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Scleroderma Patient
Education Conference

Saturday, May 3, 2025

Oakbrook, IL 

8am - 3:30pm

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About the Conference

You didn’t choose scleroderma, but you do have choices - and you’re not alone. We have experts to guide you, and a community of people to support you so you can make informed decisions and live better. â€‹â€‹

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Hear the latest treatments options

Listen from top experts in the field as they discuss new cutting-edge research. Empower yourself with access to new clinical trials and methodologies to improve your treatment goals and scleroderma journey. 

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Connect to your Community 

Meet and connect with people just like you. Know that you are not alone in this struggle, and there are people willing to guide you along the way. Also, gain access to resources like support groups and community events. 

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Get Answers to Your Questions

Each session will feature interactive Q&A sections, allowing you to engage directly with our experts. You'll also have the opportunity to connect with your peers and seek support from those who have valuable experience to share. We look forward to seeing you there!

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Learn Practical Lifestyle Changes

Learn small everyday activities that can boost your wellness goals and aid in your path toward remission. From diet and nutrition, to mobility exercises, learn how to improve scleroderma symptoms alongside your community.

Topics & Speakers

Scleroderma & Renal Involvement

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Marco Bonilla, MD

Assistant Professor, University of Chicago

Marco Bonilla, MD, is a clinical nephrologist who specializes in onconephrology (also known as diagnosing kidney disease in cancer patients) alongside his work into autoimmune and genetic disorders. His talk will discuss the renal or kidney system in scleroderma. This serious and life-threatening condition is essential knowledge for anyone with systemic or diffuse scleroderma. 

Managing GERD & Esophegeal Dysmotility

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Yalini Vigneswaran, MD

Associate Professor, University of Chicago

Dr Yalini Vigneswaran, MD MPH FACS, is a minimally invasive GI surgeon with clinical expertise in foregut and bariatric surgery.  She is an associate professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Chicago where she leads as the Director of Esophageal Diseases and Program Director for the Advanced GI Surgery Fellowship.  Dr Vigneswaran is recognized nationally and internationally for her innovative work robotic surgery and the surgical treatment of the esophagus.  She has particular interest in the treatment and management of GERD and hiatal hernia disease and has expertise in revisional esophageal and foregut surgery.Her presentation will focus on Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which is a common symptom of systemic sclerosis. 

Scleroderma & the Lungs – ILD Update

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Cathryn Lee, MD

Assistant Professor, University of Chicago

​​Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common complication of scleroderma that leads to inflammation and scarring of the lungs. In this session, we will review the prevalence of scleroderma-associated ILD (SSc-ILD), classic symptoms, and the approach to evaluating patients with suspected disease. In addition, we will cover various treatments available for patients with SSc-ILD. 

Overview of Current Clinical Trials

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Michael Macklin, MD

Assistant Professor, University of Chicago

Director, Systemic Sclerosis program at the University of Chicago 

​Michael Macklin, MD, PharmD is the director of the systemic sclerosis program at the University of Chicago and is an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Chicago in the department of rheumatology. Michael has an interest in scleroderma and rheumatic causes of interstitial lung disease. His presentation will be an update on the current clinical trials active to learn more about scleroderma, its causes and future treatment options. 

Breakout Sessions

The afternoon includes interactive breakout sessions where you can participate in engaging discussions and demonstrations. Choose the topics that matter to you most. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions of our experts and hear from other patients on their experiences

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Yoga for Scleroderma

Cheryl Albright, OTR/L, C-IAYT

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Scleroderma and Hands

Michael Macklin, MD

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Scleroderma and Nutrition

Chef Katie Simmons 

Yoga is for everyone. Make sure to join this interactive session to learn how you can use a yoga routine to nurture your body, ease scleroderma symptoms, and promote a better mental health. 

In this breakout session, learn more about how scleroderma impacts the hands, and activities you can do to reduce negative symptoms.  â€‹â€‹

Chef Katie Simmons’ interactive presentation will share her tips for maintaining a healthy diet with scleroderma. Chef Katie is a classically-trained personal chef based in Chicago. She specializes in creating healthy recipes for a variety of special diets related to autoimmune disorders, medical conditions, or special diets including oil-free diets, vegan diets, and celiac diets. 

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Ask the Dentist:
A Conversation About Scleroderma from the Neck Up

Martin Hogan, DDS and Margaret Miller, DDS

In this breakout session, Dr. Hogan and Dr. Miller will discuss the most common findings associated with scleroderma.  They will discuss some of the methods your dental team can utilize to help manage your condition, and also some ways that you can help yourself and your dental team manage your condition.  We will discuss some unique methods for maintaining your oral health care and will conclude with an open Q&A session.

Understanding Lung Transplant Indications:
Panel Discussion

Dr Kevin Tsui and Dr Pablo Sanchez

In this breakout session, Dr. Tsui and Dr. Sanchez will discuss the transplant process for ILD patients. This talk will be a must-attend for anyone looking for information or advice about the transplant process and for those with serious lung complications from scleroderma. 

Testimonials 

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Jaclyn Roto

“The conference has made a meaningful difference in my life because I am able to get educated by doctors, hear from fellow scleroderma warriors and get answers. The Scleroderma Foundation of Greater Chicago has made a positive impact in my life.”

Mark Grippando

“When I first learned about having the disease, just coming to education conferences was really beneficial to see the doctors in person and understand the research that is going on.”

Charisse Bruno
“Attending conferences like the one in Chicago is where I learn new things regarding scleroderma and what’s happening to me. So at least I understand now how to combat it. Attending these conferences has changed my journey because it has educated me more and given me resources to help myself.”

What Conference Attendees Have to Say

"Very helpful! I would recommend to anyone with scleroderma."

 

"Be prepared to learn and know you are among others who can help and become friends with."

 

"So many medical disciplines related to scleroderma are covered with lots of information with time to ask questions. Meeting other people with scleroderma is so valuable  - there are others with the same challenges as you and it feels like a community with lots of support for one another."

 

"Please go - live is so much more more impactful then just reviewing the recordings."

 

"It was very beneficial to see others going through this. It helps knowing you are not alone in dealing with a rare disease and that others have the same fears."

 

"Go for it! The conference gives you the opportunity to not only grow as a patient, but to decrease isolation and increase confidence, education, and social support."

Schedule 

Schedule subject to change

​8 - 9 am - Registration & Networking Breakfast

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9:00 - 9:30 - Welcome & Opening Remarks

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9:30 - 10:15 - Dr. Vigneswaran, Managing GERD and Esophegeal Dysmotility

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10:15 - 11:00 - Dr. Lee, Scleroderma & the Lungs – ILD Update

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11:00 - 11:15 - Break

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11:15 am -12:00 pm - Dr. Macklin, Overview of Current Clinical Trials

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12:00 - 1:00 - Lunch

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1:00 - 1:45 - Breakout Session One (Choose One) -

         Ms. Albright, Yoga for Scleroderma or Dr. Tsui and Dr. Sanchez, Understanding Lung Transplant Indications

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1:50 - 2:35 - Breakout Session Two (Choose One) -

         Chef Simmons, Scleroderma and Nutrition or Dr. Macklin, Scleroderma and the Hands

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2:40 - 3:25 pm - Breakout Session Three (Choose One) -

         Dr. Bonilla, Scleroderma & Renal Involvement or Dr. Miller and Dr. Hogan, Q&A with the Dentist

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3:30 - 3:45 pm - Closing Remarks and Raffle

Map and Hotel Accommodations

​Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook

Conference Center 

2715 Jorie Blvd

Oakbrook, IL 60523​

Hotel Accommodations

For those interested in hotel accommodations, there is a room block with a limited number of rooms at a special rate of $179, available for Friday, May 2 only. Register early to take advantage of this deal!

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Covid-19 Policy

Covid-19 prevention guidelines will continue to be strongly encouraged to protect our scleroderma community. If you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19, such as a fever or cough, or have recently been exposed to someone who tested positive for Covid-19 we ask that you stay home. Surgical masks will be provided and strongly encouraged, especially in common areas where social distancing is difficult. For those who may be at higher risk or prefer being around others who are wearing masks, we will have tables reserved at the conference where masks will be required. 

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Scleroderma Foundation of Greater Chicago

1 S. Dearborn, Ste 2000, Chicago, IL 60603

Tel: 312-660-1131, info@stopscleroderma.org

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