Each April, the IRSS holds an annual conference in Dublin for patients and their families, addressed by top specialists; consultants come from the UK or other centres in Europe to talk to about 150 delegates. The conference is only one strand of the IRSS outreach and education programme, however. Raynaud’s is a common condition affecting about 10% of any population, but Scleroderma is rare and most doctors are not familiar with its diagnosis and treatment. The disease falls under rheumatology, but even rheumatologists are not thoroughly aware of the ramifications. Patients feel very alone, and diagnosis is very slow. The IRSS is therefore this year on June 29 launching the first Scleroderma Day to increase awareness.

• Annual conference on April 25 with media coverage and attendance by 150
• First annual Scleroderma Awareness Day on June 29, with media coverage and launch event inviting Ministers  and doctors.
• Launch of VEDOSS project for early diagnosis of Scleroderma