Scleroderma Stories: Trish Rainbow-Noack

Trish Rainbow-Noack from New South Wales, Australia, first noticed something was wrong when chunks of skin began peeling off the back of her hands. After visiting her doctor, she was told she had lupus. Other symptoms swiftly followed, including chronic fatigue, the inability to walk far, not being able to raise her hands to wash her hair, and ulcers on her fingers. It was only then that her diagnosis was changed to scleroderma, an autoimmune disease neither she nor her doctor were aware of.

MORE: Three types of stem cells that could be used to treat scleroderma.

According to a report on abc.net.au, the 57-year-old’s symptoms have become so bad that doctors have told her that without treatment she only has three to five years to live. There is a renewed sense of hope though, as Trish is about to begin stem cell therapy at St.Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney.

Her family has been incredibly supportive and recently embarked on a 500,000-step trek to raise money for scleroderma research. So far the family has raised AUS $12,000 for Scleroderma Australia.

MORE: Australian family take 500,000 step trek for scleroderma

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.