>GT is a proud partner of Scleroderma Warriors.
What is Scleroderma?
Scleroderma | Skleh – ruh – dur – muh | is a chronic connective tissue disease generally classified as one of the autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Scleroderma affects women more often than men and most commonly occurs between the ages of 30 and 50. While there is no cure for scleroderma, a variety of treatments can ease symptoms and improve quality of life.
The Hot Dog Party!
The Hot Dog Party!On Saturday September 25th, Scleroderma Warriors held its first annual Hot Dog Party Fundraiser. 100% of the profits from this event will go towards expanding and maintaining the Scleroderma Warriors online interactive education and support platform as well as secondary education grant offerings to families affected by Scleroderma.
Scleroderma Warriors Founder, Melanie’s Story
The first few months were both mentally and physically debilitating. Visits to medical specialists were nearly everyday events: Rheumatologists, Dermatologists, Cardiologists, Gastrologists, Neurologists, Pulmonologists, if the title ends in ‘logists’ chances are I’ve met with one.
Off the top of my head I can name at least a dozen people I could call for support and guidance if my diagnosis were cancer or diabetes, but Scleroderma, not one. As with other rare diseases, Scleroderma is a lonely one to live with, it was that feeling of isolation that encouraged me to build this community.
The effects of this disease don’t end with the Warrior: the effects extend to family, friends, caregivers, and others. This notion encouraged me to build onto this idea by matching those who love and care for us with mentors who are or who have experienced similar journeys.
Together we’ll beat this,
–Melanie
During the summer of 2019 I was diagnosed with Diffuse Systemic Scleroderma… I had never heard of the disease, in fact, I couldn’t even pronounce it.Head over to sclerodermawarriors.org to learn more about Melanie and her mission, as well as read other Warrior’s stories. You may also donate to the Scleroderma Warriors cause directly on their website at sclerodermawarriors.org/donate.