Shortly after midnight on September 30, the United States House of Representatives passed "The Scleroderma Research and Awareness Act" (H.R. 2408), introduced last March by Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA) and Rep. Vern Ehlers (R-MI). 

 

"The Scleroderma Foundation is proud to be in the forefront of advocating for greater research for this devastating disease," commented Joseph P. Camerino, Ph.D., Chair of the Foundation's National Board of Directors. "With the passage of this landmark legislation, the scleroderma community has even greater hope that a cure will be found." 

"The passage of H.R. 2408 is truly a testament of the determination of the scleroderma community to have their voices heard in the halls of Congress," commented Robert Riggs, Scleroderma Foundation Chief Executive Officer.  "A huge dept of gratitude is owed to the volunteers of the Foundation's National Advocacy Committee, led by Brian Ross Adams, as well as to the Foundation's membership, chapters and support groups, and volunteers that have, at a very grass-roots level, come together to make this happen," he said.    

 

Even with this spectacular news, it is not the time to take our eye off the ball.  We have to keep making our collective voice heard, and the results of our Congressional Call-in Day shows just how loudly we can roar.  We need to keep up the noise."   
 
The Foundation encourages all patients, family, members and friends to now contact their senators in Congress and ask them to support passage of this important bill. For more information, please click here.  

 

The Scleroderma Foundation will continue to keep you updated on this important initiative.