April , 2013
It's time for the Annual Scleroderma Walk/Run on June 9, 2013 Family Adventure Day. This year will mark our 34th walk and the 9th year John, our family and I have participated. Together we have raised over $15,000.00 to help fight Scleroderma. We still have no cure or cause for this disease. We continue to need your help!!!
This year I have made the decision to medically retire from my job as a General Manager; Scleroderma has won over my job. My overall health has not changed much but it is all the little things that come with the disease and staying healthy has made my decision to no longer work. The Raynaud's has become worse and I have been less tolerable to the cold conditions. The fatigue has more of an impact as one ages (I know I am not aging ..LOL). As of May 31, 2013 I will be starting a new chapter in my life.
The Scleroderma Foundation Michigan Chapter has been serving its members and patients for 34 years. During this time we have continued our growth within the State of Michigan. We continue our efforts of awareness in the medical community, patients and the public about Scleroderma. Our PSA that was created last year is receiving air time in Michigan and on CBS. We are still working on getting a new bill passed in Congress and the Senate for additional funds towards research. With your help we can continue to serve the patients affected by Scleroderma. Since I have had the disease I have heard of more children and men affected.
Quick refresher course on What is Scleroderma?
Scleroderma is a chronic, often progressive autoimmune disease-like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis-in which the body's immune systems attacks its own tissues. The disease, which literally means 'hard skin' can cause thickening and tightening of skin, as well as serious damage to internal organs, including the lungs, heart, kidneys, esophagus, and gastrointestinal tract. For some individuals, Scleroderma is a nuisance. For others, it is a life-threatening disease. For most people with Scleroderma, the disease has serious impact on daily life. And, although medications can sometimes help, there is no cure yet.
Please help me by donating, walking or running. The walk is being held again at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak, MI on Sunday June 9, 2013. You can donate through the web page or you can send a check made out to the Scleroderma Foundation and send to me by June 1, 2013.
Address : Ilene Michalski,
48084 Tilch
Macomb MI. 48044
John and I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for any help you can give. If you know of anyone else who would be interested in donating, running or walking please forward this to them. If you have any questions please feel free to call or write me.
Sincerely,
Ilene and John Michalski
BOD Scleroderma Foundation Michigan Chapter
www.scleroderma.org/chapter/michigan
''' ’’’’