6 Ways Bob Saget Has Been Helping the Scleroderma Cause

Bob Saget is a television host, actor and comedian. He is also a very vocal advocate for scleroderma.

Saget’s involvement with the scleroderma community began in 1989 when he met Sharon Monsky, the founder of the Scleroderma Research Foundation. Back then the foundation was in its infancy and Monsky asked Saget if he would host a comedy event called “Cool Comedy – Hot Cuisine” to raise awareness and funds for the foundation. Despite knowing very little about the disease, he agreed.

MORE: How Bob Saget became involved with scleroderma

In a strange twist of fate, Saget became even more familiar with the autoimmune disease in 1992, when his 44-year-old sister, Gay Saget, was diagnosed with scleroderma. Sadly, Gay passed away from complications of the disease just two years later.

To honor his sister’s memory, Saget has continued his involvement in the community, contributing in many ways. Below, we’ve listed just a few of the things he’s done.

“Cool Comedy – Hot Cuisine” Fundraiser
The “Cool Comedy – Hot Cuisine” has become an annual event, with Saget hosting each year. The event now features other top comedians, along with actors, musicians and celebrity chefs. This year’s event paid tribute to Saget’s contribution to the organization over the years and raised $1.5 million for the Scleroderma Research Foundation.

MORE: Bob Saget’s ‘Cool Comedy – Hot Cuisine’ scleroderma fundraiser a great success

Board of Directors for the Scleroderma Research Foundation
The Scleroderma Research Foundation celebrated its 30th anniversary this year and over the years the organization has raised a staggering $40 million. Saget joined the board of directions in 2002.

Project Scleroderma: Beneath the Surface
Project Scleroderma: Beneath the Surface is a documentary created and directed by Christy McCaffrey and features commentary from Bob Saget. McCaffrey decided to make the documentary following the death of her mother from the disease. The film gave people around the U.S. who had scleroderma a platform to talk about how the disease affects their lives.

MORE: Saget meets the Project Scleroderma team

“For Hope” Movie
In 1996, Saget wrote, produced and directed the TV movie “For Hope” which chronicles the story of his sister Gay’s struggle with the disease.

MORE: “For Hope” the 1996 TV movie about living with scleroderma 

Patient to Patient Experience Symposium
Saget helped to launched the Scleroderma Research Foundation’s Patient to Patient Experience Symposium where those living with the condition were given the chance to explain to fellow patients and medical professionals how scleroderma affects their daily lives and ways they deal with the symptoms.

MORE: Bob Saget explains the Patient to Patient Experience Symposium

PHAware Podcast
Scleroderma is a disease that can affect any of the organs in the body and one of the common complications of the disease is that many patients go on to develop pulmonary hypertension. Bob Saget lends his support to the PHAware campaign by recording a podcast.

MORE: PHAware podcast with Bob Saget 

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 other 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.