World Scleroderma Day 2023

On June 29, we marked World Scleroderma Day. This significant event was spearheaded by Scleroderma Australia, with our Scleroderma Victoria community also playing a key role, in raising awareness, funds, and advocating research for this rare disease.

Our collective efforts to light up the nation’s landmarks outdid all past attempts, with 111 Australian landmarks brightly lit in support of the cause. This vivid show of unity displayed the strength of community action.

We offer our HUGE HEARTFELT THANKS to everyone involved in this awesome achievement.

World Scleroderma Day 2023 was marked by several events across Australia, uniting people from various backgrounds, all contributing to raising awareness and funding vital research. The passion and dedication shown were truly inspiring.

Thanks to your generous donations, we will hire dedicated scleroderma nurses, a role important for providing care, information, and emotional support to patients. Your contributions have greatly improved the quality of life for many fighting this condition.

As we press on in our fight against scleroderma, our hopes for World Scleroderma Month in June 2024 are high. Our aim is to bathe over 111 iconic Australian landmarks in golden light, symbolising resilience and hope for thousands living with scleroderma.

In the meantime, in this joint effort, every contribution counts. Whether spreading awareness via our ‘Shine Like a Sunflower’ campaign, making a donation, volunteering your time, or wearing our Scleroderma Victoria polo shirts, every act brings us closer to our goal.

The cause we advocate for goes beyond just fundraising and awareness. It’s a beacon of hope for those living with scleroderma, fostering community spirit, pushing research forward, and aiming for a cure.

We warmly invite you to join us. For everyone living with scleroderma, their loved ones, and their communities, your support is needed. Let’s continue shining brightly for scleroderma. Together, we can make a difference.

We are deeply grateful to our team members who organised the illumination of various landmarks on World Scleroderma Day. Your efforts significantly contributed to our cause. The landmarks lit up included:

  • In Ballarat: Central, Foundation on Lake Penhalluriack, Fountain on Lake Wendouree & Eureka, Town Hall Clock Tower.
  • In Bendigo: Conservatory in Rosalind Park, Sidney Myer Place (Large Tree), City of Greater Bendigo.
  • In Geelong: Centenary Lights, Moorabool Street & Malop Street.
  • In McRae: Lighthouse.
  • In Melbourne: AAMI Park, Bolte Bridge, CityLink Soundtube, Crown Towers, Town Hall, LED sign on the Kingsway bridge, Rod Laver Arena, Flinders Street Railway Station.
  • In Moonee Ponds: The Clocktower Centre.
  • In Sale: Clocktower, Wedge Theatre.
  • In Shepparton: Monash Park, Mooroopna Water Tower.
  • From the Whitehorse City Council: Box Hill Town Hall.

Each location served as a bright symbol of support and unity. As we strive to improve the lives of those affected by scleroderma, we remain grateful for your commitment to our cause. 

Let’s carry on shining brightly for scleroderma. Together, we can—and will—make a difference.

Final Shine Bright Gala 2023

The Shine Bright Gala took place on Saturday 22nd July and was a beautiful evening of unity, support, and celebration.

On behalf of the Shine Bright Gala inspired by Harrison Pennicott, we’re pleased to report that we sold 265 tickets for the evening and we thank each of you who purchased tickets and to all our generous sponsors.

We were honoured by the presence of several esteemed guests, including Associate Professor Amanda Saracino, Dr Zoe Brown, Dr Alanah Quinlivan (the recipient of the Harrison Pennicott PhD Scholarship), Leesa Pennicott, Professor Mandana Nikpour, Alicia Calderone and Scleroderma Australia Ambassador Kristie Lloyd and Scleroderma Victoria Ambassador Dyson Heppell.

We gathered to honour Harrison Pennicott, a charismatic and amazing young boy who continually battles Scleroderma.

Harrison’s strength and never-give-up attitude, despite the tough treatments he undergoes, inspires us all.

He lives his life to the full and even plays soccer! The gala’s primary goal is to raise funds for the Scleroderma Victoria Harrison Pennicott PhD Scholarship, which supports important research into Scleroderma.

The evening was full of hope and determination and the Shine Bright Gala was a wonderful night to remember!

You’ve all contributed significantly to Scleroderma research and helped us make a genuine difference. We were thrilled to see so many of you there, creating unforgettable memories together! THANK YOU!