Name: Kim Tatterfield

Street: Stone Street

Family: Daughter Kirsten and son Erik

Occupation: Paralegal Teacher at the Salter School in Malden

Hobbies: "I really enjoy sleeping! I work hard, I am coping with a new disease, and really like to sleep. When I am not sleeping I love to go to the beach."

Kim was diagnosed ten months ago with Scleroderma, a progressive disease effecting the skin and connective tissue (including cartilage, bone, fat, and the tissue that supports the nerves and blood vessels throughout the body.) There are two major forms of the disorder; localized scleroderma mainly affects the skin, while systemic scleroderma, sometimes known as systemic sclerosis, affects the smaller blood vessels and internal organs of the body.

Although Kim was diagnosed only ten months ago, she has already suffered more than most. Her skin is noticeably tight and her face and hands have signifigant changes. Although Scleroderma is a disease of one (meaning it has different effects on everyone) it doesn't usually progress quickly. But, because Kim was diagnosed within the past year, she is eligible for a clinical trial of a new drug called Fresolimumab.  Kim saw a noticeable change in her skin after the first treatment, which is promising for those suffering from this disease.

Kim said she is frustrated with the lack of attention Scleroderma and other auto-immune diseases receive. "I hate this disease and really wish there was more awareness... it effects a lot of people and there is a whole community of people suffering in silence with this relatively unknown disease".

"It's also frustrating that this disease is relatively invisible," Kim said. "Breathing, movement, joint pain and others and when you get out of you car in a handicapped spot, it's hard to deal with the glares of others who think I look fine."

Favorite Book: "A Million Little Pieces" by James Frey

Favorite Movie: "GI Jane"

Favorite Shop: Savers

Favorite Eatery: Chuck's Restaurant

Dream Vacation: "Any of the Sandals Resorts! The commercials look so amazing!"

How long have you lived in Danvers: Twelve years

Why did you choose Danvers: "The school system is what brought me here."

What would you change in town: "I can't think of anything I would want to change."

Two local events that are coming up benefiting Scleroderma research are:

• The 2011 Sully Cup Golf Tournament to Cure Scleroderma at the Thomson Country Club in North Reading on Monday, August 29. For more information see the facebook page.
• The Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma Walk in Topsfield on September 18. For more info contact the New England Scleroderma Chapter at 978-887-0658