WHY FOOD FIGHT?
Two daughters on a mission! When our mom was diagnosed with scleroderma we quickly learned the severity of this disease and the lack of treatment available. The effects of the disease vary from person to person, but in mom's case it progressed rapidly. Unfortunately, we lost our fight with scleroderma in 2010. But we continue to carry out this event as a tribute to a wonderful mother and with hope of helping others who live with this disease everyday.
We cannot thank you enough for your continued support.
Stephanie & Jennifer
We cannot thank you enough for your continued support.
Stephanie & Jennifer
WHAT THE HECK IS SCLERODERMA?
Scleroderma (skleer-uh-DUR-muh) is an autoimmune disease, like multiple sclerosis and lupus, in which a person's body attacks its own tissue. Scleroderma, which means "hard skin," can cause thickening and tightening of the skin. It can also cause serious damage to the internal organs such as heart, lungs and kidneys. There are many types and severities.
How serious is scleroderma?
Any chronic disease can be serious. The symptoms vary greatly from person to person, and the effects of scleroderma can be life-threatening. The seriousness will depend on what parts of the body are affected and the extent to which they are affected. Scleroderma is not contagious, it is not infectious, it is not cancerous or malignant.
How is scleroderma diagnosed?
Unfortunately, many patients with scleroderma are initially misdiagnosed. We need to create awareness even amongst doctors!
Patients may require consultation with rheumatologists (arthritis specialists), and/or dermatologists (skin specialists).
What causes scleroderma?
The exact cause of scleroderma is still unknown, but scientists and medical investigators in a wide variety of fields are working hard to make those determinations. That's why we need research!
Who does scleroderma affect?
Scleroderma affects more than 300,000 men, women and children. Approximately 80% of patients are women.
Is there a cure?
At the present time, there is no cure for scleroderma. Another reason we need research!
What will the funds raised support?
All net proceeds from Food Fight will be donated to the Scleroderma Foundation to support its three-fold mission of SUPPORT, EDUCATION and RESEARCH. Learn more at www.scleroderma.org or view this video from the Scleroderma Foundation.
How serious is scleroderma?
Any chronic disease can be serious. The symptoms vary greatly from person to person, and the effects of scleroderma can be life-threatening. The seriousness will depend on what parts of the body are affected and the extent to which they are affected. Scleroderma is not contagious, it is not infectious, it is not cancerous or malignant.
How is scleroderma diagnosed?
Unfortunately, many patients with scleroderma are initially misdiagnosed. We need to create awareness even amongst doctors!
Patients may require consultation with rheumatologists (arthritis specialists), and/or dermatologists (skin specialists).
What causes scleroderma?
The exact cause of scleroderma is still unknown, but scientists and medical investigators in a wide variety of fields are working hard to make those determinations. That's why we need research!
Who does scleroderma affect?
Scleroderma affects more than 300,000 men, women and children. Approximately 80% of patients are women.
Is there a cure?
At the present time, there is no cure for scleroderma. Another reason we need research!
What will the funds raised support?
All net proceeds from Food Fight will be donated to the Scleroderma Foundation to support its three-fold mission of SUPPORT, EDUCATION and RESEARCH. Learn more at www.scleroderma.org or view this video from the Scleroderma Foundation.
VIDEOS - LEARN MORE FROM KELLY, NANCY AND LISA
Living with Scleroderma - Kelly's story
Kelly was diagnosed with scleroderma when she was just 24 years old. Yet her positive attitude is inspirational. Learn a little bit about what it's like living with scleroderma by listening to Kelly's story. |
Living with Scleroderma - Nancy's story
Despite the numerous problems that scleroderma has caused for her physically, Nancy describes it as a "positive change." She also talks about the breakthrough treatment that saved her life. |
Living with Scleroderma - Lisa's story
Lisa is determined to be proactive about her health. She finds that educating herself is the key to success and makes having scleroderma less scary. She became a support group leader because she loves teaching other patients about scleroderma and showing them that they can maintain their quality of life, while living with this disease. |
