Hello and welcome to my fundraising page!
My name is Rosemarie and I have Systemic Scleroderma, also known as Systemic Sclerosis. Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease in which “sclero” means hard and “derma” means skin. My body produces too much collagen and—as a result—my skin tightens creating stiffness in my hands. With Systemic Scleroderma, the internal organs of the body will eventually become hard and no longer function. An autoimmune disease such as Scleroderma is very hard to diagnose because it affects each individual differently. Researchers are still trying to find a cause and cure for Scleroderma.
Last year, I attended my first Scleroderma Conference in Sacramento and met more than fifty people who have similar symptoms as mine. I also participated in the Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma Walk. With help from wonderful and loving individuals, I raised more than my goal: Their generous donations totaled to $1,170! The proceeds went to the Scleroderma Foundation to support, educate and research this autoimmune disease which affects more than 300,000 Americans, including myself.
2008 was an extremely emotional year for me: My symptoms started to worsen and in September, after suffering a common cold, I began to notice I had difficulty breathing. My doctor suggested a CT scan and after one was performed, it was found I had Bronchietasis—the lower parts of my lungs have scarred tissue which cannot be recovered. In my recent Pulmonary Function Tests, there was a noticeable decrease in the functions of my lungs. However, every situation has a bright side! My last echocardiogram showed there is enough oxygen flowing through the chambers of my heart to be aware of my body’s activities thus keeping me strong and alive. For this, I am truly appreciative.
But towards the end of 2008, my body began to show further signs of deterioration. I was having digestive problems other than not being able to swallow, which has actually gotten better through the use of medication, and a new problem arose. My latest symptom is called Dysmotility Syndrome; in simple terms, it basically means the muscles in my gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines) are not moving the food to where it’s supposed to be going. Because medicines for this symptom are still being tested, I’m currently trying herbal remedies instead. In addition to this budding new condition of mine, I continue to endure and fight against Raynaud’s, finger ulcers and fatigue. And although I faced some traumatic health issues last year, I will always hold 2008 near and dear to my heart for one reason and one reason only: It was the year Terry proposed to me.
Yes—after nine loving years, Terry and I are getting married!
So please join my family, fiancé and my loved ones on Sunday September 27, 2009 for the 7th Annual Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma Walk. The walk is in downtown Sacramento at Cesar Chavez Park and last year we had a blast! Please check out our wonderful pictures taken by Edward Photo.
Thank you for visiting and taking the time to read this. God has blessed me so much! He has brought you into my life and our roads have crossed and together we can continue to keep these roads crossed through love! Thank you again; I am truly grateful to have strong, caring people in my life who continue to make me smile.
Always,
Rosemarie Pascual Campana (Brown 2010)
|
Display Name
|
Date
|
Amount
|
Comments
|
|
Sukhothai Fundraiser
Cathy Perez
Mr & Mrs. Klemm
Solano County Sheriff's Office Booking Dept.
Baby Librarians Club
Miss Sylvia from Friends of the Library
Dylan Braysen Baldovino
|
8/29/2009
8/7/2009
|
$205.00
$50.00
$50.00
$60.00
$80.00
$20.00
$40.00
|
my cousin Amber and her coworkers
Laurie, Annette, Beth, Kristen, Katrina, and Lenore
Love you Ninang!!!
|
|
boo
|
4/3/2009
|
$25.00
|
Sup Old Friend
|
|
Mom & Dad
|
3/21/2009
|
$100.00
|
always have the same spirit and positive outlook and we'll all make it...were always there for you..
|
|
Sukhothai Cuisine.net
|
3/16/2009
|
$200.00
|
|
|
Andréa Campaña
|
3/15/2009
|
$30.00
|
Proverbs15:30A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.LUV U!
|
|
Anonymous
|
3/15/2009
|
$25.00
|
|
|
Gigi Pascual
|
3/13/2009
|
$50.00
|
Hang in there and take care :-)
|
|
Terry
|
3/13/2009
|
$100.00
|
love you babes!!!!
|
|
kristafa :D
|
3/13/2009
|
$25.00
|
lets set a new record! :)
|
|
Rosemarie Campana
|
3/13/2009
|
$100.00
|
Please help me reach my goal!
|