2006 National Conference Award Winners

John Varga, M.D. received the "Doctor of the Year" award

By Chris Underation

Frannie Waldron, Scleroderma Foundation Acting Executive Director, opened the conference with the following speech:

"Our theme for this year is 'Because I Believe Nothing Is Impossible.'

"Nothing is impossible means that support for all of those living with scleroderma is available through our network of 21 chapters and over 175 support groups around the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

"Nothing is impossible means that educational opportunities like this conference bring together patients and experts from around the country to learn from one another.

"Nothing is impossible means that awareness of scleroderma grows every year through activities on the local, national and international level.

"Nothing is impossible means that hope for the best treatments and ultimately a cure can become a reality.

"I believe, when it comes to what we can collectively do to achieve our mission, that Nothing Is Impossible."

At an organization like the Scleroderma Foundation, which is filled with individuals who are very committed to finding a cure, picking out a handful for special recognition is very difficult.

This is especially true this year, which has been marked by great chapter and individual successes in awareness, support and fundraising efforts. Despite so much great work, some stood out and were recognized at the 2006 National Conference in Minneapolis at the end of July.

From left: Support Group Leaders Manny and Sylvia Quevedo, San Juan Support Group; Awilda E. Berrios Burgos, Cayey Support Group; and Edwin Lamoli, Cabo Rojo Support Group

The award winners are:

Outstanding Patient Support
The Puerto Rico Support Groups of San Juan, Cayey and Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. Though made up only of support groups, the patient conferences they hold are truly impressive. Often gathering more than 100 people together, they bring in doctors from the United States and raise large amounts of awareness for scleroderma.

From left: Rosemary Markoff, Tri-State Chapter Executive Director; Bruce Cowan, Tri-State Chapter Vice President; and Mary Manillo, Member of the Tri-State Chapter Board of Directors

Outstanding Chapter Fundraising
Tri-State Chapter, Binghamton, New York. With several successful walks and regional fundraising activities, the Tri-State Chapter was recognized for its outstanding overall fundraising efforts. This award was presented not because of Tri-State’s hosting of the National Gala last fall, but because of the large increase in the amount of the chapter’s donation to national efforts.

Pat and Len Johnsen, Delaware Valley Chapter Executive Director and Vice President

Outstanding Public Awareness Campaign
Delaware Valley Chapter, Spring Lake, New Jersey. In a year when many chapters held successful media outreach campaigns, the Delaware Valley Chapter started a local outreach initiative that grew into a national program. By developing a relationship with ppc Racing and driver Kenny Wallace late last year, Delaware Valley was able to secure a sponsorship of the car for very little money. This brought a great amount of awareness and, in the spring, this event grew into a national program encompassing several chapters and bringing the equivalent of well more than $100,000 in awareness and advertising benefits.

Ervin G. Feany

Philanthropist of the Year
Ervin G. Feany, Bettendorf, Iowa. Mr. Feany lost his wife to scleroderma, but before her death they both agreed to found a research-restricted endowment for the Foundation, called the Ervin G. and Dolores M. Feany Medical Research Fund. The first significant income was deposited into the endowment this past year, and more is to come as the bulk of the Feany estate will be contributed to the Foundation.

Judy Bradshaw

Volunteer of the Year
Judy Bradshaw, Syracuse, Utah. There are many excellent volunteers, but Judy Bradshaw stands out. As a public speaker, one of her talks was taped by a local hospital and is used as a resource and reference material for patients. In addition, she organized a successful walk that raised a good deal of money without the benefit of chapter support and she has been tireless in promoting awareness of the disease throughout Utah. Her work touches all three parts of the Foundation’s mission—support for patients, education and raising money for research.

Terry Christensen

Messenger of Hope
Terry Christensen, Grand Island, Nebraska. This man’s e-mail address says it all—road warrior. Over the years, Mr. Christensen has been tireless as a “road warrior” who travels great distances to establish and help build scleroderma support groups in Nebraska. He is greatly committed to people with scleroderma and is truly a messenger of hope to those with the disease.

Rosemary Markoff, Tri-State Chapter Executive Director

Founder’s Award
Rosemary Markoff, Binghamton, New York. This award is presented to the person who gives their life to service within the field of scleroderma. Rosemary Markoff is the executive director of the Tri-State Chapter. She is completely committed to the scleroderma cause, over the years helping to build her chapter, empower leaders and found new events in Tri-State. Her example of excellent leadership is worthy of emulation.

Doctor of the Year
Dr. John Varga of the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University. Dr. Varga is the Chair of the Medical Advisory Board and a ready supporter of the work of the Foundation. His willingness to provide counsel, work with the media, write or collaborate on articles about scleroderma and his work at Northwestern make him an easy choice for Doctor of the Year. He is well-versed on the research presently underway in the field and an eloquent advocate of the need for more research money to be raised.