About S.H.O.U.T. International

In early 2020, a group of scleroderma patients joined together to assist other patients with critical circumstances of scleroderma. An exploratory committee was formed to find ways to financially assist Scleroderma patients who found themselves in unexpected situations. Out of this committee, a non-profit entity was formed, benefiting Scleroderma patients who have exhausted all resources currently available.

The committee felt strongly that the scleroderma community needed a place for patients, “Scleros,” to turn to for financial help when all else had failed There were many discussions about what help could be offered and how to accomplish such a large task. The biggest challenge was creating qualification criteria that would make sense in extremely complicated situations. However, the team of dedicated volunteers created something they could all agree on. 

Out of our dreams - S.H.O.U.T.  "SCLEROS HELPING OTHERS UNITE TOGETHER" International WAS BORN.

S.H.O.U.T. International is dedicated to creating a place for Scleros to receive economic relief. Through an application process, Scleros can seek financial assistance with their needs. Using "Crowdfunding” efforts, all net proceeds raised by S.H.O.U.T. International are donated to Scleros in need. 

"The four board members are currently working on the dream of providing much needed assistance to Scleros. Their energy and attention to detail is unmatched, and their efforts tireless.  They hope you will join S.H.O.U.T. international and donate, 

generously, to the patients as they are identified and approved. No gift is too small. Our hope is that enough funds can be raised to make a difference for the patients that deal daily with this horrific disease. But, your contributions are not our only need. There is a need to hear about patient  applicants that have found themselves in a difficult position, and have not found help elsewhere. You can nominate someone in need through our online application. Even if you are not able to make a monetary donation, your nomination can make a big difference for a Sclero who is not yet aware of this organization. Recipients may choose to remain anonymous. S.H.O.U.T. International will, however, remain transparent with financial records on all donation and expenses. The patient recipient's stories will be told, and shared on all social media platforms.

"When You're In Need, You Can Count On Us."

Sincerely,

Joi  Goodbread

S.H.O.U.T. International Board President

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)

email: scleros@shoutinternational.org

twitter: @SHOUTorg

Facebook: www.facebook.com/S.H.O.U.T.International

Website: www.shoutinternational.org 

Disclaimer:  The S.H.O.U.T. International organization in no way endorses any other organization that supports, funds, researches scleroderma. S.H.O.U.T. International is a standalone nonprofit and any perceived conflict with any other organization is coincidental and not intended to imply affiliation. Any taxes incurred as a result of receiving funds, from S.H.O.U.T. International, will be the sole responsibility of the applicant.

S.H.O.U.T. International is not affiliated with, nor does it participate in, fundraising with any other non-profit organizations. It is a stand-alone organization; whose primary goal is to help scleroderma patients and/families in need of assistance. S.H.O.U.T. International does not discriminate against race, religion, gender, age or sexual orientation.

Born in St. Louis where I continue to live with my husband Bill. I am a 24-year survivor of Scleroderma.  Prior to beginning S.H.O.U.T. International, I have a long history with the scleroderma community having served on boards of directors for local and national scleroderma patient organizations as well as being actively involved in national legislative advocacy awareness efforts. In addition to the scleroderma organizations, I became a mentor for a pharmaceutical company speaking with researchers, doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and other medical personnel, patients and caregivers.  I thought that this would keep me busy, at least, for a while, then the pandemic COVID-19 started.  Being someone who needs to be busy I started talking to other scleroderma patients and we decided that there was something missing.  That something was the beginning of S.H.O.U.T. International.

Born in Houston, Texas. I have been a patient for over twenty years. Soon after becoming a Scleroderma patient, I knew I would make it a major focus in my life to do whatever I can to help my patient community. Whether it's helping with patient support groups, advocating in my city, state and nation's Capitol, and speaking spreading public awareness. I've been dedicated to giving patients support in any way that I can. I've been affected in every way by Scleroderma and I can understand it's not easy for us patients. My life has been through it's ups and downs, including open heart surgery, severe hand and body mobility issues. But I confident I can still help other Scleros. S.H.O.U.T. is a great way to help those in the same place when I needed the help and nowhere to turn. It is a privilege and I look forward to continuing our mission.

Born and raised in Buffalo, New York. I am both a Scleroderma patient and a Patient Advocate, whose mission includes the raising awareness of Scleroderma on many levels. My diagnosis came at an early age of just 19 years old. My journey followed many frustrating twists and turns. Realizing my needs, as well as young adults with scleroderma might be different than that of older patients, I started to advocate for young adults and travel to various colleges and hospitals, support groups and conferences to speak about my young adult journey and educate about the disease scleroderma. I continue to provide support through Virtual Young Adult Support Groups and Social Media. Currently I continue to speak with and serve on various Board of Directors and Patient Advisory Boards throughout the scleroderma community. I am involved in advocacy work in Washington D.C. I continue to work closely with several drug companies to raise awareness for not only Scleroderma, but Pulmonary Fibrosis, IDL, and IPF and Heart issues concerning scleroderma patients.

I reside in San Antonio, TX with my husband and son. I was diagnosed at the age of 14 with my symptoms starting at age 12. Once I became an adult and fully accepted this journey, I have never stopped advocating for people like me. I am truly excitedto be a part of such a wonderful organization such as S.H.O.U.T, for there is no other like it. 

I have dedicated my life to serving organizations that benefit Scleroderma patients. Wherever there is a need, it brings me great joy to jump in and help. For the past 12 years I have served as a faithful patient bringing groups together and organizing events in my lovely state of Texas. I have spoken publicly at many events across the US on my journey in hopes to inspire new or veteran patients that need a bit of hope and encouragement to stay strong.