Welcome to Scleroderma Manitoba
Whether you are newly diagnosed, or have been living with scleroderma for some time, whether 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.
*New information about COVID-19 vaccination for scleroderma patients
Support
Scleroderma Manitoba hosts support groups for scleroderma patients, their families and their supporters.
We are now holding online support groups due to Covid-19.
To learn more, click here.
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).
This disease 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. Read more
Discover the stories of people with the disease.
