| eNews: May Edition |
News & Updates
Dr. Harry C. "Hal" Dietz Joins the SRF's Scientific Advisory Board
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Harry C. "Hal" Dietz to the SRF Scientific Advisory Board, where he will join some of the most highly regarded scientists in the nation in identifying the most promising research aimed at understanding and treating scleroderma.

Dr. Dietz is the Victor A. McKusick Professor of Pediatrics, Medicine and Genetics in the Institute of Genetic Medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
What Would You Like to Hear About?
At the SRF, we're focused on advancing scleroderma research, education and awareness, but we can’t do that without you. We’re planning our future communications calendar which includes webinars, awareness campaigns, social media content, and more.

To ensure that the content is meaningful to you, we'd like your input about what you're most interested in learning and sharing. What questions do you have about scleroderma, research, study participation, and fundraising? What do you wish more people knew about this disease? Reach out to Gloria Blecha, Director of Community Engagement, at gloria@sclerodermaresearch.org or by phone at 1.800.841.CURE.
Research
23andMe Systemic Sclerosis Research Study
We’re excited to share the news of the SRF's collaboration with 23andMe and their efforts to help make an impact in the lives of people with systemic sclerosis. 23andMe is conducting a study for people who have been diagnosed with systemic sclerosis by a physician. Participation is free and online on 23andMe's website. 
 
New Study Reveals Potential for Healing Wounds Without Scars
"Scientists have identified a mechanism of scar formation in the skin, and demonstrated in mouse models a way to heal wounds to create normal skin instead of scar tissue, a study revealed. Their work could have implications for treating people with scleroderma. Modulating—or modifying the activity—of a gene called engrailed-1 may prevent tissue scarring." - Scleroderma News

SRF-funded researcher Dr. Gerlinde Wernig is one of the authors on the paper.
Making a Difference
Join the SRF's Cure Crew
The SRF’s Cure Crew members have always been an important voice for scleroderma awareness and have raised substantial funds for the SRF's research, even during the pandemic.

We celebrate and recognize members from around the world that have united with a shared belief in the power of research to help people living with scleroderma live longer, fuller lives and lead us closer to a cure.

We are so excited to relaunch the Cure Crew with new recognition, benefits, and ways to participate. Visit the SRF Cure Crew webpage to learn more and tell us how you will be a partner.

(Pictured: Cure Crew Member Shauna McCormack from Ireland who raised funds for research in memory of her aunt via a Facebook Fundraiser)
Community Spotlight
Living with Scleroderma: Anne Terrell
Anne Terrell is a mother of two who loves, “music, nature, dogs, and spending time with friends and family.” She also lives with scleroderma. Diagnosed in 1999 at age 30, after experiencing Raynaud’s symptoms and skin hardening, she remembers how “shocking and distressing” this news was. Her husband Eric speaks to how, despite these difficulties, "she doesn't let scleroderma totally control her life."

Read more about Anne Terrell and how scleroderma has impacted her life.
P.S. Stay tuned for our 2021 Research Challenge on June 15th; you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about SRF-funded research and how you can double the impact of your support.