The Filipino Scleroderma community celebrated World Scleroderma Day on June 28, 2025 at St. Luke’s Medical Center, Quezon City. Patients, caregivers, and rheumatologists gathered together, forming connections and empowering one another. 

The day began with informative talks by Dr. Francis Cuenco and Dr. Mark Lagac, members of the Philippine Rheumatology Association. This was followed by sessions on gratitude and acceptance led by Scleroderma warriors, Andrea Coleen Velasco and Leslie Amor Ureta. The event also welcomed new members of the community with a touching exchange of stories on diagnosis, support, and fortitude.

The gathering was also an opportunity to introduce the ongoing Beyond Scleroderma project, a digital initiative by Benildean Multimedia Arts students to provide access to simple information about Scleroderma and to share narratives of strength from Filipinos who live with the condition. This was received positively, encouraging other members to take part in sharing their stories to the public.

Capping it off were two sessions led by Scleroderma warriors. Coleen Velasco’s talk on gratitude invited participants to share and reflect on little moments that make every day worth living. Following this, Leslie Ureta recounted her journey to accepting her condition, underscoring the importance of building mental strength and finding peace through life’s curveballs.

Throughout the event, the space was filled with warm conversations and messages of support shared among old fellows and newfound friends, shining a positive outlook for the future of the Scleroderma community.