PA HR182

Designates June 2025 as "Scleroderma Awareness Month" and June 29, 2025, as "World Scleroderma Day" in Pennsylvania

Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease affecting approximately 300,000 individuals in the United States, with up to 80% of diagnosed individuals being women

African Americans face higher rates of systemic scleroderma diagnosis, earlier disease onset, and more severe symptoms compared to non-African Americans

No cure exists for scleroderma; treatments include medications, physical and occupational therapies, and stem cell or organ transplants

Pennsylvania institutions including Thomas Jefferson University, University of Pennsylvania, and University of Pittsburgh continue to conduct scleroderma research