World Scleroderma Month 2020
Posted on Monday 1 June 2020 Reading time: 2 minutes
Each year, on June 29, the anniversary of the death of Paul Klee — an artist who died from complications of scleroderma — World Scleroderma Day is held. Around the globe, during the month of June and particularly on this day, attention is drawn to scleroderma (systemic sclerosis). Scleroderma Framed dedicates itself during this month to raising awareness of this disease too, which is often still unknown to the general public and can be life-threatening.
This year, the Scleroderma Framed Foundation has been given a special role in the FESCA (Federation of European Scleroderma Associations) campaign, which carries the message: "Our smile is fragile. Protect yourself, to protect us too." The campaign image features six portraits from Scleroderma Framed, taken by photographer Hans-Peter van Velthoven. In the campaign image, shared under the hashtag #sclerosmile, the six Scleroderma Framed models are shown with their fragile smiles.
"The fact that our approach – which focuses on positivity, art and the person living with scleroderma – is being embraced internationally makes me immensely proud; it really moves me." Jessica – founder of Scleroderma Framed
Especially vulnerable due to scleroderma
Scleroderma is a rare, chronic rheumatic condition that involves the hardening of the body's connective tissue. The skin and internal organs become damaged. The consequences can be life-threatening and there is currently no cure for it. However, there are treatments available to limit the damage to the organs. People with scleroderma are especially vulnerable due to their use of immunosuppressive medication or pre-existing lung problems caused by the condition. These factors increase the risk of serious complications if they become infected with the virus. With the COVID-19 pandemic causing widespread damage worldwide, this year's campaign focuses on protecting people with scleroderma.
This year, the Scleroderma Framed Foundation has been given a special role in the FESCA (Federation of European Scleroderma Associations) campaign, which carries the message: "Our smile is fragile. Protect yourself, to protect us too." The campaign image features six portraits from Scleroderma Framed, taken by photographer Hans-Peter van Velthoven. In the campaign image, shared under the hashtag #sclerosmile, the six Scleroderma Framed models are shown with their fragile smiles.
"The fact that our approach – which focuses on positivity, art and the person living with scleroderma – is being embraced internationally makes me immensely proud; it really moves me." Jessica – founder of Scleroderma Framed
Especially vulnerable due to scleroderma
Scleroderma is a rare, chronic rheumatic condition that involves the hardening of the body's connective tissue. The skin and internal organs become damaged. The consequences can be life-threatening and there is currently no cure for it. However, there are treatments available to limit the damage to the organs. People with scleroderma are especially vulnerable due to their use of immunosuppressive medication or pre-existing lung problems caused by the condition. These factors increase the risk of serious complications if they become infected with the virus. With the COVID-19 pandemic causing widespread damage worldwide, this year's campaign focuses on protecting people with scleroderma.
