Sgt. Charles Ciccotelli and the Town of Ipswich are Beacons of Hope

The National Scleroderma Foundation New England Chapter is honored to recognize Sgt. Charles Ciccotelli and the Town of Ipswich for their commitment to raising awareness of scleroderma by officially proclaiming June as Scleroderma Awareness Month.

Sgt. Ciccotelli created a challenge coin he is using to fundraise for the Foundation and raise awareness in the community. He’s already making an impact, giving scleroderma challenge coins to former Boston Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez and Olympic gold-medalist Aerin Frankel. He is also planning on forming a team for the Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma walk in Boston this fall.

“Following his recent diagnosis with scleroderma, Sgt. Ciccotelli has transformed his personal journey into a powerful platform for advocacy,” Mirian Moultrie, executive director of the New England Chapter said. “He is a powerful example of how one person’s voice can strengthen the scleroderma community, amplify awareness, and inspire meaningful change—helping to spark conversations and bring hope to those affected.”

The New England Chapter is also grateful for the Ipswich Select Board for recognizing the importance of awareness, education, early diagnosis, research, and support for individuals and families affected by this rare disease. Its proclamation serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that communities can make a meaningful difference when they come together in support of those facing chronic illness.

Thank you, Sgt. Ciccotelli and the Town of Ipswich, for standing with the scleroderma community and helping us move closer to a future with better treatments, greater understanding, and ultimately, a cure. 

Join us for Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma – Boston on Saturday, September 19.

“The Boston Walk is deeply personal to me. I walk in loving memory of my mom, Marcia Delatizky, who was diagnosed with scleroderma in July 2000 and passed away in February 2024 after a brief illness. I miss her every single day. Participating in this walk is my way of honoring her strength, her courage, and the love she gave so freely. I know she would be walking right beside me if she were still here. I walk for her, and for every family still fighting. I hope you’ll join us and walk in honor, in memory, or in hope for a cure.”

Dori-Ann Delatizky

When: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Where: Franklin Zoo – 1 Franklin Park Rd. Boston, MA 02121 – Nature Pavilion

Registration Time: 7:00 a.m.
 Walk Time: 8:55 a.m.

Click here to register today!

Join us for Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma- Westfield, MA on Saturday, September 21. This year’s walk will be held at Westfield Bank Pavilion (B) at Stanley Park in Westfield.

When: Saturday, September 21
Where: Stanley Park, Westfield Bank Pavilion (B), 400 Western Ave., Westfield, MA 01085
Registration: 9:00 a.m.          5K and Walk Begins: 10:00 a.m.

“When I was diagnosed with scleroderma at nine years old, I felt isolated and alone. Attending the Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma walks changed this by making me feel seen and giving me the strength and encouragement to keep battling this disease. Today, I walk so that no one else has to feel alone.”
– Samantha Stackpole

Visit the walk page for more information and to register today!