Lifetime Achievement Award: 
Sergio Jimenez, M.D.

Sergio Jimenez, M.D., of Thomas Jefferson University, was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the Scleroderma Foundation's 2018 National Patient Education Conference in Philadelphia on July 28.  Dr. Jimenez’s 40-year career has been dedicated to advancing the treatment of individuals with scleroderma and to the study of clinical and molecular aspects of the disease and related conditions.  At the University of Pennsylvania, he established the Collagen Research Laboratories and the Scleroderma Center.  In 1987, Dr. Jimenez joined Thomas Jefferson University, where he serves as director of the Scleroderma Center.  Dr. Jimenez has served on the Foundation’s Medical & Scientific Advisory Board since its inception in 1998.  

read more at scleroderma.org/conference

Research & Treatment Centers

Tulane University School of Medicine - Tulane Lung Center

The Scleroderma Foundation has formal affiliations with nearly 50 scleroderma research and treatment centers in the U.S. To be designated as a “center,” a clinic must:

• Demonstrate expertise in the care of patients with scleroderma. 
• Conduct scleroderma research (clinical and/or observational and/or laboratory-based).
• Conduct educational activities about scleroderma, and provide information about the advances in the care and treatment of patients with scleroderma to health care professionals and the public.

In Louisiana, go to the Tulane Lung Center at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans.  

SSc Research Funded by Rheumatology Research Foundation

The Rheumatology Research Foundation awarded a "Resident Research Preceptorship" grant to Nicole DeCredico, M.D. of  Northwestern University, McGraw Medical Center to study interstitial lung disease and systemic sclerosis.  DeCredico's preceptor is Monique Hinchcliff, M.D., M.S.  A Resident Research Preceptorship introduces residents to the specialty of rheumatology and attracts promising physician-scientists to the field by supporting a full-time research experience.

read more​

Kids Get Scleroderma Too

October 26 & 27, Aurora, Colorado

The Rocky Mountain and Tri-State Chapters are excited to co-host “Kids Get Scleroderma Too” on October 26 and 27, 2018, at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora, Colorado. This event is for youth and teens who have scleroderma, and their parents and siblings. Juvenile scleroderma experts from around the country will lead educational sessions and group discussions.  Friday night features a fun Halloween costume party for the whole family!  Scholarships are available.

register today: 2018KGS2.sclerodermatristate.org​

"Newly Diagnosed"

"Teacher9" is a member of the online scleroderma community at Inspire.com.  Her scleroderma was diagnosed four months ago and she's been posting about her situation as a teacher with chronic illness and her concerns about working long enough to retire with medical insurance vs. applying for Social Security Disability.  Perhaps you have a similar experience that might help Teacher9?    

join the conversation at inspire.com

Stepping Out Walks in August and September

Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio still have August Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma walks and 5K runs.  There are seven more fundraising walks during September in Illinois, Missouri, Massachusetts, and Washington State. 

August 19 - Germantown, WI
August 25 - Highland, IN & Cleveland, OH
September 8 - Springfield, IL & St. Louis, MO
September 9 - Topsfield, MA
September 15 - Seattle, WA
September 16 - Westfield, MA
September 22 - Dixon, IL
September 30 - Boston, MA

sign up to walk today!

Now Accepting Scleroderma Research Grant Applications

DEADLINE:  September 17, 2018

The Scleroderma Foundation's peer-reviewed grant program offers two distinct funding opportunities designed to foster the development of innovative and high quality research in fields related to scleroderma.  These are the New Investigator Grant and the Established Investigator Grant.  To apply or to learn more, follow the link below, or call 800-722-4673.  

research grant applications