Alan Abram

Al Abram Receives Governor's Point of Light Award

For the second time this century a Palmairen has been recognized for extraordinary volunteerism.

Alan Abram received the award in August for his many hours of work with the Scleroderma Foundation and the many other charities to which he unselfishly devotes his time, and the category for his involvement is Healthcare Education, Provider, and Advocacy.

Al Abram, Southeast Florida Chapter President
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Al Abram, Southeast Florida Chapter President

The Governor of Florida Recognizes Al Abram for His Tireless Volunteer Work on Behalf of the Scleroderma Foundation

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Al Abram, a president of the Southeast Florida Chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation, received a Point of Light Award from Florida Governor Jeb Bush in recognition of his volunteer work for the Foundation.

"An inspiration in the eyes his friends and family, and a hero in the eyes of those suffering from scleroderma, I am proud to honor Alan Abram as a Point of Light Award recipient," said Governor Bush."Through his selflessness and his steadfast support for those suffering from this disease, Alan is a remarkable man who sincerely dedicates his life to helping others."

Abram was diagnosed with scleroderma 11 years ago and is well known within Foundation circles for his commitment and work to his chapter and helping to raise the profile of this disease.

"Al has worked hard for the cause and we're glad to know that even people as recognizable as the governor have seen his work and taken notice of it," said Donna Kohli, president of the Foundation.
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Al and his wife, Dorothy, lead the chapter's annual "Have a Heart for Scleroderma" fundraiser, which has raised $450,000 towards research to find a cure.

Additionally, he had a separate phone line installed in his home to take calls around the clock from people newly diagnosed with scleroderma or people wanting information about the disease.

"Eighty percent of the victims are women," Alan Abram, vice president of the Florida Chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation, said.
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Abram told Action Line that physicians treat symptoms, which can vary wildly.

"If you have systemic scleroderma, it can lead to heart involvement or kidney involvement," Abram said.

Patients are often treated by a number of doctors, including a rheumatologist, a specialist in treating diseases of the joints, bones, muscles and immune system, according to NIAMS.

"What we are praying for is stem cell research," Abram said.