Introducing Our Fantastic ‘Scleroderma News’ Columnists

Here at Scleroderma News, we try to bring all the latest research and treatment news to our readers, but we also try to highlight what life is like for those who live with the disease. Among our great team of writers is a team of columnists who share their personal experiences with the world.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank them for their contributions and valuable insight, which often offers a different perspective on the disease.

Lisa Goodman-Helfand
Lisa Goodman-Helfand was diagnosed with scleroderma at the age of 10, and now lives in Chicago with her husband and two children. After teaching for 20 years, she is now a professional speaker, writer, reading specialist, and patient advocate. Her column Comfortable in My Thick Skin covers various aspects of living with scleroderma including what the disease has taught her children, dealing with insensitive remarks from others, and how frustrating it is to wear orthopedic shoes.

Read Lisa’s latest column: Health Insurance: A Right or a Privilege? 

Kim Tocker
Kim Tocker lives in Christchurch, New Zealand with husband Max and her two children. She was diagnosed with limited systemic scleroderma four years ago. In her column Scleroderma and the Ordinary Girl, she tackles subjects such as dealing with the chronic pain and fatigue associated with the disease, unhelpful and unsolicited advice, and the soothing effects of crochet.

Read Kim’s latest column: Committing to Scleroderma to Take Back My Power

Nicola Whitehill
Nicola Whitehill from Southport, England, was diagnosed with diffuse systemic scleroderma in 1997 at the age of 24 and was told that she only had 15 months to live. Seven years later she qualified as a barrister, proving everyone wrong. Today Nicola is a scleroderma advocate and advisor to the British National Health Service and the European Medicines Agency and European Rare Diseases Organisation. Her column Living the Dream, focuses on how scleroderma and Raynaud’s affect the lives of those who suffer from them.

Read Nicola’s latest column: June is Scleroderma Awareness Month

Jessica Massengale
Our newest column writer is Jessica Massengale. The 29-year-old was diagnosed with scleroderma in 2010 but had been experiencing symptoms for a year before she was diagnosed. However, Jessica hasn’t let scleroderma get in the way of life and she still likes to go out and party with her friends on the weekend. Her column Through Teal Colored Glasses looks at how her life has changed since her diagnosis.

Read Jessica’s latest column: Scleroderma: The Soundtrack of My Life.

Scleroderma News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.