Chicago, Illinois – The National Scleroderma Foundation, the leading nonprofit funder of peer-reviewed research to discover the cause, understand the mechanisms, and overcome scleroderma forever, spent Thanksgiving Day participating in the 27th Anniversary Edison Park Turkey Trot in Chicago. The event, attended by 6,000 people, provided an opportunity for the Foundation to raise awareness for scleroderma as well as funds to continue researching the cure for the disease.
“On the very holiday dedicated to giving thanks for our blessings, we had over 6,000 blessings right there in front of us,” said Lauren Galvan, Senior Manager of Development. “Each and every person who was there walked, ran, strolled, rode, and participated in a race not only to have fun or to celebrate Thanksgiving, but to also win the prize of a cure for everyone living with scleroderma. To have that many people in one place at one time join our fight for a cure was an incredibly moving experience that nearly brought us to tears.”
Lauren was joined by local volunteers to help with race-day activities, including an opportunity to speak to attendees on behalf of the Foundation. “To be able to spread the word about a disease that so few know about to so many people at one time was an amazing opportunity,” said Michelle Peters. “I felt privileged to be a part of an event that was so generous.”
About Scleroderma
Scleroderma is a rare rheumatic disease that affects connective tissue and the vascular system causing an overproduction of collagen (fibrosis) in the skin (localized scleroderma), and the internal organs (systemic sclerosis), which can be life-threatening. Anyone can have scleroderma. The cause is not yet known, and there is no cure.
About National Scleroderma Foundation
A relentless force in finding a cure and improving the lives of people affected by scleroderma, the National Scleroderma Foundation advances medical research, promotes disease awareness, and provides support and education to people with scleroderma, their families and support networks. Supported by a network of thousands of individuals across the United States, the Foundation is the leading nonprofit funder of peer-reviewed research to discover the cause, understand the mechanisms, and overcome scleroderma forever.
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