Our
Chapter's activities are divided into a three-fold mission:
- Patient/family support – The South Carolina
Chapter provides a safe place for patients, families and
friends of those affected by scleroderma. We have regular
meetings with guest speakers and support group meetings.
We also have a newsletter that goes out to the members on
a regular basis. We work closely with the National Foundation
providing the most up-to-date information about the disease
through literature. Because scleroderma is such an isolating
disease, the South Carolina Chapter strives to create an
environment that supports the patient both emotionally and
educationally.
The Chapter has recently expanded its services to include
the Columbia and Greenville/Spartanburg area. By joining
together as South Carolinians we can change the future of
this disease and provide a broader patient services program
for those affected by scleroderma.
- Awareness – June is Scleroderma Awareness
Month. During the month of June, the South Carolina Chapter
hosts several billboards promoting awareness of scleroderma
in the Charleston area, schedules television and radio interviews,
and publishes several newspaper articles. The South Carolina
Chapter (formerly known as the Palmetto Chapter) won the
Public Awareness Award in 1999 and 2000.
- Fundraising – The South Carolina Chapter has
various fundraisers throughout the year to support the programs
of the Chapter and research. Since there is no cure for
scleroderma, supporting research is a vital link to our
future. In Charleston, our fundraisers include a make-believe
tea, an annual Golf Tournament, Bowl-a-thons, and raffles.
We are proud to support all aspects of our mission: providing
patient services, raising awareness, and funding research.
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