Dear Family & Friends

We are "STEPPING OUT TO CURE SCLERODERMA" in May & June. This will be the eighth year that we have taken on this challenge, having participated in TriState's first walk in June 2002. We will be in NJ on Sunday May 31, our "home" walk and also in NYC on June 14. We hope you can join us or support us with a donation.

A quick update on John, Lindsay & Bruce;

John is finishing up his Sophomore year at URI, he is doing well in his studies, finds time to lifeguard and still have fun. He will be a lifeguard again this summer at the Ramsey Pool.

Lindsay has been with "THE ATLANTIC" for two years now. She enjoys her position and has truly grown into the business. She moved with friends into a Manhattan apartment in October, and has taken an active role in organizing the NYC walk.

Bruce continues his volunteer role as VP of TriState. In February he was invited to DC to meet with members of Congress & Senators to ask for their support of the "SCLERODERMA RESEARCH & AWARENESS ACT".  The Bill is expected to be introduced in May. It is because of your support that a group of 15 Foundation members from around the country were able to go to Washington. TriState, along with a couple of other chapters from across the country, took the lead in organizing this important step back in 2007, investing funds raised at our walks to bring on board a top DC firm to assist us in assuring that significant funding will go into Scleroderma research.

As June approaches we remember the 22nd as the day Pat lost her fight to Scleroderma 9 years ago and the 21st  when Beverly was take from us the next year. Our involvement in the Scleroderma Foundation has evolved over these years, with our personal mission to help others suffering from this disease, as our way of paying forward for the help and support we received and continue to receive from you, our family and friends.

As we continue our fight to find a cure we hope you can support us this year as you have in the past, we realize the economic issues that have impacted all of our lives, and we are grateful for your support at whatever level you can help us.

Sincerely,                                                                                                                                          

Bruce, Lindsay & John Cowan