Columns

I will never forget the day I applied for Social Security Disability Insurance. I remember sitting at my computer, willing myself to fill out the lengthy application. Growing up, it was instilled in me to work hard for what I wanted and never accept a handout.

“It’s time to start a more aggressive scleroderma treatment,” my local rheumatologist says, although I’m not prepared to hear it. She thinks we are losing the battle and need to fight back harder. But just like in the movies when the main character is given bad news, her words…

I lean closer to the mirror and steady my hand as I trace the waterline of my eyes. Then I step back to analyze my work, hoping the makeup has livened my tired face. I feel lost as I try to recognize the woman in the mirror’s reflection. I know…

I have scleroderma. For the most part, I am pretty private about my scleroderma diagnosis — except for the fact that I write a column. Go figure. However, the thought of discussing my diagnosis face to face with others causes me anxiety. I know it sounds strange,…

Back in the late 1980s, I was listening to the iconic female hip-hop group Salt-N-Pepa as I entered my teenage years. Today, their words would be considered mild, but back then, tunes like “Push It” and “Let’s Talk About Sex” were a hot topic in the tabloids. Like most…

She wasn’t my first. That bit of history belonged to Victor. Obsessed at the time with the suave and masterful Victor Newman character from the soap opera “The Young and the Restless,” I cuddled the floppy ball of fur that shared his name. Although he didn’t have any similar traits…

It was a particularly beautiful morning. The hot Florida sun was still low in the sky, and a light breeze kept us comfortable while we watched our youngest daughter play soccer. It was almost perfect. As usual, I was rudely reminded that my broken body needs constant attention. My bladder…

Editor’s note: As the title indicates, this column discusses suicide. Helpful resources can be found at the end of the column if you need support. In June 2011, my father died by suicide. The day I learned about his death was my…

Every year, some of the finest performing artists donate their time and talents to Cool Comedy, Hot Cuisine (CCHC) in support of research programs for the Scleroderma Research Foundation (SRF). The event has featured appearances by Bill Burr, Dave Chappelle, Kelly Clarkson, Jimmy Fallon, Whoopi Goldberg, Regina Hall, Jimmy…

Between dry mouth, gum disease, cavities, and tightening of the mouth, scleroderma can make dental care extra challenging. David M. Leader, DMD, MPH, is an expert on dental health and scleroderma, and a longtime supporter of those with the condition. He is the director of the Emergency Clinic…