Bellevue, Washington – The National Scleroderma Foundation, the leading nonprofit funder of peer-reviewed research to discover the cause, understand the mechanisms, and overcome scleroderma forever, announces that the 2024 National Scleroderma Conference will be held July 19-21 in Bellevue, Washington, just nine miles east of Seattle, at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue.
“After such a successful 2023 Conference, we are so excited to start planning a follow-up event that will reach and connect even more people affected by scleroderma,” said Mary Wheatley, National Scleroderma Foundation CEO. “Having recently realigned our chapter structure, we are now more focused than ever on serving all our constituents across the United States. By taking the conference to the Seattle area, we will be able to reach a vibrant, growing and previously underserved community while giving others the opportunity to enjoy, experience and explore the Pacific Northwest.”
The conference agenda will include expert-led panel discussions and educational sessions, an exhibit hall with clinical research posters, various networking opportunities, and a Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma walking event. In addition, the conference will once again be paired with the Kids Get Scleroderma, Too! program, offering education and support for children and their families.
“The Foundation is planning an inclusive educational event for anyone impacted by scleroderma – from those who are newly diagnosed to the warriors and caregivers who have been living with the disease for decades,” said Kate Anastasia, National Scleroderma Foundation Senior Director of Mission Delivery. “Attendees will have the opportunity to hear experts in the field offer sessions about diagnosis, monitoring, treatments and the latest in research, while also making social connections and lifelong friendships.”
More details about the National Scleroderma Conference will be shared soon as planning is currently underway.
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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