Scleroderma Society of Ontario
41 King William Street, Suite 206 L8R 1A2 Hamilton, ON, Canada

Thank you MPP Kaleed Rasheed, for your Member Statement in the House today, helping our community to raise awareness of scleroderma and the difficulties patients face - even moreso during the pandemic. #HardWordHarderDisease #onpoli

This week we are meeting virtually with MPPs in our quest to raise awareness of, and seek improved treatments for, scleroderma. Special thanks to Minister of Health, MPP Christine Elliott, who took the time to speak with us yesterday in an effort to better understand the needs of our community. Learn more about our work at www.sclerodermaontario.ca/

What's it like to be on Methotrexate? Eight different women share their experiences:

Carleton Place and Ottawa area friends! Only one more sleep till y'all get served at the Spooktacular Drive 'n Drag - presented by Xtina Monroe and Babe Kelly. 50/50 proceeds from this event go to the scleroderma documentary series, "This Is Me Dreaming In Colour". October 24th, 9pm. See poster for details.

How far have we come? Before 1992, the prognosis for PAH was worse than the worst cancers, like lung cancer. Treatments since then have dramatically improved outcomes for PAH patients. This is why research is so important, and why we bolster our efforts year after year. Visit our website to learn more. www.sclerodermaontario.ca

Thank you to last week's conference attendees who answered our daily questionnaires. Your responses will help us with future events.

Don't miss our upcoming Virtual Educational Forum October 27 at 6pm. Medical professionals will discuss interstitial lung disease (ILD), research, and dealing with COVID-19, with an opportunity for Q&A afterward. Register for this free event and join in from the comfort of your home: https://www.sclerodermaontario.ca//hamilton-scleroderma-gr

Highlights from Friday's sessions at the National Scleroderma Conference: Dr. Maril practiced pain management techniques including breathing exercises, with attendees. Dr. Pope discussed gastrointestinal involvement and drugs that can alleviate some symptoms and increase motility. And keynote speaker Betsy Craig concluded the virtual conference with a powerful presentation on her own personal scleroderma story and the 10 principals she follows.

Approximately 90% of scleroderma patients will develop some degree of pulmonary involvement. When fibrosis starts, it causes permanent loss of lung function. Oxygen therapy can help and immunosuppression medications like cyclophosphamide can slow the progression of scarring. The damage cannot be reversed, so prevention is vital. Read about some recent research at our website, www.sclerodermaontario.ca/research

There's still time to get a virtual ticket to tonight's (Oct 18th, 8pm EDT) Cool Comedy Hot Cuisine scleroderma fundraiser with Bob Saget, or bid on one of these priceless auction items! Get your private link to the Scleroderma Research Foundation's show at: https://srfcure.org/events/cool-comedy-hot-cuisine/ or place a bid here: https://cchc2020.ggo.bid/bidding/package-browse

Today is the 5th and final day of the National Scleroderma Conference. Today will begin with the group chat at 9am PST/12pm EST/1pm Atlantic followed Dr. Ginny Maril's session on Pain Management at 10am PST/1pm EST/2pm Atlantic.

Our friends Scleroderma Research Foundation always put on a phenomenal scleroderma fundraiser with world-class comedians & performers. Hosted virtually by Bob Saget & Susan Feniger, this Oct 18th will be no different! Get your virtual tickets to this special online edition of Cool Comedy Hot Cuisine and get ready to have your socks knocked off. https://srfcure.org/events/cool-comedy-hot-cuisine/

Highlights from Wednesday's sessions at the National Scleroderma Conference: Danielle Rice discussed caregiver support and the research she is doing to address their challenges. Dr. Hogan's virtual session included common oral problems, and steps to take to help your dentist care for you. And in her keynote, Dr. Hudson shared the reasons research data are so valuable.

Congratulations Catherine! Well deserving recipient of the Maureen Sauvé Inspiration Award, 2019.

Inspired by RuPaul's Drag Race and the late Chi Chi DeVayne, our friend Silvia (www.instagram.com/theautoimmuneslayer/) will be featured in an upcoming documentary series, "This Is Me Dreaming In Colour", finding her inner drag while living with scleroderma. We will update you as we learn more details about this doc series.

Good morning everyone. Today's National Conference sessions will begin with the group chat at 9am PST/12pm EST/1pm Atlantic followed by SPIN highlights, then Danielle Rice at 10am PST/1pm EST/2pm Atlantic.

Jason Doucette, President of Scleroderma Canada, kicked off the National Conference with a warm welcome to guests. Watch his greeting here. And if you're attending today's virtual conference, we'll see you 9:30am PST / 12:30pm EST / 1:30pm Atlantic.

Thank you to Deputy Premier, Minister of Health Christine Elliott for providing opening comments and welcoming guests to the 2020 National Scleroderma Conference. Please watch her opening remarks below.

October is here scleroderma warriors. How do you keep warm when chilly fall weather arrives? Mitts? Lots of layers? Hot drinks? Or something else?

For those who have signed up for the virtual conference, check your email. You will be receiving your conference link shortly so be sure to watch for this important link.

Are you a caregiver? PhD candidate Danielle Rice will discuss her research and present on the support services that are potentially useful for caregivers. Don't miss her session, "Caring For Loved Ones" at the National Scleroderma Conference, Oct. 5-9. Register at www.sclerodermaconference.ca

Are digital ulcers a major cause of concern for you? Don't miss Rheumatologist and Internist Dr. Kazem's session on ulcer management at the 2020 National Scleroderma Conference. Participate in as much or as little as you'd like, all from the comfort of your own home, October 5-9. Sign up: www.sclerodermaconference.ca

Only 1 week left till the 2020 National Scleroderma Conference! Will we see you, virtually? You don’t want to miss the opening welcome addresses by our special guests! 5 days of expert discussions followed by Q&A sessions. Register today: www.sclerodermaconference.ca