2011 News

2nd Annual San Jose Stepping Out To Cure Scleroderma Walk/10K

by Jane Johnson

Who would have known how hardy those of us with scleroderma could really be? Well, a blustery May 15, 2011 brought out the best in all of us as we contended with foreboding weather and behind-the-scenes hiccups - ahem, a flaky DJ who left us without the promised sound system. Yet with all of that, the 2011 San Jose Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma was a resounding success! When all was said and done, nearly $50,000 was raised towards ultimately finding a cure, and supporting and educating those with or near someone with scleroderma.

The day began at 5:30 am with course measuring and marking by On Your Mark Events. At 6 a.m. the first of the volunteers began to roll in and unfurl banners, set up tables, and create a virtual city of tent canopies all under the supervision of John Yates and Dan DiNaro. Vendors like Whole Foods, Sports Basement, Fresh Choice, Pediatric Associates and CSR Real Estate Services had arrived and created their own displays. The Silent Auction seamlessly came together under the direction of Theresa Edington. Everyone was bundled up against the cold, those of us challenged with the disease in multiple layers and extra heat packs. And then the skies decided to open up and a quick downpour tried to crush our spirits. But it wasn’t to be had, as we all continued as if nothing was happening, and quickly we prevailed and the weather had to relent.

Just after this it became apparent something big was missing. There was no sound system! Fortunately On Your Mark had a portable unit they let us borrow at the last minute. It certainly wasn’t what we had planned, but with the quick thinking of Susan Gard as an alternate DJ, many reported later they had no idea we had suffered such a huge hiccup. Bright, sunny skies shone through menacing surrounding clouds and the sun continued like that through the whole remaining dry event.

Speakers including Stanford Scleroderma Clinic’s Dr. Lorinda Chung, scleroderma family member Ernest Duque and newly diagnosed young Sydney all motivated us with their stories of contending with this disease, and their gratitude for our unrelenting pursuit of a cure. Refreshments were abundant and fresh, the company perfect and those competing or strolling very satisfied with the course and management. Awards, music, raffles and random drawings greeted those at the end and some lucky winners scored big at the silent auction.

Mark your calendars now for next year’s event: Sunday, May 6, 2012. Hope to see you in San Jose!

A huge thank you to the following sponsors and donors:
Actelion, Raymond Raven MD, South Bay Hand & Upper Extremity Center, State Farm Insurance Company- Jim Edington, American Society of Hand Therapists- NCC, Post Street Surgery Center, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Almaden Physical Therapy, San Jose Water Company, CSR Real Estate Services, Almaden Pediatrics, David McCarron, Antiques Colony, Clean Solar, Henry Palacios- Relaxation Specialist, Cup & Saucer Restaurant, The Running Revolution, Whole Foods Market, Special FX Salon, Dan Rusanowsky, Sports Basement, Banner Express, Hasty Awards, Peet’s Coffee, Fresh Choice, D2 Graphics, Safeway, KBAY

And a huge thank you to the volunteers who make this event a reality. We couldn’t do it without each and every one of you! A special mention to those who work tirelessly much of the year to bring this event to us including:
Cathy Eddy, Jane Johnson, Yvonne Spitz, Kate Hannon, Dan DiNaro, Theresa Edington, Michele LaPlant, Denise Johnson, Michelle Bandoni, and John and Tawnie Yates.

2010 News

Inaugural San Jose “Stepping Out To Cure Scleroderma” Walk/10K Run a Huge Success!

Over 600 people came out on Sunday May 16, 2010 for the 1st annual San Jose “Stepping Out To Cure Scleroderma” Walk/10K Run.  Fabulous food and silent auctions were featured as well music provided by DJ Efren of Pegasus Entertainment, bringing in an additional $5000 in donations.  Many walkers and runners came out from the Almaden community because of their shared connection to the scleroderma community.  In addition, a great deal of awareness was raised about the need for increased funding to find the cause and cure of scleroderma.  In all, donations to the walk made on behalf of participants and their supporters raised over $50,000.

We would like to thank all of the volunteers, sponsors, businesses and individuals that contributed time, money, services and items for prizes and the silent auction.  Also a big Thank You to all who came out in support of this worthy cause!  This was an amazing first time event and we hope you will join us next year on May 15, 2011 for the 2nd annual San Jose “Stepping Out To Cure Scleroderma” Walk/10K Run.

To see pictures go to:
http://picasaweb.google.com/112906013534129684837

To see race results go to: http://onyourmarkevents.com/results.asp?id=2341

WE THANK OUR BUSINESS SPONSORS:

Actelion- National Gold Sponsor
Aladdin Rugs
Almaden Pediatrics
Almaden Physical Therapy
Amato Pizzeria
American Society of Hand Therapists – Northern California Chapter
Glenfield & Associates Physical Therapy
Hand Therapy & Rehabilitation Services
Hand Therapy of San Francisco
Los Gatos Roofing
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Post Street Surgery Center
Running Revolution
Silicon Valley Community Newspapers
State Farm Insurance- Jim Edington
The Health Trust
Wal-Mart

We also wish to thank the following businesses and individuals who donated services, food and silent auction items:

Spring 2011 Newsletter

Winter 2010 Newsletter