After her scleroderma diagnosis in 2006, Tracy had to step away from her career—but not from her drive to make a difference. “I couldn’t work a traditional job anymore, but I still wanted to do something meaningful,” she says. “That’s what led me to crafting.”
In the years since, scleroderma has reshaped Tracy’s priorities and perspective. “I’ve learned to live for today and find joy in the life I’m actually living, not the dream I thought I was working toward,” she says. “My story didn’t end when I was diagnosed. It’s still being written.”
Together with her mom, Tracy launched The Purple Hippo, a handmade paper goods business. “I wanted to be able to give something back to the scleroderma community along with raising money and spreading awareness,” she says.
A few years in, she started a special fundraiser called Giving Back with Friendship, donating 100% of the proceeds from any friendship-themed coasters or cards sold during June to scleroderma organizations, including the SRF. “It began with three coaster designs,” she says. “Now we have over a dozen, plus greeting cards and boxed sets.”
“I am honored to be part of the Cure Crew, but I must share that honor with all my customers, family and friends that have supported me,” she says. “I have been fighting scleroderma for 19 years, and have not gotten this far on my own.”
Tracy attributes much of her strength and success to her mother’s unwavering support. “She is not just a business partner—she helped me find my wings again when I felt like scleroderma had taken my future away,” she says. My story didn’t end when I was diagnosed. It’s still being written.”
Her advice to others thinking about starting a fundraiser? “Just do it, and have fun with it. Be creative and find a way to incorporate something you love. That passion will come through,” she says.
“Recruit family, friends, and people in the community to help,” Tracy advises. “Whether it is a bake sale, garage sale, lemonade stand, use the opportunity to spread awareness and talk to people about scleroderma.”
“It does not have to be huge to make a difference.” she emphasizes. “Every dollar raised brings us one step closer to finding a cure.” We are so grateful to Tracy for sharing her story and her inspiring fundraising efforts as part of the SRF Cure Crew.
