- Categories:
- Health
- Tags:
- AwarenessDiseasesEducational
- Where:
- United Kingdom
- Date change rule:
- Week of June 12
- Holiday emoji:
- 💜
Scleroderma Awareness Week shines a light on a rare autoimmune disease that hardens skin and internal organs, observed annually during the week of June 12. Join advocates, patients, and medical professionals to raise vital awareness and fund critical research. Educate yourself on the symptoms, support affected individuals, and contribute to finding a cure.
Want to sponsor Scleroderma Awareness Week? Learn how
Expected Scleroderma Awareness Week Deals
Scleroderma Awareness Week focuses on advocacy and fundraising rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the Scleroderma Foundation and the Scleroderma Research Foundation (SRF) lead campaigns for donations, often partnering with corporate sponsors for matching gift programs. Many pharmaceutical companies like Boehringer Ingelheim and Genentech, involved in developing treatments, may highlight their support for patient education and research during this week. Look for local community events, charity runs, and online fundraisers hosted by patient advocacy groups. We will update this page with confirmed live events and fundraising initiatives as June approaches, encouraging direct contributions to these vital organizations.
Platform Guide for Scleroderma Awareness Week
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #SclerodermaAwareness. Share personal stories, educational infographics, and calls to action to spread awareness.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #SclerodermaAwarenessWeek. Amplify research updates, patient testimonials, and advocacy efforts with concise, impactful posts.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #Scleroderma. Join community groups, share fundraising links, and host live Q&A sessions with medical experts.
Scleroderma Awareness Week Hero
Sharon Monsky
History of Scleroderma Awareness Week
Scleroderma is a disease that causes the skin and, in certain circumstances, organs in the body to harden. Scleroderma is a disease with a lengthy history, even though the medical word for it was only coined in the early 19th century. Its symptoms have been documented as far back as 400 B.C. In the mid-1700s, an Italian doctor named Carlo Curzio published the first complete description of the condition. His patient was reported as having hard, wood-like skin. That patient was admitted to the hospital under Curzio’s care, with symptoms including skin stiffness in multiple locations, tightness around the lips, as well as stiffness in the neck.
Giovambattista Fantonetti was the first to use the term ‘scleroderma’ in 1836. He characterized one of his patients as having dark, leathered skin that was constricting and causing problems with joint movement. Systemic scleroderma affects about three out of every 100,000 people each year, mostly middle-aged persons.
Scleroderma is now a rather uncommon condition. While the prevalence of the disease varies around the world, we do know that women are more likely than men to be impacted. Statistics show that the number of persons affected with scleroderma has increased over the last 50 years, although it’s unclear whether this is due to the actual prevalence of the disease or increased knowledge of the ailment.
Scleroderma Awareness Week timeline
An Italian doctor named Carlo Curzio publishes the first complete description of the condition of scleroderma.
Giovambattista Fantonetti is the first to use the term ‘scleroderma.’
The first conclusive instance of scleroderma is reported.
Several cases are reported by this time and articles on the disease are written.
Sir William Osler describes scleroderma while working at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Scleroderma Awareness Week
Local businesses can play a crucial role in supporting Scleroderma Awareness Week by hosting fundraising events or dedicating a portion of sales to scleroderma research organizations. Consider displaying educational materials about the disease to inform customers and staff. Partner with local patient advocacy groups to amplify their message through your social media channels or in-store promotions. Offering a ’round-up at the register’ option for donations can also provide an accessible way for customers to contribute to the cause.
Scleroderma Awareness Week FAQs
When is Scleroderma Awareness Week?
Scleroderma Awareness Week 2026 runs from Sunday, June 7, through Saturday, June 13. This annual observance aims to educate the public about this rare autoimmune disease.
How many people are affected by scleroderma?
Scleroderma is considered a rare disease, affecting approximately 300,000 people in the United States. Systemic scleroderma, the more severe form, impacts about 75,000 to 100,000 individuals.
What are the main types of scleroderma?
Scleroderma primarily presents in two forms: localized and systemic. Localized scleroderma affects only the skin and sometimes underlying tissues, while systemic scleroderma impacts skin, blood vessels, and internal organs.
Is scleroderma an autoimmune disease?
Yes, scleroderma is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. This leads to an overproduction of collagen, causing hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues.
How to Observe Scleroderma Awareness Week
Make donations
Participate in the observation and contribute to making a difference. Donate to the Scleroderma Unit to help finance medical research. You can also search for organizations and learn about fundraising participation.
Use social media to raise awareness
Scleroderma posters, brief video clips, and images conveying facts and information about scleroderma can all be shared on social media. Use hashtags that are appropriate for the occasion.
Educate yourself and your family
You must be aware to spread awareness. Use this opportunity to learn about scleroderma, its signs and symptoms, treatment options, and any other pertinent information you may uncover. You may also send links to your family and friends.
5 Sobering Facts About Scleroderma
Millions are affected
Scleroderma is a disease that affects 2.5 million people around the world.
The population affected in the U.S.
Scleroderma affects roughly 75,000 to 100,000 persons in the United States.
Symptoms differ within age groups
Scleroderma affects youngsters differently than it does adults.
It be difficult to diagnose
Scleroderma can be difficult to detect with the naked eye.
Raynaud's phenomenon affects scleroderma patients
Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes the blood vessels in the hands and feet to constrict in cold temperatures, producing pain and discoloration, affects 90% of scleroderma patients.
Why Scleroderma Awareness Week is Important
It creates a link to resources
Scleroderma affects each patient differently. With fundraisers, support groups, internet educational tools, medical information, and more, Scleroderma Awareness Week provides a way to help those living with this chronic illness and their families every step of the way. It establishes a link between the community and life-saving resources
It spreads awareness
Scleroderma is a significant autoimmune illness that lasts a long time. Unfortunately, in the United States, not enough people are aware of its debilitating and devastating effects. Scleroderma Awareness Week raises awareness of a rare disease that affects one out of every 4,000 adults.
It improves the quality of life
Scleroderma awareness can improve the quality of life of those who suffer from the disorder. Early recognition and diagnosis can benefit scleroderma patients and help them in the long run.
Scleroderma Awareness Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | June 7–13 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2027 | June 6–12 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2028 | June 11–17 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2029 | June 10–16 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2030 | June 9–15 | Sunday–Saturday |
Social Media Tips for Scleroderma Awareness Week
Individuals
Creators
Brands