Volume 3    Getting a Grip on Scleroderma (1996)     revised 2000

Hand Involvement:  Occupational Therapist Jeannie Melvin discuses methods to both avoid loss of hand function as well as regaining lost function, surgeon Neil Jones discusses surgical options for hands ravaged by the disease.  Sexuality: (originally on Volume 1) is a talk by psychologist and sex therapist, Joshua Golden on Sex function and chronic disease.

Volume 12    The Importance of Proper Nutrition (1998)     D. Smith, RD

Dietary needs specifically relating to Scleroderma patients are discussed by Registered Dietician, Deborah Smith.  This video has been a favorite in our Support Group because it gives patients information they can put to use immediately.

Volume 13   Coping with a Child with a Chronic Illness (1998)      A. Saunders, MD

Family issues and coping with the effects of chronic illness on young patients, families and siblings are discussed in detail

Volume 15    1999 National Conference

Causes, Therapies and Research are explored on this video, with prominent Rheumatologist Drs. Furst & Clements examining known causes and a new treatment option.  As over-production of collagen is one of the basics of Scleroderma, Dr. Gardner discusses laboratory research into collagen production in mice.

Volume 17   CNJ Conference, 1999, Part 1

Pediatric Rheumatologist Thomas Lehman discusses the effects of this disease on children and teenagers, reviews treatment options, past, present and future.  Podiatrist Steven Dribbon hosts an interactive Question and Answer session relating primarily to Raynauds Phenomenon in the foot.

Volume 18     CNJ Conference, 1999, Part 2

30 year survivor Kathy Hartig was able to balance a busy career and raise a family while dealing with systemic Scleroderma.  A surgical nurse at a busy hospital, Kathy provides some relevant insights into health care and being a patient.  Dennis West, Professor of Dermatology at Northwestern University gives a comprehensive look at Drug Interactions, looking specifically at medications widely prescribed for Scleroderma patients.  Dr. West also provided sources of information patients can refer to be aware of potentially harmful interactions.  A very valuable session.  

A comprehensive look at SD and the treatment approaches that have been tried, as well as new possibilities on the horizon by Dr. Carol Black (UK), the genetics of Scleroderma examined by researcher Carol Feghali, (University of Pittsburgh)

Volume 20   Tri-state Conference, Feb 2000

A joint presentation with the Raynauds Association, Dr. Wigley (Johns Hopkins Medical School) discusses causes and treatments of Raynauds, an widespread symptom of Scleroderma.  Dr. Wigley's presentation was the subject of an article in the Scleroderma Foundation publication, "Newsline"  in June 2000.  The Chinese art of Tai Chi as a means of dealing with Raynauds Phenomenon is demonstrated by instructor James Weston, himself a Juvenile Arthritis patient.  

Volume 21   Tri-state Conference, May 2000

A noted physician, lecturer and author (The Scleroderma Book, Oxford University Press, 1999), Dr Mayes described and discussed the significance and pitfalls of clinical trials in evaluating potential therapies for Scleroderma.  Psychologist Robert Phillips discusses dealing with the stress of chronic illness in a very upbeat, interactive session.

Volume 22   Tri-state Conference, Nov. 2000

Dr. Jimenez discuses what he refers to as the "crucial"  element of Scleroderma,  Dr. Oliver relates the results of recent clinical trials on Thalidomide, a controversial drug for which birth defects were attributed to in the 1950s.  Moderator, Harry Speira, MD discuses Halofuginone as a potential therapy  presently under review in Israel.

Volume 23   CNJ Conference, Nov. 2000

Pediatric Cardiologist Robyn Barst discuses prostacyclin and other treatment options for pulmonary hypertension, Dr. Wigley on the drug Cyclophosphamide, and Dr. Seibold on treatments and clinical trials, specifically the recently concluded Relaxin trials.