The New England Chapter Research Grant Award

In 2009, the New England Chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation, generously established a research grant award. The chapter will endeavor to name a grant each year with the help of the many who take part in its fundraising and other activities. 

2009 Award: The Norma Nadeau/Mary Van Neste New England Chapter Research Grant.

The grant honors the memory of two great women who were instrumental in the formation of the Scleroderma Association support group that went on to become the Scleroderma Federation.  Both had severe disease involvement, which they fought courageously for many years before succumbing.  Both are fondly remembered by SFNE members who were with SFNE in its early days and aware of their efforts for the cause.

2010 Award: The Walter A. Coyle Memorial Research Grant.

Walter Coyle, together with his wife, Marie, was one of the founders of the Scleroderma Foundation, as well as one of its predecessor organizations, the Scleroderma Federation.  For more than 30 years, he was a tireless volunteer and devoted champion for scleroderma-related causes, working almost full-time for the Foundation’s New England Chapter and the national office of the organization.  During his long tenure of service with the Foundation, Walter served on the national Board of Directors as treasurer.  When he retired from the national Board, Walter devoted his time to serving on the New England Chapter Board of Directors, as well as taking an active role in the daily management and fundraising activities of the Chapter.  In 2007, he was honored as the Scleroderma Foundation’s “National Volunteer of the Year” in recognition for his long and dedicated service to the organization at all levels.