2006 Recognition of Our Volunteers

WEDNESDAY VOLUNTEERS

• Mariann Boyanowski
  Leader, Brecksville (OH) Support Group
  Member, Youngstown (OH) Support Group
  Scleroderma Foundation

  “Mariann was diagnosed with scleroderma four years ago and works tirelessly for the SF. She not only owns and manages three card and gift stores, but also leads the Brecksville Support Group and is a member of the SF State of Ohio board and an active member of the Youngtown Support Group. She struggles daily with the disease but you would never know it, she seems to have endless energy to do whatever is necessary to continue to promote the SF by being there to support and listen to those members and their families who need someone to talk to. She is a major part of our Walk Day Organization Committee and she is constantly bringing us information to share and educate our support group members. She has touched the lives of so many without knowing all the good that she does. She is an inspiration to us all. She is loved and respected by her husband, Kevin, her two college student children and her entire family and friends. She is my hero and I love her.”     Leni Schultz, Youngstown Support Group Co-Leader

• Jim and Pat Risler
  Las Vegas (NV) Support Group Leaders
  Reno (NV) Support Group Leaders
  Scleroderma Foundation

  “They are kind and always caring. They travel from miles away to run the meetings each month and are extremely generous. They have also lobbied in Washington D.C. for the cause.”

• Debbie Metz
  Cincinnati Support Group Leader, Ohio Chapter
  Scleroderma Foundation

• Mary Alice Hughes
  Independent Volunteer
  Canadian, Texas Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma Walk

  “Mary Alice helped out in so many ways with the walk in Canadian. She worked hard to get awareness out to the community and to others. She worked very hard on the walk and did a great job.”

• Betsy Alexander
  Independent Volunteer
  Canadian, Texas Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma Walk

  “She was such a great help with the walk in Canadian. She helped with all kinds of things and getting awareness out about scleroderma. She did a tremendous job to help put together the walk and was very supportive and wanted to help in any way possible.”

• Walter Coyle
  New England Chapter Board/National Board Member
  Scleroderma Foundation

  “He was a founder of the Scleroderma Federation and Scleroderma Foundation, and a willing partner in many capacities for over 30 years. He is now the acting president and always ready to step in and get any job done for the good of the scleroderma cause.”

• Bob Buzza
  President
  Scleroderma Society of Canada

  “Our national support group has grown a greatly benefited because of Bob Buzza’s leadership and direction. He is very knowledgeable and committed to helping people with scleroderma. The Scleroderma Society of Canada is very fortunate to have such a dedicated leader.”

• Ruth Greenspan
  Copresident of the Board, Southeast Florida Chapter
  Scleroderma Foundation

  “Ruth gives to the organization on an ongoing basis. She does not understand the words ‘slow down.’ She is a woman who motivates by word and by actions. A real class act and certainly one of a kind.

• Kathy Fehr
  Tarrant County Support Group, Texas Bluebonnet Chapter
  Scleroderma Foundation

  “Kathy Fehr is a registered nurse and has been in the health profession for 26 years. Four our group she sets the location, equipment and material for meetings. She is presently employed with the Birdville Independent School District has their RN school nurse and vaccine clinic administrator. She is very active in the community conducting health fairs and she carries the scleroderma message to other associations. She is married to Richard Fehr and they have three daughters; the oldest graduating with her PhD from Notre Dame next month. Kathy is a strong coordinator and a very personable people person who is most generous with her time. She also spends many hours at home taking care of her father-in-law, who just celebrated his 100th birthday.”

• The following are Tri-State Chapter Volunteers:
  

1. Fran Batz and June Bisel
   Orange County Support Faciliators, Tri-State Chapter
2. Waveney Golbourne and Barbara Manning
   New York City Support Facilitators, Tri-State Chapter
3. Sandra Guenette
   Kingston Support Facilitator, Tri-State Chapter
4. Kitsa Jobeless
   Northern New Jersey Support Facilitator, Tri-State Chapter
   
   Another person wrote of Kitsa: “Kitsa started the group for her mother and is providing support to all of us in the group. She is always cheerful and positive. She does this while working full-time and taking care of her own family. Thank you Kitsa! You are the best!”
   
5. Betty and John Lockwood
   Teaneck, New Jersey Support Facilitators, Tri-State Chapter
6. Mary Mannillo
   Connecticut Support Facilitator, Tri-State Chapter
7. Rosemary Markoff
   Binghamton NY Support Facilitator, Tri-State Chapter
8. Joan Weik, Beatriz Nunez and Patty Wazmer
   Long Island NY Support Facilitators, Tri-State Chapter
9. Betzi Sheff
   Cooperstown NY Support Facilitator, Tri-State Chapter
10. JoAnn Anastasi
    Staten Island NY Support Facilitator, Tri-State Chapter
    
    Another person wrote of JoAnn: “JoAnn is such an asset to our group. She informs us of all new goings on, calls us and checks up on us and keeps us well informed. Her husband Joe is an avid supporter of our group as well. We are a small group but extremely close. JoAnn greets us with her warm smile, open arms and lots of encouragement. It is with great pride and deep love and thanks that I want to recognize them both for their dedication to our group.”
    
11. Dorothy O’Brien
    Rochester NY Support Facilitator, Tri-State Chapter
12. Marilyn Henry
    Buffalo NY Support Facilitator, Tri-State Chapter
13. June Bender
    Capital District Support Facilitator, Tri-State Chapter
14. Charlotte Berkner
    South Western Albany County Support Facilitator, Tri-State Chapter

Message for all of the above: “Thank you for all you do for patients and their families! Your commitment and dedication are making a difference! We at Tri-State salute you for a job well done!”