Scleroderma Society of Canada/Canadian Scleroderma Research Group Annual Meeting October 28-29, 2011 in Quebec City

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3rd Annual Community & Patient Fair for Health Professional Education November 2nd, 2011

27th Annual Scleroderma Conference & Annual General Meeting

The SABC hosted 45 attendees at the annual meeting on June 4th at the Delta Town & Country Inn. We were able to welcome visitors from as far afield as Terrace, Nelson and Vancouver Island. The Friday evening social was greatly enjoyed by those in attendance.

Once again Dr. Dhar and Mrs. Dhanda have generously supplemented the annual awards dedicated in memory of Gurmej Dhanda. Dr. Ada Man was chosen by Dr. Kam Shojania, Chief of the Rheumatology Dept. at UBC as a most deserving recipient of the $2000 scholarship. Dr. Dunne's selection for the $5000 research award was presented to the Pacific Lung Health Centre, and accepted by Fran Schooley on behalf of the combined clinics at St. Paul's Hospital. The award will help in the updating of their database, and clinical research will proceed on treatment, outcomes and survival in scleroderma-related lung disease.

The 2011 SSC/Canadian Scleroderma Research Group Conference will take place in Quebec City, October 28-29, 2011 as part of a larger Conference, October 25-30. Details at: www.scleroderma.ca . (This conference may be hosted in BC in 2012. If so, the SABC will participate with its organization.) The 2nd Systemic Sclerosis World Conference will take place in Madrid, Spain, February 2-4, 2012. This exceptional international event aims to update patients and professionals on developments in SSc research, clinical problem solving, young investigator activities and networking between health professionals and patients. Details at: www.aimgroupinternational.com/2012/sclerosiscongress/ Election Notes: For the 2011/2012 term, Board members Yvette Betz, Leta McCallum, Priscilla Stanbury & Vivian Skrepnechuk reluctantly declined nomination. Their past service was acknowledged with warm applause. We thank Bob, Joan, Robyn, Joanne, Elaine, Yvonne, Dianne and Jeannette for continuing to serve, and are delighted to welcome Nadine Morton, Tom Mueller and Melissa Patton to the Board.

An exceptional group of speakers shared their expertise with attendees. Mike Campagne's workshop on Taxation & Disability Benefits was much appreciated. Details on disability tax rules and regulations can be found at www.cra-arc.gc.ca/disability.

Treatment Options for the Hand in Scleroderma, Dr. Thomas Goetz' thorough presentation, was especially relevant to our members suffering from Raynaud's, calcinosis, and digital ulcerations. Early intervention is the key – please see our "Clinic" page for helpful information.

Dr. Allen Lehman is associated with the Arthritis Centre of Canada (info at www.arthritisresearch.ca) which includes scleroderma within its parameters. His topic, Arthritis: A Family Affair struck a chord with those in attendance, as scleroderma almost always impacts family responsibilities and relationships, employment and social activities.

Presenter Linda Schaumleffel touched and inspired everyone with Nick's Story, and the power that a positive frame of mind can have when dealing with adversity.

Please visit our "Worth Reading" page to read the Annual Directors' Report to the AGM.