I’m Dr Kathryn Torok, a pediatric rheumatologist at UPMC
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. I lead a research team that works to better
understand pediatric onset scleroderma. Scleroderma or systemic sclerosis is a
group of diseases causing hardening and tightening of skin and connective
tissues. This is a complex, rare disease with no known cause. In the
Scleroderma Center at UPMC Children’s we provide a multidisciplinary approach
to treatment- uniting experts from across the field of medicine to treat all
the needs of patients with systemic and localized scleroderma.

Our research is focused on understanding why children get
scleroderma, how relapses occur, and how scleroderma affects children in their
daily lives. This informs our development of new clinical trials and treatment
options.

Progress in treatment and then long-term outcomes for
patients with scleroderma depend on research and new trials. All pediatric
research receives 10% of NIH funding. For rare diagnoses like scleroderma, funding
is far less. We remain deeply grateful for our donors and patient families.
It’s philanthropy- gifts like yours- that directly improves the care of
patients we see today and will drive advancements in treatment in the months
and years ahead.

Learn more about the impact of our work in the lives of
patients and their families:



https://www.chp.edu/our-services/rheumatology/patient-stories/ary-camacho



All About
Pediatric Scleroderma with Kathryn Torok, MD - YouTube



Your donation will help to accelerate and expand
research and treatment for pediatric localized and systemic scleroderma. We’re
grateful for you are a part of our team. Together, we’re making a difference!