National Scleroderma Foundation

Thank you for visiting my personal fundraising page to support this Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma event!

Hi everyone!

On May 16th, I’ll be laced up and hitting the pavement at Colt State Park in Bristol, RI, for the National Scleroderma Foundation’s "Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma" walk. I’m walking to raise awareness, support others living with this disease, and fund the research we desperately need to find a cure.

Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack healthy tissue, often resulting in a hardening of the skin and potential damage to internal organs. It is a life-changing diagnosis, but it is also a spectrum.

In the world of scleroderma, I consider myself incredibly lucky. I have been diagnosed with limited scleroderma rather than the diffuse form. For me, this means my symptoms are more localized and generally progress more slowly. While I still face daily challenges and must be diligent about my health, I am deeply grateful that my experience hasn’t reached the more aggressive, systemic "diffuse" stage that so many in our community battle every day.

Why Your Support Matters
I am walking for those who can’t walk. I’m walking for the people with diffuse scleroderma who face rapid internal organ involvement and severe complications as well as those who have succumbed from the disease. Whether someone has limited or diffuse, we all share the same goal: a world without this disease.

How You Can Help
My goal is to raise $350 for the National Scleroderma Foundation. These funds go directly toward:

Research to discover the cause and find a cure.
Education for patients and healthcare providers.
Support networks for those living with the disease.

Any amount—whether it’s $5 or $50—makes a massive difference. If you can’t donate, I’d love for you to share my page or even come join me in Bristol to cheer us on!

Thank you for your kindness, your support, and for standing (and walking) with me.

With gratitude,

Debbie