Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that affects about 300,000 Americans. It mostly affects women, with a ratio of 4 female sufferers to 1 male sufferer, and can range from mild to life-threatening. The most typical symptom of scleroderma involves skin tightening and hardening and the development of waxy patches and dark or red spots. More severe cases involve hardening of internal organs such as the heart, liver, lungs or kidneys. Currently, there is no cure for Scleroderma, and the cause is unknown. Medications exist only to treat symptoms and ease pain.

To fund much-needed research for this unfamiliar disease, the Run for Linda: 5K Against Scleroderma will be held in honor of Linda Hayman. Scleroderma caused Linda to pass away in July 2009 at the young age of 48. Her family and friends have joined together with the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation to organize this 5K. Proceeds will go to the Scleroderma Foundation, a 501(c)(3) with a mission to support patients and their families, promote public awareness and patient education, and to stimulate and support research to improve treatment and to find a cure for Scleroderma.