We have been extremely lucky with summer this year, it has been long and very warm and I’m sure it has given us all some relief in one way or another, but one of our biggest hurdles has been to keep cool, but not to get cold in the process. The society is coming together quite well, our booklets will be printed and posted to all rheumatology services and GPs who are keen to learn some practical and basic knowledge of Scleroderma. We’ll send the hospital check-list to those of you who want it with the help of an NZ
Read More
There and back again – Adrienne’s trip
It’s northern November, it’s getting cold and days are shortening. The news talks of terrorist attacks in Paris. Europe’s railway stations and border crossings are crowded with refugees. Who would want to go to Europe at this time of year. Well I did – and I went. As part of my bucket list I wanted to do the Christmas Markets that are held throughout Europe in November and December. I’d combine it with a cruise along one of the major rivers. The desire culminated in four kiwis and three Americans joining the last Christmas Market cruise on the Danube for
Read More
President’s Report
We have some exciting news for December: Kim Tocker, one of our members in Christchurch joined with Arthritis New Zealand to hold her second meeting in Christchurch. Jan Ipenburg, a specialist Rheumatology Nurse from Christchurch Hospital, gave a talk about scleroderma, in general terms. She included a question and answer session. Well done Kim. This is a big effort and I know that your work is very much appreciated by all who have attended. Patients who belong to support groups and who take the time to attend support group meetings cope and feel better within themselves. I have included some
Read More
Waikato has staged another successful scleroderma seminar
Attendees came from Kaitaia, Auckland, Rotorua, Matamata, Tokoroa, Whangamata and there was a good turnout from Hamilton. Many had not attended a seminar before and had just been diagnosed. As we had become incorporated I was able to raise funds to cover the seminar costs involved. I thought the day went very well, I had family and friends doing the catering and there was plenty to eat. There were excellent speakers: registrar, podiatrist, occupational therapist optometrist and a respiratory physician. We also watched the DVD Documentary “Beneath the Surface”. With the help of social media outlets Christy Caffrey connects to
Read More
President’s Report
It has been a busy year, and now Spring is just around the corner which is a big relief to us all. Our Society is coming along nicely; we are now a registered Charity along with our incorporated status and a bank account, so we are now fully operational. On the 1st of August Scleroderma NZ was very busy with both a seminar held in Hamilton organised by Linda Bell, with a very interesting programme and the Wellington group held their normal August meeting with a very interesting Speaker Amanda Johnston from working Hands, a great turn out all round.
Read More
World Scleroderma Day Art Event
Our World Scleroderma Day event gained positive coverage in the local Hutt community paper, The Hutt News on 17 June. Members have been busy setting up at Odlins Gallery to show off their art and craft talents. We hope it may attract interest from someone looking to the group for support. This is the Hutt News’ report. The beauty of glass and crystal bead jewellery, paintings, quilts and crochet work in a Lower Hutt exhibition will be a contrast to the harshness of a disease suffered by their makers. A team of budding artists from Scleroderma NZ and Friends are
Read More
President’s Report
Greetings to you all. We have had a busy year so far with Scleroderma New Zealand becoming incorporated in February. Now, we have our structure in place.
Read More
Southland Scleroderma get-together
You don’t want half the population to suffer scleroderma just so you can hold bigger get-togethers but in Southland, Heather Milligan says a small group has grown into a slightly larger group that meets for support regularly.
Read More
US Scleroderma Foundation Annual Conference 2014
Conference proceedings The Foundation has disabled embedding on its YouTube proceedings. Use the link to view the videos individually on YouTube.
Read More
Point Howard to bus barn challenge
Dianne’s big adventure You might have heard of the Mt Lowry Challenge on the Eastbourne hills on the east side of Wellington harbour. My husband Gordon and I invented our own version: “The Bus Barn Challenge,“ traversing the Eastbourne ridge to the big bus parking shed. We set out on a Sunday a couple of weeks ago. It was a toasty 25 degrees so I took plenty of extra clothes in case I got a little damp with the climb up Lowry.
Read More