Saturday, January 14, 2012 – Second Annual Amy K. Parrish Patient Education Conference

MARK YOUR CALENDARS for the Second Annual Amy K. Parrish Patient Education Conference to be held on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC.

Keynote Speaker Virginia "Ginny" Maril will speak on the Psychological Impact of Scleroderma.

Other topics will be Latest News about Scleroderma, GI Involvement & Nutrition, Advice and Help for Caregivers, Filing for Disability Benefits, and Yoga for Scleroderma Patients.

Each participant will receive a gift from the MUSC Nurse Alliance.

Cost will be $10 per participant. Lunch is included. Free Parking.

Host Hotel is Marriott Courtyard, 35 Lockwood Drive, Charleston, SC 29401. Telephone 843-727-7677, mention Scleroderma Education Conference for special rate.

More Information: Event Brochure

Saturday, June 9, 2012 - Amy's Walk

Location: Amphitheater at Furman University

More information to come!

National Calendar of Events

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 patients and their families both emotionally and educationally. The Chapter has active support groups in the Greenville/Spartanburg area and in the Low Country. Additionally, there is a support group in Rock Hill that serves patients in southwestern North Carolina. By joining together, we can change the future of this disease and provide a broader patient services program for those affected by scleroderma. Contact information for these support groups can be found in the “Support Groups” tab of this website.
• 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. Further, our annual “Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma” walk is held in June each year. In 2011, the South Carolina Chapter will be hosting educational seminars for patients and families. The first one is tentatively scheduled in Charleston at the end of January. These half-day seminars will feature speakers from the medical community as well as speakers such as Yoga Instructors and Nutritionists who have tailored programs to enhance the quality of life for Scleroderma patients.
• 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. Our major Fundraiser is our annual “Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma” walk and picnic held in June in upstate South Carolina. We are proud to support all aspects of our mission: providing patient services, raising awareness, and funding research.