We provide inspiration, build relationships, and empower Warriors.
The Scleroderma Warriors Project is a program which connects those in need of support and direction with other warriors who are experiencing or have experienced a similar journey.
Scleroderma Warrior Totems
Our community empowers Warriors
The Warrior
The Warrior is created by the adversity they’ve faced. Their strength and virtue come from those around them; those who have shown them the way. The animal totems of Scleroderma Warriors are here to surround, guide and equip you for the journey ahead. While you may not yet see yourself as a warrior, you will find your strength, and we will be here for you.
Family, Friends and Advocates
FOX:
Represents the coming of love and wisdom. There is never a rush to learn or make hasty decisions. The fox’s instincts are sharp and represent learning.
Information and Wellness
BEAR:
Represents introspection, strength, spiritual journey and the strength and confidence to stand against adversity. The bear stands beside you and gives you the strength to fight.
News and Community
RED CARDINAL:
The red cardinal represents a unique and distinctive voice, his song, easily heard. Cardinals symbolizes self-awareness; listening to your inner voice, recognizing your power and experiencing the lasting joy of life and the wisdom it creates.
Grant Program
OWL:
Represents the deep connection to wisdom, good judgment, and knowledge. The owl is known for sharp vision, keen observations and to possess insight and intuition. See beyond the superficial.
Represents the deep connection to wisdom, good judgment, and knowledge. The owl is known for sharp vision, keen observations and to possess insight and intuition. See beyond the superficial.
Donations and Sponsorship
DEER:
Represents peace and serenity as it poses no threat when you see it. The deer is beguiling and symbolizes understanding, kindness, gratefulness, benevolence and charity.
Represents peace and serenity as it poses no threat when you see it. The deer is beguiling and symbolizes understanding, kindness, gratefulness, benevolence and charity.
Scleroderma Warriors Mission
It is the mission and purpose of Scleroderma Warriors to educate the public on Scleroderma, establish mentorship relationships between Scleroderma patients, their friends and their families. Promoting secondary education through grant offerings to children and grandchildren of those afflicted is a way for us to establish hope; hope that the next generation will not forget our pain. The cure is in the hands of our next generation.
How it started
During the summer of 2019 I was diagnosed with Diffuse Systemic Scleroderma… I had never heard of the disease, in fact, I couldn’t even pronounce it.
The first few months were both mentally and physically debilitating. Visits to medical specialists were nearly everyday events: Rheumatologists, Dermatologists, Cardiologists, Gastrologists, Neurologists, Pulmonologists, if the title ends in ‘logists’ chances are I’ve met with one.
Off the top of my head I can name at least a dozen people I could call for support and guidance if my diagnosis were cancer or diabetes, but Scleroderma, not one. As with other rare diseases, Scleroderma is a lonely one to live with, it was that feeling of isolation that encouraged me to build this community.
The effects of this disease don’t end with the Warrior: the effects extend to family, friends, caregivers, and others. This notion encouraged me to build onto this idea by matching those who love and care for us with mentors who are or who have experienced similar journeys.
Together we’ll beat this,
–Melanie
