It’s that time of year for the Annual Scleroderma Walk on June 27, 2010. This year will mark our 31st walk. Last year we had a team of 20 people and raised a substantial amount of money. This year our goal is to raise as much as we can even though we still have the high unemployment rate. I know for some this year is harder than others but I am grateful for those who have and will be able to contribute. I am hoping you can help us make this year’s walk special by contributing or better yet joining us at the zoo and participating. We need your help!!! We still have no cure or cause for this disease.
The Scleroderma Foundation Michigan Chapter has been serving is members and patients for 31 years. With your help we have doubled our patient education seminars and are expanding to other areas within the State of Michigan. We have tripled our efforts in advocacy educating the medical community about Scleroderma and getting our Congressman and Senators at the Federal level to get Bill H.R. 2408 and S. 1545 to the floor for a vote to allocate additional research money for Scleroderma. The National Scleroderma Foundation has consistently over the past 5 years has allotted $1,000,000 per year in research grants to researchers looking for a cure.
Quick refresher course on What is Scleroderma?
Scleroderma is a chronic, often progressive autoimmune disease-like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis-in which the body’s immune systems attacks its own tissues.
The disease, which literally means “hard skin” can cause thickening and tightening of skin, as well as serious damage to internal organs, including the lungs, heart, kidneys, esophagus, and gastrointestinal tract. Scleroderma occurs (3) three to (4) four times more often in women than in men.
For some individuals, Scleroderma is a nuisance. For others, it is a life-threatening disease. For most people with Scleroderma, the disease has serious impact on daily life. And, although medications can sometimes help, there is no cure yet.
I can safely say I have had another year with no health changes. I am still counting my blessings everyday. I am one of the lucky ones; this is why I walk each year to raise money for research to find a cause and a cure and to remember those who lost their battle to Scleroderma.
Please help me by donating or walking. My team name is “Ilene’s 49er’s”. The walk this year is being held again at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak, MI on June 27, 2010.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for any help you can give. If you know of anyone else who would be interested in donating or walking please forward this to them. If you have any questions please feel free to call or write me.