National Scleroderma Foundation

September 1, 2023 | #1038

The Combined Federal Campaign is now open!

Federal employees and military personnel (including retirees) can donate to the National Scleroderma Foundation through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) between Sept. 1, 2023 and Jan. 15, 2024.

Giving to the Foundation through the CFC is easy! Simply visit the CFC’s online pledge portal and choose charity #10089.

Give now

Happy Labor Day

The Foundation's office will be closed Monday, Sept. 4 in observance of Labor Day, and will reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 5. Staff will respond to calls and messages once the office reopens. We wish everyone a safe and festive holiday!

25th Anniversary - One moment at a time

1998 - Fibrillin-1 Implicated

The National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases coordinated a study looking at the prevalence of scleroderma in the Oklahoma Choctaw Native American population. The study implicated a possible susceptible gene for scleroderma called protein fibrillin-1.

Please help us track our progress toward our FY 2024 goals

Please take a quick pulse survey at scleroderma.wiki/pulseQ1.

It’s just 10 questions, and only takes a couple minutes to complete. Your feedback will help us shape the future of the Foundation. We appreciate your feedback!

Help us get one step closer to finding a cure!

We invite you to join us and thousands of others who are supporting the National Scleroderma Foundation's cause at one of our Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma awareness walks. Let's take one step closer to finding a cure together.

Find your walk

New support group available for those who have lost a loved one to scleroderma

The National Scleroderma Foundation will now offer a professionally led support group to help family members and friends who have lost a loved one to scleroderma contend with the many emotions associated with grief.

If you have lost a loved one to scleroderma, you may find support and solace in speaking with others who are grieving. Our monthly bereavement support group will begin in September 2023. If you are interested in learning more, please email info@scleroderma.org.

Looking for a support group?

Are you looking for support? Join one of our support groups nationwide. Find a group of individuals who understand your journey with scleroderma.

Upcoming monthly virtual support group meetings:

Newly Diagnosed: 2nd Wednesday, 7 p.m. ET
Localized Adults & Parents: 3rd Tuesday, 7 p.m. ET
The 20%: Males Living with Scleroderma: 4th Wednesday, 7 p.m. ET
LGBTQ+: 4th Wednesday, 7 p.m. ET
Parents & Teens: 4th Wednesday, 6 p.m. MT
Caregivers: 4th Thursday, 7 p.m. ET

Learn more

Interested in watching Conference content?

Did you attend the 2023 National Scleroderma Conference and want to rewatch content? If so, you have 60 days to access sessions and slides after the conference via the Airmeet platform. Please email info@scleroderma.org if you are unable to find your unique login link.

Learn more

Only 2 weeks left to submit scleroderma research grant applications

Are you currently working on research that aims to discover the cause, understand the mechanism, and overcome scleroderma forever?

The National Scleroderma Foundation provides funding for New and Established Investigators based on investigator-directed topics, and the grant cycle is nearing completion.

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

Apply now

Fall Global Webinar: Advances in Scleroderma Research on Sept. 15

The global community of scleroderma research scientists will come together at the next Advances in Scleroderma Research – Global Webinar at 9 a.m., ET, Friday, Sept. 15, to share and discuss the latest breakthroughs from the field. The webinar is open to all interested scleroderma researchers, including students and trainees.

Learn more

Newly Diagnosed Support Group

ZOOM: Wednesday, Sept. 13, 7 p.m. ET

Individuals newly diagnosed as having scleroderma face an overwhelming number of questions about how it will affect their lives. Participation in a support group is one way to obtain information and receive support from others. This group, led by Ron Sasso, will help navigate these questions and support newly diagnosed individuals. If you are interested in joining the group, email newlydiagnosedsg@scleroderma.org.

BIPOC
Support Group

ZOOM: Sunday, Sept. 10, 4 p.m. ET

The BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Support Group will meet on Sunday, Sept. 10 from 4 - 5:30 p.m. Eastern. The group will will discuss mental health and awareness in an open discussion.

New support groups coming to Indiana and North Carolina

New in-person support groups will begin soon in Indianapolis, Indiana and Greensboro/Durham, North Carolina. If you would like more information, please email info@scleroderma.org and indicate in which city you are located.