The Scleroderma Foundation supports a three-fold mission of support, education, and research. Cooking up a Cure is an important fundraiser in Chicago that helps us with this effort.
What the heck is scleroderma?
Scleroderma (skleer-uh-DUR-muh) is an autoimmune disease, like multiple sclerosis and lupus, in which a person's body attacks its own tissue. Scleroderma, which means "hard skin," can cause thickening and tightening of the skin. It can also cause serious damage to the internal organs such as heart, lungs and kidneys. There are many types and severities.
How serious is scleroderma?
Any chronic disease can be serious. The symptoms vary greatly from person to person, and the effects of scleroderma can be life-threatening. The seriousness will depend on what parts of the body are affected and the extent to which they are affected. Learn how scleroderma affects the body.
- Support: To help patients and their families cope with scleroderma through mutual support programs, peer counseling, physician referrals, and educational information.
- Education: To promote public awareness and education through patient and health professional seminars, literature, and publicity campaigns.
- Research: To stimulate and support research to improve treatment and ultimately find the cause of and cure for scleroderma and related diseases.
What the heck is scleroderma?
Scleroderma (skleer-uh-DUR-muh) is an autoimmune disease, like multiple sclerosis and lupus, in which a person's body attacks its own tissue. Scleroderma, which means "hard skin," can cause thickening and tightening of the skin. It can also cause serious damage to the internal organs such as heart, lungs and kidneys. There are many types and severities.
How serious is scleroderma?
Any chronic disease can be serious. The symptoms vary greatly from person to person, and the effects of scleroderma can be life-threatening. The seriousness will depend on what parts of the body are affected and the extent to which they are affected. Learn how scleroderma affects the body.
How is scleroderma diagnosed?
Unfortunately, many patients with scleroderma are initially misdiagnosed, which delays treatment. We need to create awareness even amongst doctors! Patients may require consultation with rheumatologists (arthritis specialists), and/or dermatologists (skin specialists).
What causes scleroderma?
The exact cause of scleroderma is still unknown, but scientists and medical investigators in a wide variety of fields are working hard to make those determinations. That's why we need research!
How is scleroderma treated?
At the present time, there is no cure for scleroderma, but there are many treatments available for the various symptoms associated with the disease. Another reason we need research!
What if I can't attend the event but still want to help?
You can mail in your donation to the Scleroderma Foundation of Greater Chicago at 125 S. Clark, 17th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603 or make an online donation using the button below.
Unfortunately, many patients with scleroderma are initially misdiagnosed, which delays treatment. We need to create awareness even amongst doctors! Patients may require consultation with rheumatologists (arthritis specialists), and/or dermatologists (skin specialists).
What causes scleroderma?
The exact cause of scleroderma is still unknown, but scientists and medical investigators in a wide variety of fields are working hard to make those determinations. That's why we need research!
How is scleroderma treated?
At the present time, there is no cure for scleroderma, but there are many treatments available for the various symptoms associated with the disease. Another reason we need research!
What if I can't attend the event but still want to help?
You can mail in your donation to the Scleroderma Foundation of Greater Chicago at 125 S. Clark, 17th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603 or make an online donation using the button below.
SCLERODERMA AFFECTS MORE THAN 300,000 MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN AMERICA.
