April is Volunteer Appreciation Month and we are proud to have the best volunteers around. Volunteers truly put the National Scleroderma Foundation mission in motion on a daily basis. Volunteers provide guidance and leadership through several advisory boards; they help organize and support chapter events; and they play a pivotal role in supporting our community at the National Scleroderma Conference.
Throughout the month, we will be thanking some of the volunteers and volunteer groups who support the scleroderma community throughout the year.
Support Group Facilitators
Support groups provide a vital space for individuals to share their journeys, uplift one another during difficult times, and gain valuable insights on managing their health and well-being. These meetings offer not just emotional support but also education, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.
However, they don’t happen on their own. Behind every successful meeting is a passionate facilitator who dedicates time and effort to planning, organizing, and guiding discussions to ensure a meaningful experience for all.
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to these incredible volunteers who give so much of themselves to support others. Their kindness, dedication, and leadership make a world of difference in the lives of those affected by scleroderma.
Join Elle, our Manager of Support Programs, in expressing appreciation for their hard work and the positive impact they create. If you’ve ever attended a support group meeting and found comfort or encouragement, take a moment this month to thank the facilitators who make it all possible.
Medical & Scientific Advisory Board (MSAB)
An enormous thank you to the members of the National Scleroderma Foundation’s Medical & Scientific Advisory Board (MSAB). They volunteer their time to advance the work and mission of the Foundation by supporting leadership on matters requiring scientific judgment as it relates to research and patient care.
With their leadership, the Foundation has expanded its Research & Treatment Center program to include additional designations allowing more people to access knowledgeable clinicians and quality care. They mentor young investigators, review patient education materials, provide education t0 non-scleroderma-expert physicians, and review articles for publication and content for our website.
Chapter Leadership Council (CLC)
We are deeply grateful for the outstanding members of our Chapter Leadership Council. Your dedication, leadership, and insight play a vital role in advancing the mission of the Foundation.
The CLC plays a key leadership role in our chapters. These volunteers lead the way with planning and preparing for chapter events, including walks, educational programs and social functions.
Thank you for your tireless efforts to support, guide, and uplift the scleroderma community. Your commitment ensures that patients remain at the heart of everything we do – and that truly makes a difference.
We appreciate everything you do, today and every day!