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Emily Hall and Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX) |
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Barri Fessler, M.D. and Thomas Lehman, M.D., speakers at the 2009 Scleroderma Foundation Patient Education Conference |
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Richard Sagall, M.D., President of NeedyMeds |
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John Varga, M.D., Chair of the Scleroderma Foundation's Medical Advisory Board. He attended the 2009 Greater Chicago Chapter's Highland Park walk |
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Barry Sanders, former running back for the Detroit Lions, with a few youngsters at the 2009 Michigan Chapter Walk |
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Special Holiday Edition: Reflections on 2009
12/23/09 – In this special holiday edition of the Scleroderma Foundation’s weekly e-Letter, we’d like to share with you a few of the significant events and accomplishments from 2009. We hope this e-Letter acts as a reminder of just how much your individual support and generosity means to our mission and to those we serve.
Research
In the area of research, the Foundation awarded six proposals for scleroderma research totaling over $1 million for 2009. Read more.
National Conference
This year’s National Patient Education Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, was hailed as a tremendous success. The event brought over 350 patients, families, and caregivers from across the nation together to discuss the latest information on scleroderma. Read more.
Advocacy
Advocacy initiatives flourished throughout 2009, thanks to both the leadership of the Advocacy Committee and the grassroots efforts of support groups, chapters, and volunteers. The Advocacy committee, led by Southern California Chapter Executive Director Brian Ross Adams, partnered with the Foundation’s Washington, D.C. lobbying firm, HMCW, to generate and promote scleroderma legislation on Capitol Hill. Read more.
Partnerships
Many of the Foundation’s resources and services are the product of successful partnerships with other organizations and businesses—and 2009 was no exception. The Foundation’s recent trip to the 2009 American College of Rheumatology Conference (ACR) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 17–21, provided a great opportunity not only for awareness but for the development of partnerships with other non-profit organizations. Read more.
Other Notable Advancements
In an effort to engage children and youths in the Foundation’s mission of education, the Foundation launched its first “Student Essay Contest” in September. The contest will run through April of 2010 and help children, their families, and communities learn more about scleroderma.
The Foundation also debuted a “Newly Diagnosed” section to help new patients find the information and resources they need. Click here to learn more.
Your Contributions Matter
The support and generosity of all members, staff, volunteers, and sponsors have all helped the Foundation to continue its three-fold mission of support, education, and research.
As the Scleroderma Foundation nears the end of another productive year, it is important to reiterate the need for the commitment of individuals like you whose support is vital to the success of our organization.
In these economically challenging times, the Scleroderma Foundation is steadfast in its constant, passionate, and focused mission to help those living with scleroderma. Please help us to continue this commitment.
What a wonderful way to conclude a year—offering greater hope to people living with scleroderma by making a gift to support the Scleroderma Foundation's Annual Fund.
If you haven't already given this year either through the national office or through your local chapter, please consider a special holiday gift to the Foundation.
You can make your gift easily on our secure Web site by clicking on "Give Now," or by calling the national office toll free at 1-800-722-HOPE (4673) between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.
Please note that you can support your local chapter by donating through our Web site or by calling the national office. All donations received from within a chapter territory are reverted to the chapter, unless otherwise directed by you.
Our Holiday Wishes for You
In closing, we would like to extend our deepest appreciation and thanks to all those who have supported us throughout the year. From all of us at the Foundation, we wish you and yours a healthy and happy new year!
Holiday Schedule for National Office
Please note that the national office will be closed Friday, December 25, 2009. The office will also be closed on New Year’s Day and will re-open on Monday, January 4. Have a wonderful holiday!
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