With World Scleroderma Day coming up on June 29, the Scleroderma Association of BC is raising awareness about the disease.
Scleroderma is a devastating chronic autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by abnormal fibrotic processes that can affect multiple organ systems, including the skin, kidneys, lungs and gastrointestinal tract, and cause immune dysfunction and vascular injury.
The name derives from the Greek words skleros (hard) and derma (skin), and reflects the disfigurement experienced in scleroderma due to increased production and deposits of collagen in the skin. There is no known cure, and individuals with scleroderma face high rates of morbidity and mortality, as well as substantial disability and impaired functioning.
Research on finding a cure for scleroderma, as well as on ways to improve quality of life for people with scleroderma, is of tremendous importance. Until recently, little was being done to address these problems, and the Scleroderma Society of Canada and the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group partnership were formed to change that.
The Scleroderma Association of BC provides information and support at www.sclerodermabc.ca, 1-800-940-9343 or scleroderma@telus.net. For local information, contact Betty at 250-428-8875.
—SCLERODERMA ASSOCIATION OF BC