National Scleroderma Foundation

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eLetter #986 | August 9, 2022

	Now Accepting Scleroderma Research Grant Applications Applications will be accepted until September 15, 2022 at 5 p.m. Eastern. If you hold a faculty-equivalent position and are newly pursuing a career in scleroderma-related research, apply to our New Investigators Grant. Anyone who is an established researcher both inside and outside the field of scleroderma research who wishes to propose pilot studies to obtain preliminary data dealing with a highly innovative and/or highly relevant theme related to scleroderma should apply for our Established Investigator Grants. To learn more about our research grants or apply, visit our website.
	Caregivers Connection Support Group Meeting ZOOM: September 17, 2022; 10 a.m. Mountain Sara Clement, Southern Colorado Support Group Leader, will be hosting the Caregivers Connection Support Group Meeting on September 17. All caregivers are welcome to join. To attend, request the Zoom link by sending an email to Sara, at sarc56@gmail.com.
	BIPOC Support Group Meeting VIRTUAL: September 11, 2022; 4 p.m. Eastern Learn important information about traveling with a disability during the BIPOC support group's September 11 virtual meeting. SIGN UP
	National Scleroderma Foundation Minnesota Chapter Fall Mind Body Conference ZOOM: October 15, 2022; 9 a.m. Eastern The mind body connection can play an important role in autoimmune health. If you are interested in learning more about the mind body connection, sign up for the Mind Body Virtual Conference on October 15. The conference will cover topics such as "The Happiness Practice," "Research and Reasons for Mindfulness," and "Mind-Gut Connection." To learn more and sign up, visit the link! SIGN UP
	Scleroderma Young Adults Needing Connection Group Meeting ZOOM: September 9, 2022; 7 p.m. Eastern If you are between the ages of 18 and 40 with scleroderma, join the Scleroderma Young Adults Needing Connection (SYNC) group. You can learn more and sign up at the link below. SIGN UP
	Become a Member Today For only $25 a year ($35 USD for those living outside of the USA), you can support our mission and gain special access to our quarterly magazine, the Voice, along with a discounted registration fee to our annual National Scleroderma Conference. Become a member yourself or give the gift of membership to a friend or family member by completing our online membership form or calling us toll-free at (800) 722-HOPE [4673]. MEMBERSHIP
	Study Tests Immunotherapy in People with Cancer and Autoimmune Diseases If you are an individual living with scleroderma and cancer, you might be eligible to take part in a new study focused on immunotherapy that is sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. This National Cancer Institute clinical trial is testing an immunotherapy drug (an anti-PD1 inhibitor, called nivolumab or Opdivo) in patients who have both cancer and an autoimmune disease, such as scleroderma. The trial’s scientific evidence could help develop new treatments for patients with scleroderma and help doctors better manage and prevent side effects from promising new treatments that are given to patients with autoimmune conditions who are otherwise good candidates for immune-based treatments for their cancer. The trials will take place in centers across the country, which can be seen in the link below. For participants at the trial locations in major cancer centers throughout the United States and at Princess Margaret in Toronto, Canada, the study drug will come at no cost, and treatment should be covered by insurance. Visit this link to learn more about the trial. READ
	Virtual Education Session - Scleroderma & Intimacy VIRTUAL: September 10, 2022 Scleroderma Victoria will host their September Virtual Education Session with Chantelle Otten, a Melbourne based Psycho-Sexologist who is passionate about empowering people to feel great about their sexual health, self-esteem, communication and education. With a background in scientific research, sexual medicine, and counseling, Chantelle believes that sexuality and self-esteem are an integral part of life, which everyone is entitled to. Good sexual health should always be enjoyable, pain free and without prejudice. If you are interested in learning more and signing up, visit the link. SIGN UP
	NIAMS Funding Webinar Date: Wednesday, September 14, 2022 Time: 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern Attend an informational webinar on the NIH maximizing opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers Program FOA. Potential applicants to the NIH MOSAIC Program to Enhance Diversity K99/R00 (PAR-21-271, PAR-21-272, and PAR-21-273) and UE5 (PAR-21-277) Funding Opportunity Announcements are invited to attend an upcoming webinar on planning submissions to this program. Participation in the webinar is encouraged and optional, but it is not required for application submission. During this webinar, you will learn about the MOSAIC program and the process for writing a K99/R00 or UE5 application. JOIN
	Individuals With Scleroderma Without Lung Disease Needed to Study a Non-invasive Lung Function Test to Predict Early Airway Injury. National Jewish Health Rheumatology investigators are conducting a study of individuals with scleroderma without known lung disease to determine if a new lung function test (called Lung Clearance Index) can detect subtle small airway abnormalities that may predict development of lung scarring. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT 04535245 Qualifications include: -Diagnosis of scleroderma without lung disease by a board-certified rheumatologist. -Men or women ages 21-75 -Must be able to perform seated breathing tests. For more information and to enroll in this study, please contact: Mary Gill RN at Gillm@njhealth.org or Principal investigator Richard Meehan MD at (303) 398-1443. Co-investigators: Liudmila Kastsianok MD, Mehrnaz Maleki MD, Lauren Zell-Baan MPH, PhDc, and Kristen Demoruelle MD PhD. NOTE: Requires a one-time study visit at National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado.
	Fathers with Scleroderma Needed for Survey Research Study on Parenting Researchers from the University of New Mexico are seeking participants for a study exploring the impact of symptoms, such as pain and fatigue, on parenting in fathers who have systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). Fathers with scleroderma who have children 18 years and younger living with them may be eligible to participate in the survey study. This study was approved by the UNM Human Research Review Committee (HRRC 21-209). For more information about the study and the eligibility requirements, please contact Janet Poole PhD, OTR/L, at jpoole@salud.unm.edu or (505) 272-8276.