The National Scleroderma Foundation’s mission is powered by the volunteers who commit themselves every day to improving the lives of people living with scleroderma.
Whether it is recruiting teams and fundraising for the Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma events, advocating with local and federal officials for research funding and proclamations, or providing critical support by leading a support group, volunteers are the very heartbeat of this Foundation.
Each year, at the National Scleroderma Conference, we say thank you to some of the most dedicated and exemplary members of the scleroderma community during the Volunteers Awards Luncheon.
This weekend, in St. Louis, we honored an exceptional group of volunteers.
The 2025 awards and recipients include:
The Individual Fundraiser of the Year is awarded to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to fundraising in their chapter and shows consistent excellence through their actions and leadership. This year, Len Cimini of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter was honored for his continuous dedication to the chapter and the Foundation’s mission. Len has been a long-time leader in the Philly Metro Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma Walk, walking in honor of his wife who lives with scleroderma. Len has encouraged colleagues and friends from the University of Delaware and other institutions in New Jersey to participate—turning awareness into action. Len has been a true champion for the scleroderma community.
The Support Group Volunteer of the Year is awarded to a support group leader who leads by example and encourages others to engage in their community. This year, Tiarè Tolzman of the Scleroderma Young Adults Seeking Connection (SYNC) Support Group was recognized for playing a vital role in ensuring that young people with scleroderma feel seen, heard, and supported. In addition, Tiarè has planned informative programs suc as “Traveling with Scleroderma,” “Mental Health & Chronic Illness,” and “Raynaud’s & Scleroderma Awareness.”
The Outstanding Patient Support Award is awarded to an individual who has continuously supported, educated, and uplifted their community. This honor was bestowed upon Maria Tafoya, of the Rocky Mountain Chapter, for her commitment to advocating on behalf of the entire scleroderma community. Maria leads support groups and the Albuquerque Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma walk. She is dedicated to providing support and mentoring newly diagnosed individuals in our community.
The Outstanding Educational Program is awarded to an individual, group, or chapter that has maximized available resources within the community to provide patients with an excellent educational experience. This year, the award went to the Mid-Atlantic Chapter, in recognition of its outstanding efforts with MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Penn Medicine, and Johns Hopkins Hospital.
The Chapter Volunteer of the Year is awarded to an individual who leads by example and encourages others to engage in their local and regional community. This year, Hannah Bose, of the Florida and Puerto Rico Chapter, was awarded for unwavering dedication, leadership, and passion for the scleroderma community. Hannah is leading the way for the Florida and Puerto Rico Chapter, especially in the Jacksonville area where she is a support group facilitator and organizes the Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma event. She now serves on the chapter’s Advisory Committee, Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma walk committee, and has expanded the chapter’s fundraising through a partnership with Funds2orgs and local businesses.
The Philanthropist of the Year is awarded to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to fundraising and shows consistent excellence through their actions and leadership. This year, Peggy Levengood of the Southeast Chapter, was awarded this honor for her long-standing, unwavering and generous commitment to the scleroderma community. Peggy’s fundraising for a cure for scleroderma began 13 years ago with a golf tournament in Atlanta. The golf tournament continues and Peggy also chair’s the Atlanta Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma walk. In all, Peggy has helped raise more than $340,000 to fund the Foundation’s mission.
The National Volunteer of the Year award is awarded to an individual who leads by example and encourages others to engage in their community. This was awarded to Karen Gottesman, who is a true driving force for our community. As co-chair of the Patient Advisory Board, she keeps the group focused on their critical and unique purpose in mission. She also serves as liaison to the Medical and Scientific Advisory Board, actively participating in both committees. She brings true dedication and a heart for service to everything she does.
The Chapter of the Year is awarded for overall excellence in advancing the mission of the Foundation in the areas of support, education, and research by a chapter. This year, the Florida & Puerto Rico Chapter was awarded for demonstrating unwavering dedication to supporting, educating, and raising awareness for the scleroderma community.
The Jacob Davila Memorial Leadership Award was established to honor the recognition of Jacob Davila from Humble, Texas. Jacob was a long-time volunteer and advocate for Scleroderma and the National Scleroderma Foundation. The volunteer awardee will be selected based on the following criteria: 1) prepared for service and understands that true wisdom is gained in community and that serving others is a privilege and an honor, 2) Serves as a community builder who believes in enriching and ennobling the lives of others within the scleroderma community, and 3) Demonstrates characteristics consistent with servant leadership. This year’s recipient of the Jacob Davila Memorial Leadership Awards is Erion Moore, II.
The Messenger of Hope Award is awarded to an individual whose words and/or actions offer continued hope and inspiration to our community. This year, Carla King was awarded for devoting years of compassionate service to the scleroderma community. Her work is marked by unwavering empathy, profound strength, and a relentless commitment to making sure no one walks this path alone. Through her leadership, she has built supportive, inclusive spaces where individuals with scleroderma and their loved ones can find comfort, education, and hope.
The Doctor of the Year is awarded to the physician whose dedication has improved the lives of thousands of people living with scleroderma and who demonstrates exceptional skills in clinical practice and patient education while maintaining the mission, vision, and values of the Foundation. This year, Dr. Shervin Assassi was awarded Doctor of the Year. Dr. Assassi is a shining example of compassionate, forward-thinking care for those living with scleroderma. At UT Health Houston, he has led the way in building a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, collaborating across specialties to improve patient outcomes. His groundbreaking research has identified key biomarkers and immune mechanisms in scleroderma, resulting in over 200 publications. He also played a pivotal role in launching the national CONQUER Registry, helping to bridge the gap between research and real-world care.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is the Foundation’s highest honor and is awarded to individuals who have given extraordinary service to the organization. This year, Monica Ramirez was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. Her unwavering commitment to education, outreach, and support has touched lives across communities and borders. Since 2020, she has led the Spanish-speaking support group, a vital lifeline for patients and caregivers. She built Puerto Rico’s first-ever support group, formed lasting connections with the medical community, and expanded awareness through international efforts, including organizing the annual International Scleroderma Conference.
The Foundation is so proud to work alongside each of this year’s awardees. Each person recognized this year contributes day in and day out to improving the lives of people affected by scleroderma.