: The meetings are hosted online using Zoom platform. A Zoom account is not required; however, you will need to register in advance to join the call. The calls are not recorded, and the use of your camera is optional. Registering for one session will automatically register you for all future sessions!
Caregivers & Care Partners GroupsCaregivers & Care Partners Support Group
These conversations are hosted by Doris Dahdouh, MSW, LSW, INHC, LMSW and co-moderated by Histio Ambassadors. There is no cost to attend.
- Held on Thursdays during the 1st full week and 3rd week of each month (aligned with Patient Support) at 7:15pm-8:15pm EST-REGISTER HERE
Who should attend: This peer support call offers a compassionate space for caregivers and family members affected by histiocytosis to connect with others who understand the journey. Facilitated by trained professionals, the call provides emotional support, shared experiences, and practical guidance. All caregivers-whether supporting a child or adult-are welcome.
Where will we meet: The meetings are hosted online using Zoom platform. A Zoom account is not required; however, you will need to register in advance to join the call. The calls are not recorded, and the use of your camera is optional. Registering for one session will automatically register you for all future sessions!
Peer Connection – A supportive space to connect with others who understandPeer Connections
These conversations are led by histio patient and Histio Volunteer Ambassador, Ana Valdez. There is no cost to attend.
- Second Saturday of each month at 12:00pm EST – REGISTER HERE
Who Should Attend
All patients, caregivers, and family members affected by histiocytic disorders are welcome. The Peer Connection Calls provide a welcoming, compassionate space for individuals affected by histiocytosis to connect with others who truly understand. These monthly calls are moderated by an experienced volunteer adult histio patient and focus on shared experiences, mutual support, and meaningful connection. Conversations are guided with care and respect, creating a confidential environment where participants can feel heard, supported, and less alone.
Where will we meet: The meetings are hosted online using Zoom platform. A Zoom account is not required; however, you will need to register in advance to join the call. The calls are not recorded, and the use of your camera is optional. Registering for one session will automatically register you for all future sessions!
Grief Support for Spouses/Family MembersSpouses/Family Members Support Groups
These calls are moderated by Renee Christensen, Ph.D., PCC. Renee is moderating these calls on behalf of the Histiocytosis Association (HA) and upholds the same privacy policy as the HA. If you choose to meet with her separately for a 30 minute session prior to joining a group, please email Renee at rchristensen@histio.org.
- 1st Monday of each month at 7pm EST – JOIN HERE
There is no cost to attend.
Who should attend: All who are managing the loss of a partner or other close family member. For those with histio angels, histio grief groups hope to offer connection, support, and healing when managing the hurt of losing a loved one.
Where will we meet: The meetings are hosted online using Zoom platform. The calls are not recorded, and the use of your camera is optional. Registering for one session will automatically register you for all future sessions.
Grief Support for Parents/GrandparentsParents/Grandparents Support Groups
These calls are moderated by Renee Christensen, Ph.D., PCC. Renee is moderating these calls on behalf of the Histiocytosis Association (HA) and upholds the same privacy policy as the HA. If you choose to meet with her separately for a 30 minute session prior to joining a group, please email Renee at rchristensen@histio.org. There is no cost to attend.
- 2nd Monday of each month at 7pm EST – JOIN HERE
There is no cost to attend.
Who should attend: All who are managing the loss of a child or grandchild. For those with histio angels, histio grief groups hope to offer connection, support, and healing when managing the hurt of losing a loved one.
Where will we meet: The meetings are hosted online using Zoom platform. A Zoom account is not required; The calls are not recorded, and the use of your camera is optional. Registering for one session will automatically register you for all future sessions!
Meet the Moderators
Doris Dahdouh
Doris François Dahdouh, MSW, LSW, INHC, LMSW – is a licensed social worker and integrative health coach who currently works full time as a psychotherapist. With a strong background in clinical social work and holistic wellness, Doris is passionate about creating supportive, compassionate spaces for individuals navigating complex and rare health conditions. As a Peer Support Moderator for the Histiocytosis Association, she fosters connection, empathy, and resilience through peer-led conversations rooted in hope and shared experience.
Renee Christensen, Ph.D., CEAP, HHP, PCC. Dr. Christensen has forty years’ experience in the areas of Coaching (life, death/dying, professional and teams) and Traumatic Stress Recovery. Holding multiple degrees including a Ph.D. in Industrial Management as well as Naturopathy, a Masters in Organizational Development and Naturopathy and a B.A. in Industrial Psychology. Additionally, Dr. Christensen is Board Certified as a Holistic Health Practitioner, in Critical Incident Stress Debriefings and PTSD recovery; as well as being certified as an Employee Assistance Professional and holds her Professional Coaching Certification while working towards her PCC. Dr. Christensen’s dissertations were studies of the long-term effects of reoccurring stress/traumatic events and the treatment without use of prescription medication. Having owned or managed businesses since 1982, she is considered a leading expert in the arenas of organizational development, critical incident stress debriefings, leadership, and grief and loss coaching. Dr. Christensen’s work experience includes over 2400 hours of coaching. She is part of the histio community, through her brother-in-law, who has histio.
Ana Valdez has been a dedicated volunteer ambassador for four years. She is an adult LCH/ECD patient and single parent navigating a histiocytic disorder, and she brings both lived experience and deep compassion to her work. Ana is passionate about identifying resources and providing meaningful support to individuals and families affected by histiocytic disorders.
In 2022, she developed and launched the original peer support calls, helping to create a vital space for connection and shared understanding within the community. Ana works at La Verdad Counseling Services alongside her sister, a licensed clinical psychologist, further strengthening her commitment to mental health and emotional support.
Ana has shared her histio journey at multiple events and has organized a fundraiser walk. She finds purpose in serving others-advocating, connecting, and uplifting those navigating cancer and rare disease journeys.
Other Resources
Spanish Language Peer to Peer GroupsFor Histio Adult Patients, or parents of patients, who prefer to connect in Spanish
Patients:
Second Tuesday of every month, at least.
Contact Fernando Gotz here to sign up: info@orasociacion.org
Offered in partnership between the Histiocytosis Association, the OR Asociación, and Asociacion Argentina de Histocitosis.
Who should attend: All who are managing a histiocytosis diagnosis, regardless of when diagnosed.
Where will we meet: The meetings are hosted online using Zoom platform. A Zoom account is not required; however, you will need to register in advance to join the call. The calls are not recorded, and the use of your camera is optional. Registering for one session will automatically register you for all future sessions!
ECD Specific Peer to Peer ChatsECD Virtual Chats – visit our friends at the ECD Global Alliance, who host wonderful virtual chats for those with ECD or caring for someone with ECD – learn more
You are always welcome to come to the groups hosted by the Histiocytosis Association for patients and caregivers.
Women’s Empowerment Group
Women’s Empowerment Group hosted by Padma Gordon from RareGivers
Every Tuesday at 1pm ET – JOIN HERE
Who Should Attend: Rare Mothers, Aunties, Grandmothers, Carriers and any women who are touched by rare, chronic and complex diseases.
Where will we meet:Where we will meet: The meetings are hosted online using Zoom platform. A Zoom account is not required and the use of your camera is optional. You will be asked to register once you attend to automatically be registered for all future sessions.
Q2-2026 Raregivers Emotional Journey Syllabus
April 7: Gratitude: The Art of Skillful Communication (Stage 4: Full-Time Care)April 14: When Something Isn’t Quite Right: Staying Calm and Embodied as Things Change (Stage 1: Noticing Changes)
April 21: Becoming A Juggler: As You Adjust (with or without) a Diagnosis (Stage 2: Adjusting)
April 28: We’re In This Together! -Team Play: A Communication Toolkit
May 5: How To Communicate With Love in a Season of Grieving
May 12: Boundaries & Self-Love (Stage 3: Shifting Responsibilities)
May 19: Recognizing You Have Needs (Stage 4: Brutal Realities of Full-time Care)
May 26: Being A True Friend: Practicing Self-Compassion
June 2: Your Feelings Make Sense: Giving Yourself & Your Family Permission To Feel
June 9: Having The Hard Conversations (Stage 5: How to handle worries about End-of-Life)
June 16: Caregivers Island: Losing Yourself, Finding Yourself (6: Finding Meaning)
June 23: Allowing Yourself To Blossom: What Happens Now?
June 30: 10 Essential Tips for Sustainable Raregivers™: Replenish with Self-Care
You can use this map from Raregivers™, along with this guide and workbook.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
There will not be a medical professional assisting on any of the virtual peer to peer calls. Histiocytosis impacts every patient differently and medical advice cannot be offered in these sessions. We strongly encourage all ideas shared by your peers to be discussed with your physician and/or care team. The Histiocytosis Association designed these sessions to be open, safe, and respectful environments for all who participate. We encourage you to review our Virtual Event Participant Guidelines before joining a call. If you have any questions, contact us at info@histio.org.