National Scleroderma Foundation Southeast Chapter

09/28/2026

If you missed last week's meeting with Dr. Yen Chen on Brain Fog, here are some of the key strategies that she shared with us. "What is the one tool you use that helps you?" 🧠

09/22/2026

💙 Join One or All of This Weeks Scleroderma Community Events

Looking for opportunities to connect, learn, and stay informed? Here are a few upcoming events for our scleroderma community:

🔬 SSc Clinical Trials and BIPOC Communities
Wednesday, September 23 | 2:00 PM ET | Virtual

Join expert guest Dr. Lauren for a discussion about SSc clinical trials and the importance of reaching and including BIPOC communities in scleroderma research.

🔗 Register: bit.ly/BIPOCClinicalTrials

🧠 Understanding Brain Fog
Wednesday, September 23 | 7:00 PM ET | Virtual

Join Dr. Yen Chen, post-doctoral researcher at the University of Michigan Scleroderma Center, for an educational conversation about brain fog, how it can affect everyday life, and what researchers are learning about approaches that may help.

🔗 Register: bit.ly/UnderstandingBrainFog

📍 IN-PERSON SSc SUPPORT GROUP MEETING
Saturday, September 26 | 1:00–3:00 PM
Greensboro, NC

Join Donna Dinkin, Marty Jones, and Kheesa Jones for an opportunity to connect with others living with scleroderma in person.

Interested in attending? Please email Donna at [email protected] for location details and to RSVP.

We hope you’ll join us for one or more of these opportunities to connect, learn, and support one another! 💙

09/21/2026

🧠 THIS WEDNESDAY | September 23 at 7 PM ET

The Florida & Puerto Rico Chapter and The 20%: Men Living with Scleroderma, invite you to join them for a joint meeting featuring Dr. Yen Chen, post-doctoral researcher at the University of Michigan Scleroderma Center.

Dr. Chen will be discussing brain fog, including how it can affect everyday life, what researchers are learning, and approaches that may help. She recently completed a study examining therapies for brain fog, making this a great opportunity to hear directly from her about her work.

💬 20–30 minute presentation followed by Q&A
📅 Wednesday, September 23
⏰ 7 PM ET
💻 Virtual

Haven’t registered yet? Join us!
🔗 bit.ly/UnderstandingBrainFog

We look forward to seeing you Wednesday!

09/01/2026

Be Prepared. Stay Safe. Look Out for One Another.
Preparing for Hurricane Season 2027

As Hurricane Season 2027 approaches, now is a good time to make a plan, gather important supplies, and know where to turn for reliable information before, during, and after a storm.

For people living with scleroderma, preparation can be especially important. Consider planning ahead for medications, medical supplies, oxygen or other medical equipment, power outages, transportation, and access to care.

08/25/2026

Central North Carolina Scleroderma Support Group

Our Central North Carolina Scleroderma Support Group is meeting Thursday, August 27, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM ET.

Come connect with others in the scleroderma community, share experiences, and enjoy an evening of conversation and connection.

This month, the group will also have a little fun with “Three Truths and a Lie” featuring Donna, our support group facilitator. Can you guess which of these was never one of Donna’s hobbies?

• Nunchucks (nunchaku)
• Genealogy
• Watching New England Patriots football games
• Bird watching

Members are also invited to share a photo of a hobby they enjoy. No pressure to participate!

Register here: https://bit.ly/CNCAugust

We hope to see you there!

07/21/2026

🌟 Congratulations to our Southeast Chapter’s very own, 🎉 Mariann Boyanowski 🎉 , on receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s National Scleroderma Foundation Conference in Baltimore, Maryland!

Mariann has been a true scleroderma warrior—not only in navigating her own journey, but in dedicating countless years to improving the lives of others. Through her philanthropy, tireless fundraising efforts, leadership of support groups, organization of walks and awareness events, and her willingness to share her story, she has inspired hope and made a lasting impact on our community.

Whether she’s lending a helping hand, offering encouragement to someone newly diagnosed, or championing the mission of the Scleroderma Foundation, Mariann leads with compassion, strength, and grace.

Mariann, thank you for everything you have done—and continue to do—for the scleroderma community. Your dedication has touched so many lives, and this recognition is so well deserved.

From all of us in the Southeast Chapter, we couldn’t be more proud of you. Congratulations on this incredible and well-earned honor!
🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵

06/18/2026

We’re deeply grateful to Boehringer Ingelheim for their generous sponsorship during Scleroderma Awareness Month!

Their commitment enables us to amplify awareness, strengthen our community, and drive research forward.

Together, we are building momentum toward a brighter future for everyone affected by scleroderma. 💙

06/18/2026

Our Atlanta Walk is just a few days away - have you registered? Go to https://events.scleroderma.org/event/soatlantaga2026

Our Atlanta Walk Is Happening on June 20th! Get your Walkers ready!

05/07/2026

🔗: https://ow.ly/F17R50YV0Un

We’re launching a new support group for a community that’s often overlooked.

Scleroderma and endometriosis can intersect in complex ways, impacting pain, diagnosis, and daily life.

If you’ve been navigating both, this space was created with you in mind!

05/06/2026

Our Atlanta Walk Is Happening on June 20th! Get your Walkers ready!