National Scleroderma Foundation

National Scleroderma Foundation chapter realignment

The National Scleroderma Foundation is excited to announce that we are realigning our chapters to streamline resources and increase coverage and impact. Join us in improving the lives of those affected by scleroderma. To learn more about our chapter realignment, visit scleroderma.org/13chapters.

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National Scleroderma Foundation Recognizes Community Leaders for Contributions to Mission Work

The National Scleroderma Foundation hosted their 2023 Volunteer Awards Recognition luncheon at the National Scleroderma Conference in Orlando, Florida. Each year the Foundation recognizes volunteers for their outstanding work in support of its mission to advance medical research, promote disease awareness, and provide support and education to people with scleroderma. This year, the Foundation conferred 14 awards. The Volunteer Awards Recognition luncheon was hosted by Desiree James, Chair of the Florida & Puerto Rico Chapter “I am thrilled the National Conference is being held in the state of Florida this year. I am also excited to be involved in recognizing this group of outstanding volunteers and the positive impact they have had on the scleroderma community,” shared Desiree James. Learn more about the 2023 awards and recipients at scleroderma.org/national-scleroderma-foundation-recognizes-community-leaders/.

Thank you to all 2023 National Scleroderma Conference and Kids Get Scleroderma Too! Conference attendees!

Thank you to all conference attendees, vendors, and everyone who made the conference a success. This year marks the first conference in-person in three years. We are incredibly thankful for everyone who made this possible.

Provide your conference feedback at scleroderma.org/conferencefeedback.

Send us pictures of your light ups and proclamations!

Thank you to everyone who worked hard to light up their community and receive proclamations!

Share photos from proclamations and light-ups you have secured, please complete this form: scleroderma.org/awareness_light_up_photo_submit

2023 BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit in commemoration of Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month!

Mental Health America is excited to announce the release of our highly anticipated 2023 BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit in commemoration of Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month!

This year, our theme is Culture, Community, & Connection. Our lives are deeply intertwined with the environments around us. Who and what we are surrounded by impacts our mental health and overall wellness. In particular, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) populations are faced with disproportionate amounts of historical trauma and displacement that have challenged how these communities remain sustainable and continue to thrive. Despite countless attempts to take away power, erase histories, and diminish future successes, BIPOC communities continue to prosper. Culture, community, and connection are pillars that support and uplift BIPOC individuals when the dangers of oppression and systemic racism threaten the environments where BIPOC individuals live, work, play, and thrive. Download The 2023 BIPOC Mental Health Month Toolkit.

Apply before September 15 for the 2024 Grant Cycle

The National Scleroderma Foundation is the leading nonprofit supporter of peer-reviewed, scleroderma research to discover the cause, understand the mechanism, and overcome scleroderma forever. Since its inception, the Foundation has committed over $30.8 million for scleroderma research, which continues as a priority of our mission.

Funding opportunities are available for early career and established investigators, and applications are due by September 15, 2023.

Learn more at scleroderma.org/researchapply.

LGBTQ+ Support Group

ZOOM: Wednesday, July 26, 7 p.m. ET

Please join us on Wednesday, July 26th at 7 pm ET for our support group meeting for people living with scleroderma who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Email lgtbq@scleroderma.org for the meeting link. Any questions, please email Caryn Anatriello, Manager of Advocacy and Support at canatriello@scleroderma.org.

Caregivers Support Group

ZOOM: Thursday, July 27, 7 p.m. ET

The Caregiver Support Group will meet on July 27 at 7 p.m. Eastern. For more information, email support group leader Debbie Haussler at caregivers@scleroderma.org.

Teens and Parents Support Group

ZOOM: Wednesday, July 26, 6 p.m. MT

Calling all teens looking to connect with other teens living with scleroderma. The Albuquerque support group will have Teens & Parent Support Group meetings each month on the 4th Wednesday via Zoom. The group will be led by Debra Droux, Maria Tafoya, and Jackie Martinez. Email nmsclero@gmail.com or call 505-503-3545 to receive the Zoom meeting information. We ask that a parent or caregiver be present with their teen when the meeting starts.

The 20%: Males Living with Scleroderma Support Group

ZOOM: Wednesday, July 26, 7 p.m. ET

Scleroderma diagnoses are less common among males. In fact, only 20% of individuals living with scleroderma are male. We have designed a support group, especially for males with scleroderma. In it, you will learn scleroderma tips and resources and find support from others in your position. Each meeting will focus on a different topic from mental health to intimacy and so much more. The group meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month (with some exceptions) from 7 to 8 p.m. Eastern.

RestorACTIVE Educational Webinar Series

ZOOM: Wednesday, July 24, 4 p.m. ET

The Upper Great Lakes Chapter is proud to welcome Rachel Lando and her RestorACTIVE program! Rachel will be leading the RestorACTIVE (RA) interactive series. RA is a movement option created by patients for patients to discover tools to manage chronic pain or discomfort, move and feel better, and build the resilience to return to a well-loved life. Classes are accessible for all levels, whether you prefer to train on the mat, in a chair, or in bed.