Josephine Battyany and Brian Ross Adams at the 2009 "Key to a Cure" Gala

13th Annual "Key to a Cure" Gala a Success!

The Southern California Chapter hosted its 13th Annual "Key to a Cure" fundraiser in Manhattan Beach, California, this past weekend on November 7. The evening event included a silent auction and elegant dinner along with entertainment and dancing from the Wayne Foster Entertainment. California Congresswoman Linda T. Sanchez was presented with the "Key to a Cure" award for her exceptional contributions to the mission of Scleroderma Foundation. Other awards were also presented to actress and advocate Kellie Martin, Joe and Arline Wetter, John A. Belperio, M.D., of UCLA, and Holly Hauser, M.D., of Scripps.

Brian Ross Adams, Executive Director of the Sothern California Chapter, said the event was yet another great success. “We are so honored that our supporters come back year after year to raise funds for the chapter, increase awareness of scleroderma and, of course, have a great time.” The chapter’s annual gala has been popular event year after year, generating a great deal of awareness and funds for the Foundation. Photos...

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Summer 2009 Newsletter

Our Summer 2009 newsletter is now available to download. You need Acrobat Reader to view this file. If you need it, download it here.

7th Annual Walk a Fun-Filled Time

If perfect weather, smiling faces, fabulous friends and family, great music, great food and a great walk in the park makes your day, what better place could there have been to experience all that and more than at the 7th Annual Southern California Chapter Scleroderma Walkathon in La Mirada Regional Park. 

Thanks to the ongoing interest and efforts of  Supervisor Don Knabe of the 4th District, the Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation, and all the wonderful teams, volunteers and exhibitors who made the much anticipated event possible, attendees had a great time enjoying the walk around the lake, through the trees and along the rolling pathways of La Mirada before settling down in shaded grassy areas to enjoy a delicious lunch provided by Baja Fresh and listen to the music of local band PCH, which provided aural inspiration for the day. In addition, as a very special thank you, VIP’s who raised $1,000 or more for their teams were acknowledged and treated to a relaxing massage and smoothie from Jamba Juice, who set up a promotional booth in the park.  

Wherever you looked, children were giggling and screaming, occupied by the bounce house and mega slide, their laughter heard throughout the park, their faces adorned with butterflies and dragons, all thanks to the wonderful services of a talented face painter. The kids weren’t the only happy young participants at the park.  There were puppies and dogs as well, many wearing the colors of their teams, showing their support and companionship to their owners, as well as interacting with anyone willing to give them attention.

Once again, the annual Walkathon was a fun-filled, beautiful day, and a perfect way for people to show their support for the Southern California Chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation.

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Winter 2009 Newsletter

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"Key to a Cure" Gala, November 1, 2008

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Assemblywoman Runner passes resolution to bring awareness to scleroderma

Sacramento, June 23 – Today, Assemblywoman Sharon Runner (R – Lancaster) announced that the California State Assembly passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution 142 to proclaim the month of June as Scleroderma Awareness Month.

“This is the first time the Assembly has recognized Scleroderma Awareness Month,” Runner said. “ACR 142 seeks to promote a state-wide discussion on scleroderma, and the need for more research to improve patient care for those living with the disease.”

“This resolution is a source of happiness,” Runner said in her floor speech.  “ACR 142 represents the joy patients experience when they are able to live their everyday lives due to the medical treatments available to treat the symptoms of scleroderma.”

“It is also a source of sadness as this resolution represents those patients who are in constant pain or need a transplant due to damaged organs,” Runner continued.

“I am thrilled that the California State Assembly recognized June as Scleroderma Awareness Month and that the state is promoting the need for increased research to better the lives of those affected by the disease,” Brian Adams, executive director of the Southern California Chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation, said. Adams, along with board member Joe Matthews, was present in the Assembly Chambers to see the passage of ACR 142.

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that affects the body’s connective tissue, which supports the skin and internal organs.  Currently, there is no cure for the disease and the Scleroderma Foundation reports that an estimated 300,000 Americans have scleroderma and 80 percent of those are women.

Next, ACR 142 will be heard in the Senate.

Summer 2008 Newsletter

Our Summer 2008 newsletter is now available to download. You need Acrobat Reader to view this file. If you need it, download it here.