The purpose of the Southern California chapter is to support the National Foundation's mission of Support, Education and Research: Support: To help patients and their families cope with scleroderma through mutual support programs, peer counseling, physician referrals and educational information. Education: To promote public awareness and education through patient and health professional seminars, literature and publicity campaigns. Research: To stimulate and support research to improve treatment and ultimately find the cause of and cure for scleroderma and related diseases.