NEWS

SPIN Progress Report

The Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) has released their Progress Report. Read more about SPIN here.

Join us!

The Scleroderma Manitoba Board of Directors currently has four vacancies to fill: Vice President, Secretary and two volunteers with a background in education, communications or fundraising to join as members-at-large.

If this sounds like you, or you’d like more information, email us at sclerodermamb@gmail.com or call 204 510-2855.

Scleroderma Manitoba’s Support Group is there for you.

Scleroderma Manitoba hosts support groups for scleroderma patients, their families, and their supporters.

We are holding online support groups due to Covid-19.

The 2023 meeting dates 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.

Click here for information about COVID-19 vaccination for scleroderma patients.

The Bulletin

The Fall-Winter 2022 edition of The Bulletin has arrived. Click here for details.

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.