Susan Marie Scleroderma Foundation of North Fort Myers third annual FUN Golf Event
The Susan Marie Scleroderma Foundation of North Fort Myers held its third Annual FUN Golf Event in October at the Heritage Palms Golf and Country Club.
“Thanks to record attendance and generous participation by donors the funds raised have ensured that the work of the Foundation will continue with an increase in services,” said Foundation President Connie Buchholz.
She gave special thanks to the tournament chair Tony DeMello and his wife, Gale, for their work on the event and their dedication to the work of the Foundation.
Gale is a scleroderma patient and has been a stalwart supporter of the group.
“The primary mission of the foundation is to educate and increase awareness of scleroderma in the medical and patient communities of Southwest Florida,” said Buchholz.
The first place winners and the other foursome that tied for 3rd were not available for pictures.
All winners include:
– 1st place winners were Richard O’Connell, Steve Siemsen, Ken Notturno and Brian O’Connell.
– 2nd place, Gene Gibson, Randy Ryan, Jeff Pomeroy and Bob Sova.
– 3rd place not shown, Andy Nicholas, Dottie Nicholas, Mitch Oltean and Mike Fox.
“We had North Fort Myers golfers and Cape Coral golfers,” she said. “We had Naples, Estero, Bonita Springs and Fort Myers, as well.”
She also gave special thanks to the many businesses in North Fort Myers, Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita Springs and Naples for their assistance in sponsoring the event.
One of the major programs of the Foundation will be held Jan. 14, 2012 in Fort Myers.
“This is a symposium for members of the medical community, patients and the general public in the area. Five medical professionals, recognized as leading specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of scleroderma, will conduct the day long session,” said Buchholz.
The presenters will be Virginia Steen, M.D., Georgetown University; John Varga, M.D., Northwestern University; Dinesh Khanna, M.D., M.S., University of Michigan; Daniel Furst, M.D. of UCLA and Elaine Furst, R.N., M.S. of Los Angeles, CA. Medical personnel who attend the symposium can receive five CME credits by attending all five sessions.
Local scleroderma patients are also alerted to the availability of Patient Scholarships to attend the National Scleroderma Patient Education Conference. The conference will be held in Dallas in July 2012.
Another project being undertaken by the local Foundation is to establish a support group on the Florida West Coast for patients and their families. Support groups in other areas have been a useful resource for those affected by the disease.
Research has also started on compiling information for the publication of a directory of services available for patients in this area. Included will be the names of facilities and physicians who treat Scleroderma patients.
The organization was founded by Connie Buchholz in honor and memory of her sister, Susan Marie, who lost the battle with scleroderma in 2007.
For more information, go to smsclerodermafoundation.com.Foundation.