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David Boatright, M.D. and Lauren Johnson, health reporter for Fox 13

North Mississippi Support Group Members Interviewed on Fox 13

September was an exciting month for our group. In September group member, Eileene Ault was interviewed on the Good Morning Memphis Show. The show is a live broadcast on Fox 13; Eileene was interview by health reporter, Lauren Johnson. Eileene had the opportunity to talk about scleroderma and the 5K walk. Reporter Lauren Johnson had never heard of scleroderma and was very interested in learning about the disease. She agreed to do a news segment for the evening news, which would reach a larger audience.

Lauren Johnson interviewed 10-year-old Antonella, who was diagnosed with Linear Scleroderma when she was 3 years old. The taping was done at her school to show the challenges she meets each day. Also featured in the evening news broadcast was Dr. David Boatright and group member Eileene Ault. The evening news segment was aired at 5 and 9 p.m. It was an exciting day for the Mississippi group and for scleroderma. We were able to reach a large audience through the TV media. This was a great kick-off for our walk.

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"Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma" 2nd Annual Barbara Caldwell 5K Memorial Walk

We had people who came to the 5K walk because they saw the news segments. These people had no connection with scleroderma; they came because they were moved by the stories on the disease. We also had a person with scleroderma come to the walk who was unaware of the Foundation, or the support groups.

Our second walk was a great success and we raised $18,645! We can hardly wait until next year. See you there!

Friends and Family Day

Our "Friends & Family Day" meeting was a great success. Members were asked to bring family and friends to learn about scleroderma. Dr. Postlethwaite spoke about the different types of SSc and the effects this disease can have on daily life. The impact of the disease not only on the person with the disease but the effect on the family. He spoke of the ongoing research at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center of Connective Tissue Disease. Guests at the meeting were able to donate blood for a research project that Dr. Postlethwaite is working on. It was an informative and fun meeting. A special gift for the group member who brought the most guests and the group member who traveled the longest distance.

A special thanks to Dr. Postlethwaite for taking time from his busy schedule to volunteer his time to our support group. Janna with Allergan Pharmaceuticals, thank you for providing our information packets and samples of Optive Eye drops for dry eye syndrome. Thank you for talking to the group about the special skin care needs of those with SSc and for providing the door prizes. Thanks to Ashley Smith with Actelion Pharmaceuticals for her ongoing support and for helping to sponsor our 5k walk in September.

Group leader, Darleene Nabors sharing information about our September 8 walk.	We ran out of seating and happily brought in extra chairs. Bradley was a big help in setting up extra chairs.	Darleene Nabors introducing our speakers.
Janna spoke to the group about the special skin care needs of those with Scleroderma.	Darleene Nabors, group leader presented Janice with a gift basket for bringing 13 guests with her. Way, to go Janice!!	Dr. Postlethwaite explaining to the group the different types of Scleroderma.
Dr. Postlethwaite has the attention of the entire audience.	Janie, Dr. Postlethwaite's assistant explained the produce and consent form to donate blood for Scleroderma research.	Guest, Martha won one of the many door prizes.
Group member, Mike had the lucky number for a door prize.	Mrs. Postlethwaite accepted a fruit basket on behalf of Dr. Postlethwaite from group leader, Darleene Nabors.	Roxanne was a guest of group member Eileene Ault.
Martha not only won a door prize earlier in the meeting she volunteered to donate blood for research. Thanks, Martha.	Group member, Eileene with one of her guest, Sara.	Ashley Smith with Actelion Pharmaceuticals, (one of our walk sponsors) with group leader Darleene Nabors.
	Dr. Postlethwaite with guest Kitty. Kitty does not have Scleroderma and comes to the monthly meetings with her friend Joan, who has had SSc for 60 years! Kitty, thank you for your support.