I know... we're all spread pretty thin, in time, energy, and disposable funds. With that said, I'm, asking for a little bit of your help.
Fourteen years ago (yes, 14!) the rheumatologist who diagnosed me iwth Scleroderma gave me a life expectancy of FIVE years. Sure, doctors aren't always correct, but, YOU have helped me beat those odds!! The emotional support so many of youi have given me is priceless. Your contributions, immeasurable.
Systemic Scleroderma continues to harden my skin and internal tissue. Inflammation is a part of it and the newest addition is a leg brace to stabilize my ankle, weakened by inflammation. With the affects on my skin, lungs, digestive tract and joints, somedays it's hard to stay upbeat... But, I do because YOU have helped me!!
Thanks to medication and a positive attitude, I am here. Drugs created for leukemia and organ transplant recipients were tested for many years and found to be effective in slowing the progression of horrible Scleroderma.
Gratitude goes to the Scleroderma Foundation and the TriState Chapter. Their work has supported the research on wcih my physicians keep updated. They reain on the cutting edge of learning whcih meds might work for me. I know there are so many worthy causes for which financial aid can make a difference... and we all have monetary constraints. Still, donating even the price of a fancy cup of coffee will help in the quest to conquer Scleroderma. On Sunday, June 4, I will be Stepping Out To Cure Scleroderma. Along with my children and grandchildren, I will join those who walk to raise awareness and funds for a disease I know personally.
TEN years ago, February 2007, I was diagnosed with Scleroderma and Raynaud's. When I pressed the rheumatologist for a life expectancy guesstimate, she said that based on the progression, it would be approximately five years. Now, ten years later, in several ways I feel better than I did back then. The symptoms of Systemic Scleroderma have been slow but steady. With the affects on my skin, lungs, digestive tract and other internal tissue, somedays it's really hard to stay upbeat. I've found that stress and cold temperatures (not just in the winter, but in the summer, too, due to air conditioning) are like 'poison.' The impact of each makes it tough to fight back.
DOES YOUR DONATION REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE? YES, short- and long-term, IT DOES. At the National and TriState Chapter levels, your contributions fund research by grant awards given to passionate medical professionals. The physicians have made great strides in identifying blood chemistry and its reaction to medications. So, YOU have helped me get to where I am today. Thanks to medication and a positive attitude, I am here. Drugs created for leukemia and organ transplant recipients were tested for many years and found to be effective in slowing the progression of horrible Scleroderma. These are the 'super medications' that retail for $3,000 - $15,000 per MONTH! Fortunately (?!) I'm in an income bracket that makes me eligible for pharmaceutical companies' Patient Assistance Programs because insurance covers these medications in part or not at all.
I appreciate the caring and concern from my family and friends. I have surpassed the five-year mark thanks to Rheumatologist Barry Gruber, MD; Cardiologist Kevin Marzo, MD; Gastroenterologist Perry Gould, MD, Thoracic Surgeon Scott Schubach, MD, and newest to my medical team, Anesthesiologist (Pain Management) Adam Shestack, MD; my illustrious Medical Dream Team.
Gratitude goes to the Scleroderma Foundation and the TriState Chapter. Their work has supported the research on which my physicians keep updated. They remain on the cutting edge of learning which medications might work for me. I know there are so many worthy causes for which financial aid can make a difference... and we all have monetary constraints. Still, donating even the price of a fancy cup of coffee will help in the quest to conquer Scleroderma. Obviously, finding a cure and eliminating all autoimmune diseases are critically important to me - probably not for my health, but for all future generations. Whatever you can give is GREATLY appreciated. THANK YOU for helping me help the Scleroderma Foundation find a cure.
TO REGISTER, CLICK... "JOIN MY TEAM" ... Thanks so much!!!
or go to
http://national.scleroderma.org/goto/Sheilas_TeamStrong
Peace, Love and Commitment,
Sheila
All contributions are for the Scleroderma Foundation to use to help find a cure for those whose lives have been affected by Scleroderma. If you would like to find out more about Scleroderma and the Foundation, please visit www.SclerodermaTriState.org.
Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!
