Despite decades of scientific research, the exact cause of scleroderma remains unknown. For many individuals living with this rare and complex autoimmune disease, one question continues to persist: Why do we think we have scleroderma? Scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis, is a rare and complex autoimmune disease characterized by abnormalities of the immune system, blood vessels, and connective tissues, leading to excessive collagen production and fibrosis. Depending on the type and severity, it may affect the skin and internal organs. Although scientific advances have improved our understanding of the disease, its exact cause remains unknown. Why Do We Think We Have Scleroderma? The Perspectives of 148 People brings together one of the largest collections of personal reflections from individuals living with scleroderma worldwide. Through the voices of 148 contributors from different countries and backgrounds, this book explores what people personally believe may have contributed to the development of their disease. This book is structured around three questions answered by each contributor: (1) How would you describe your life and overall health before your scleroderma symptoms began? (2) What do you personally think may have contributed to your condition? and (3) What were your first symptoms, and how did your condition progress over time? To organize the common themes that emerged from these reflections, the responses have been grouped into eight sections: Section I: Stress, Trauma, & Emotional Experiences; Section II: Genetics, Family History, & Autoimmune Predisposition; Section III: Environmental & Occupational Exposures; Section IV: Pregnancy, Hormones, & Reproductive Factors; Section V: Infections, Vaccinations, & Immune Triggers; Section VI: Surgery, Physical Trauma, & Other Medical Conditions; Section VII: Multiple Possible Contributing Factors; and Section VIII: The Unknown: Searching for Answers. By compiling these voices, Scleroderma International hopes to contribute to global awareness efforts, encourage meaningful dialogue, support future research, and amplify the experiences of individuals living with scleroderma. Above all, this collection serves as a reminder that no one facing scleroderma is alone in their search for answers. #Scleroderma #SclerodermaAwareness #SclerodermaInternational