Walking for Hope: Supporting Scleroderma Research

Many of you know that, since 2017, I have been living with scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the body’s own connective tissues. Because scleroderma can affect many different parts of the body, every person’s journey is different.

In my case, scleroderma has mostly affected my lungs and heart, bringing challenges that are not always visible from the outside. Chronic fatigue, interstitial lung disease, and heart failure create limitations that require me to adjust what I can do on a given day. But through it all, I continue to move forward with hope, gratitude, and the incredible support of the people around me. If it wasn't for research and the new treatments available, I honestly don't know where I'd be today.

My husband Joe and I are participating in this walk to raise awareness and support the research that is bringing us closer to better treatments—and ultimately, a cure. This disease affects him as much as it does me! Scleroderma is a disease that still has so many unanswered questions, and research is the key to changing that.

Thank you for walking with us, supporting us, and helping to bring hope to everyone affected by scleroderma.  ?