For our family, the Walk to Cure Scleroderma is deeply personal. Lisa was diagnosed with juvenile scleroderma as a child and has spent most of her life navigating the challenges that come with this complex disease. Through it all, she has continued to lead with strength, resilience, and purpose. As a teacher, author, public speaker, advocate, wife, and mother.

For many years, our family has been involved with the Scleroderma Foundation of Greater Chicago and the Highland Park Walk to Cure Scleroderma, which has grown into one of the largest walk events in the region. What makes this event so special is the incredible sense of community behind it. Friends, families, neighbors, businesses, patients, and supporters all come together year after year to raise awareness, fund research, and create hope.

“The only way this disease is going to get cured is with more money, and this is how it gets raised.”

To us, the walk is more than a fundraiser. It is a reunion. A chance to reconnect with people we care about and stand alongside others who understand the impact of scleroderma firsthand.

Every donation made to Team Helfand helps fund critical research, patient support programs, education, and advocacy efforts that move us closer to better treatments, and ultimately, a cure. Thank you for visiting our page, supporting our team, and helping us continue building a community that shows up — year after year — until there are answers.