National Scleroderma Foundation Minnesota Chapter

Mission

The National Scleroderma Foundation’s mission is to advance medical research, promote disease awareness, and provide support and education to people with scleroderma, their families, and support networks.

Our vision is to be a relentless force in finding a cure and improving the lives of people affected by scleroderma.

Description

Scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis, is a chronic connective tissue disease generally classified as an autoimmune disease.

The word “scleroderma” comes from the Greek word “sclero”, meaning hard, and the Latin word “derma,” meaning skin. Hardening of the skin is one of the most visible manifestations of the disease. The disease varies from individual to individual. Scleroderma is not contagious, infectious, cancerous, or malignant.

Any chronic disease can be serious. The symptoms of scleroderma vary greatly for each person, and the effects of scleroderma can range from mild to life-threatening. The seriousness will depend on the parts of the body, which are affected, and the extent to which they are affected. Currently, there is no cure for scleroderma, but there are many treatments available to help particular symptoms. 

The Northwest Chapter is part of a nationwide network of 19 active chapters and more than 160 support groups connected to the National Scleroderma Foundation. The National Scleroderma Foundation is the leading patient advocacy organization for the scleroderma community in the United States, and the leading non-government organization funding investigator-initiated peer-reviewed scleroderma research. Our three pillars - support, education, and research - guide every aspect of the FOundation's work. i

Recognition

Thank you to our many dedicated volunteers who help make our events and programs a success!