Spotlighting ‘Beacons of Hope’ for this year’s Scleroderma Awareness Month
Foundation also encouraging community to take part in #TealTalk series
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June is Scleroderma Awareness Month, culminating on the 29th with World Scleroderma Day, and is a time, advocates say, to educate others about the autoimmune disease and “find optimism in the latest research that promises better tomorrows.”
That’s the message from the National Scleroderma Foundation as the nonprofit announces this year’s theme: “Beacons of Hope.” The awareness month campaign aims to show how hope grows stronger when people come together, and to celebrate moments — from scientific advances to community support and personal victories — in which hope has transformed lives.
“This theme reflects the guiding light that each of us can be for one another – illuminating paths through challenges, celebrating resilience, and inspiring strength within our community,” the webpage states.
The foundation is encouraging people to share their stories and efforts to inspire hope in their scleroderma communities. Participants are asked to include any resources and support groups of use. Photos and videos are welcome.
It is also hosting its #TealTalk series, which brings the community together for live conversations about the future of research, updates on juvenile scleroderma, a book club, and a World Scleroderma Day Get Together talk that’s scheduled for June 29. Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma walks will also take place at several local chapters across the U.S.
Community members may also contribute by joining efforts to light up buildings and landmarks teal, the color used to raise awareness of scleroderma, and help secure proclamations from local officials in their state or communities.
“Proclamations are a great way to educate the public about a specific issue and bring attention to a cause,” the foundation stated.
Events on tap on both sides of Atlantic Ocean
A toolkit of social media resources is available to help create impact. The #BeaconsofHope hashtag will help connect communities across the country.
“We invite you to join us in making 2026 a year filled with light, courage, and unwavering hope. Let’s celebrate the resilience within our community and continue to shine for those who need it most,” the foundation stated. “Together, we can light the path to a better tomorrow.”
In Canada, the Scleroderma Association of British Columbia leads a series of community events, fundraising campaigns, and awareness activities to support patients and families and fund research. These include Moving to Cure Scleroderma, a virtual campaign that encourages people to walk or move any way they like, alone or as a team, to raise awareness and funds for scleroderma research.
“Together, we’re turning movement into momentum; bringing visibility, connection, and hope to those affected by scleroderma,” the organization stated.
It will also host a live music fundraiser on June 6, the Scleroderma Ride for Research on June 21, and a virtual chair-based class of Daily Mobility Yoga, designed to support flexibility, circulation, and comfort, on World Scleroderma Day.
In Europe, the Federation of European Scleroderma Associations (FESCA) promotes World Scleroderma Day, marked in honor of the Swiss artist Paul Klee, who lived with scleroderma and died on June 29, 1940.
Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK is asking people to share #SayScleroderma, a short film featuring the struggles, hopes, and strengths of people living with scleroderma. The organization also encourages people to share their stories as a source of inspiration and hope for others, and to make donations.
In Australia, winter weather settling in during awareness month
Elsewhere, Scleroderma Australia is hosting the Snuggle Up for Scleroderma campaign on World Scleroderma Day to help fund specialist nursing care.
“June is World Scleroderma Awareness Month, and as the colder weather sets in, staying warm and cosy becomes more than just a comfort — it’s essential for many people living with scleroderma,” the event webpage states. “For those experiencing Raynaud’s phenomenon (a common symptom of scleroderma), the cold can be painful and difficult to manage, often making it hard to get out and take part in [regular] activities. That’s why this campaign is all about embracing warmth, staying in, and finding simple ways to connect and give back.”
