Dear Friends and Family,

June is approaching and so, once again, I will be walking to raise money for Scleroderma.  As most of you know, this is an autoimmune disease that my sister, Adriane, was diagnosed with in 2003.  Scleroderma is a chronic, often progressive disease that can be life-threatening. It can cause thickening and tightening of the skin as well as serious damage to internal organs.  To date, there is no known cure for Scleroderma.

This past year has been a challenging one for my sister. She began a new medication, which after several months of nausea and dizziness, seems to be helping to soften her skin.  Her constant fatigue has stabilized.  However, her Raynaud's Syndrome symptoms (extreme sensitivity to cold) are severe and widespread.  She also had some kidney issues that are fortunately behind her but is now suffering from moderate esophageal erosion.  Thankfully, this disease has not yet spread to her heart or lungs.  Although Adriane is faced with challenges each and every day of her life, she continues to be strong and fight with optimism.

I am asking you to please support me in my Stepping Out to Sure Scleroderma Walk.  Please give what you can - any amount is appreciated.  If you do not wish to make your donation online, you can send a check to me at 15 Rolling Knolls Dr., Middletown, NJ 07748.  Thanks to your generosity last year my team, Adriane's Network, placed first among metropolitan area teams in raising funds.  I would love your help again in raising money to promote awareness and to find a cure for this often unheard disease.

Thank you so much!!
Love----Stephanie