Scleroderma affects approximately 300,000 Americans. That’s 1/3 as many as are suffering from HIV. Unfortunately, scleroderma awareness is sorely lacking the attention it so urgently requires. Perhaps it is because the word scleroderma (sklair-oh-DERM-uh) is difficult to pronounce? Perhaps it is because, until recently, the disease was difficult to diagnose?  Whatever the reason, the Scleroderma Research Foundation is working diligently to increase awareness of this devastating illness.

When the Scleroderma Research Foundation was established in 1987, very few people, including many in the medical field, had ever heard the word “scleroderma.”

Today, almost two decades later, scleroderma is still not a household name, but through the efforts of the SRF’s research program, esteemed scientific advisors, star-studded events, media exposure, lobbying efforts, and our Cure Advocate volunteer program, scleroderma is growing in recognition.

Every time the word “scleroderma” is mentioned – in a conversation or in a letter, on television or in a newspaper, on the Internet or at an event – we are one step closer to building nationwide awareness of this life-threatening illness that is taking the lives of too many friends and loved ones.

With your help, the SRF will continue to increase global awareness and raise the critical funds necessary to win the battle against scleroderma.