Scleroderma Australia

Scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis, is a chronic connective tissue disease generally classified as one of the autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

The cause of scleroderma is unknown.

Scleroderma affects both sexes, with a female to male ratio of between three and four to one. It can occur at any age although the peak incidence is 40-60 years.

There are estimated to be over 5,000 persons with scleroderma in Australia.

Scleroderma Australia is the national association for people with scleroderma, their families and friends. It was formed by joining together existing state organisations who shared a vision for elevating the cause of scleroderma sufferers in Australia - "together we are stronger." Scleroderma Australia is not-for-profit and funded by member states, individual and corporate donations.

Scleroderma Australia exists to:

• promote scleroderma awareness on a National basis
• disseminate information about scleroderma
• fund and coordinate scleroderma research on a National basis
• advocate for improved and ongoing support for scleroderma patients

Scleroderma Australia provides:

• Educational seminars and information for patients
• State-based support groups
• Support for scleroderma research
• Website with news and information
• Centralised message bank, 02 9990 5159 (Calls usually returned within 24 hours)
• Annual National awareness campaign

Scleroderma Australia attends national and international conferences and is networked to other international scleroderma associations.

To raise awareness about the condition, Scleroderma Australia has adopted the sunflower as the national icon. The sunflower is symbolic, as, like the sunflower which turns towards the sun for warmth, people with scleroderma are usually more comfortable in warmer weather.