Donna Stone Named 2013 Support Group Volunteer of the Year!
Monday, August 19, 2013
By: Christina Relacion

Support Group Volunteer of the Year Award Announcement at Scleroderma Foundation's 2013 National Patient Education Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

"Often times, a support group provides a lifeline for people living with scleroderma. The group serves as an open and safe place to share one’s thoughts and feelings about the disease. Members of a support group begin to form their own family with resilient bonds.

Leading a support group can be a challenging task. Volunteers must possess strong leadership skills yet be compassionate and knowledgeable about the complexities of scleroderma. Frequently, these individuals juggle the obstacles of being both a patient and a leader.

Our next honoree was diagnosed with scleroderma in 1980. After her diagnosis, she joined a support group at a nearby hospital in Portland, Oregon. Shortly thereafter, she volunteered to become its support group leader. Three decades later, meetings still are held on the second Saturday of the month in that same Portland hospital, and are led by the same positive force.

Said one of the group’s members… “Donna has lived with scleroderma for 33 years. She has faithfully spent countless hours working fundraising events, and finding speakers for our meetings and seminars…Through the years, Donna has become a scleroderma mom. She always has time for others. She goes out of her way to help all and make them feel comfortable. She is one in a million!”

This year, I’m proud to present the Support Group Volunteer of the Year Award to...Donna Stone of Oregon."

See Donna's story >>