My wife Sara Othon has been battling Scleroderma for many years. Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that affects many parts of your body both externally and internally. During these years Sara has undergone several surgeries to remove painful calcium deposits that form under the skin that eventually break through the skin. This has impact her life and our lives as well. Her family, three daughters and her husband have taken the responsibility in caring for her for her everyday needs. The disease has also cause her to develop Pulmonary Hypertension which requires her to use oxygen for her daily activities . Scleroderma manifests itself differently for each individual. Symptoms may include areas of thickened skin, stiffness, feeling tired, and poor blood flow to the fingers or toes with cold exposure. The disease is very painful yet Sara handles it like a champ and fights this battle with every passing day. This disease has changed our lives and our outlook about life. As a family, we keep it simple and take it one day at a time. The support of family and friends has helped our family cope with this disease and we are grateful for all of the support.
Through the Sara Othon Foundation, we are able to spread awareness while raising money to find a cure! Without the help of our friends and family, this would not be possible.