This October I will be walking in the First Annual "Stepping out for Scleroderma" in Germantown, WI.  I am joining other teachers at Lake Shore Middle School in Mequon, WI in hopes of raising money to help the Scleroderma Foundation. It is exciting to think that we will be part of the First Annual "Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma" in Germantown, Deb's hometown.  Bringing awareness to this area is a step in a positive direction.

We are walking as "Team Caven" as a support for one of my fellow 6th grade teachers, Debby Caven.  Debby has had Scleroderma for over 15 years.  Debby has battled this disease and no matter how difficult her journey has been she always has a positive attitude.  She demonstrates what it means to live each day with hope and gratitude, no matter how tough, painful, and challenging her battle is against Scleroderma.

Scleroderma is a chronic, often progressive autoimmune disease (like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and MS) in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues.  The disease, which literally means "hard skin" can cause thickening and tightening of the skin, as well as serious damage to internal organs including the lungs, heart, kidneys, esophagus, and gastrointestinal tract. 

For some, Scleroderma is a nuisance, for others it is a life-threatening disease. An estimated 300,000 persons in the US has Scleroderma; approximately four times more women than men develop the disease.

The exact cause or causes of Scleroderma are unknown, and although medications can sometimes help, there is no cure yet.  Scleroderma is NOT:  contagious, infectious, cancerous, or hereditary.  Scleroderma IS:  chronic, painful, autoimmune, debilitating, progressive, rare and in some cases life threatening.

Please consider making a donation to help fund research through the Scleroderma Foundation.  Thank you for visiting my Personal Fundraising page and helping me reach my personal goal of raising $500.00.  Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to my fundraising efforts. Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

:) Lucy Reeve