Can't believe it's already been a year since I shared my personal story with you regarding my life-long battle with scleroderma.  However, our 6th annual Scleroderma Walk is coming up soon on Sept. 28 at Cesar Chavez Park (walk starts at 10 am).  My ever-loving and ever-supportive husband, Dexter is bravely and enthusiastically chairing our walk for the first time this year. 

Most of you know, I have had linear morphea scleroderma since I was 9, that's 25 years to-date.  Scleroderma has predominantly affected my right side of the body.  It has affected my skin, connective tissue, muscles and even growth retardation of my bones.  The severe atrophy has made my entire right leg and foot half the size of my left leg and it’s shorter by almost an inch, which is why I limp when I walk.  After all this happened, my disease went on remission and until a few years ago, it started up again on my right arm and abdomen.

Getting involved with the Scleroderma Foundation in both the Chapter and Support Group has helped me grow and evolve as a person living with this devastating disease.  I am the current Sacramento Support Group Leader and meeting other patients has given me more strength and courage to deal with my own battle.  Becoming a mom has helped too.  I remember telling my daughter, Hannah once that I can't wear that particular shorts she was picking out for me cause it showed my leg and she said "...but mom look at this scratch in my leg and I still wear shorts".  And just the other day, my youngest son Jacob said, "Mom, I'm going to pray to Jesus that your scleroderma will go away", then he closed his eyes and prayed.  He then opened his eyes and looked at my leg and said "Mom, I'm sorry it didn't work, but I'll try again."  Moments like these makes me realize that there must be greater reason behind me having this disease, as well as an affirmation that I need to be a good role model to my children.

I know that we all have very busy lives and so I truly thank you so much for giving me a moment of your time to read my story.  By doing so, you have already helped me reach one of my goals which is to promote public awareness about scleroderma.  Please feel free to forward this to everyone you know, as this will only make my goals more successful.  My other goal is to raise much-needed funds to find the cure. This is the only fundraiser we have and so any support you can give will truly be appreciated, remember every dollar counts.  It would also be super great if you can come to our walk day, and when you donate through my web page this automatically registers you under my team.  It should be a beautiful day for a 2-mile walk followed by a BBQ picnic at the park.

Lastly, I want to say thank you very very much to all of you who have been so supportive and generous to me during my fundraising efforts last year and throughout the years.  I also truly appreciate your encouraging words and prayers.  I can't tell you enough how much you've touched my heart, but know that I will always remember your kindness and generosity.  I'm so grateful and blessed to have so many caring and loving friends and family.

Thank you so much for being a part of my life.  God bless you and your family!