New research webinar available
A message from the University of Cambridge Long-term Conditions Research Group:
Thank you to everyone who … attended the Long-Term Conditions Group’s research webinar last month.
This webinar covered findings from our studies exploring patients’ diagnostic journeys, patient-clinician communication, the impact of autoimmune diseases on patient lives, patient experiences of adapting to life with their disease, mental health, inequalities in care and menopause.
I am happy to share the recording of this webinar.
And the winner is…!
Scleroderma Manitoba’s first 50/50 Draw winner is
Blaine Benko!
Thanks to our community, the total raised was
$2,330!
The Draw was held on June 29th,
World Scleroderma Day.
Upcoming events
Annual General Meeting and Education Event
Date: September 27th, 2025
Location: Tamarack Room of the Qualico Family Centre, Assiniboine Park [next to the Duck pond and across from the English Garden] in Winnipeg
Our Education Event will feature exciting presentations by Dr. Shane Cameron, “Understanding current and upcoming treatments of scleroderma” and Dr. Anastasiya Muntyanu, “Systemic Sclerosis: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management.
Our AGM will present our Annual Report and elect new Board members.
If you or someone you know would be interested we will have the following positions to fill: Vice President; Secretary; Member at Large Support Group; and Member at Large Communications.
Support Group Meeting
Date: November 22nd, 2025 [on Zoom}
Visit the Support Group page for more information.
A new educational sheet is available on Oral Health and Scleroderma.
The Bulletin
The Spring/Summer 2025 Bulletin has arrived!
Download or read this latest edition of The Bulletin here, for the latest in news and information about living with scleroderma.
Visit The Bulletin page for past editions.
Consider getting involved!
Participating as a Director on the Scleroderma Manitoba Board is a great way to meet others in the community, learn more about scleroderma and help to continue to provide support to the scleroderma community in Manitoba to make it even stronger.
We are seeking volunteers to fill the vacant board positions of Vice President and Communications Coordinator.
Interested? Have questions? Email sclerodermamb@gmail.com.
Resources to check out
ScleroCare “started as a student project, driven by passion and a commitment to improving care for those with scleroderma. With support from the Scleroderma Society of Ontario, it evolved into a platform offering tailored resources and community support.”
“At ScleroCare, we’re devoted to empowering those with scleroderma by fostering connections, and providing accessible, community-driven resources for support.”
The innoviCares card is a free prescription savings card available to all Canadian residents, and is funded by participating pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Videos available
There are several videos available on topics related to living with scleroderma on our Videos page.
Participate in SPIN-SELF
Enrollment is now open for SPIN’s scleroderma self-management program. SPIN-SELF is a program designed to provide knowledge and skills for managing physical, emotional and social consequenses of scleroderma.
Participants get access to 9 self-management modules and receive $100.
Fiches éducatives maintenant disponibles en français | Educational sheets now also available in French
Nous continuons d’ajouter de nouvelles fiches d’information sur la vie avec la sclérodermie, et Sclérodermie Québec nous a fourni aussi des versions françaises.
Accédez aux versions françaises ici.
We continue to add new information sheets related to living with scleroderma, and now Scleroderma Quebec has provided us with French versions as well.
Access the English versions here.
SclerodermaNews.com
Scleroderma News is “The Web’s Daily Resource for Scleroderma News.”
It’s a good site to bookmark for the latest in research and information about scleroderma.
Scleroderma Manitoba’s Support Group is there for you.
Scleroderma Manitoba hosts support groups for scleroderma patients, their families, and their supporters.
Upcoming meeting dates and details as well as summaries and resources from past meetings are available here.
Scleroderma Manitoba Research Grants
Information and applications for Research and Professional Development grants are available here.
Welcome to Scleroderma Manitoba
Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been living with scleroderma for some time, or if your spouse or partner, child, parent, or family member has been diagnosed with scleroderma, or if your friend, co-worker, or employee has scleroderma, YOU are a part of the scleroderma community in Manitoba.
This site is here to help you find support and to learn more about scleroderma, current research, advocacy and ways to volunteer.
Information about COVID-19 vaccination for scleroderma patients.
About Scleroderma Manitoba
Read more about Scleroderma Manitoba and its Mission here.
Research
Find the latest information on scleroderma research here.
Get involved
Check out volunteer opportunities and ways to donate.
What is Scleroderma?
Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis or SSc) is a largely misunderstood chronic disease affecting about approximately 22,000 Canadian and five to six times more women than men are affected by this disease.
Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease, a condition in which a person’s immune system turns against itself by producing antibodies that attack its own tissues (i.e. autoantibodies).
The word “scleroderma” is derived from the Greek words “skleros” (hard) and “derma” (skin) and is characterized by progressive skin hardening.
Scleroderma is characterized by an overproduction of collagen and damage to the blood vessels that causes excessive scarring within the various organs. This imbalance leads to a hardening of the skin (fibrosis) and an alteration of the affected organs.
Moreover, in most cases scleroderma limits the motor skills and dexterity of those affected and causes great physical and psychological suffering since it produces disfiguring appearance-related changes. Learn more.
