A message from the Lombard and McKenna Family:

We are asking the Southie community to please join us in raising awareness for a cause close to our hearts. We are raising money to benefit the National Scleroderma Foundation in honor of our mother, Elizabeth Lombard and the dozens of other South Boston women who have been afflicted with this rare disease.

For over a decade, our uncle, Kevin Conroy, ran the Polar Plunge fundraiser on New Year’s Day until we took it over. This year, we will be doing things a bit differently and are holding the event on Saturday, December 28th, at M Street Beach. But as always, there will be bagpipes cheering on the swimmers, and The L Street Tavern is gracious enough to open for attendees before the beach. All are welcome.  Fun starts at 10am.

South Boston was hit hard by Scleroderma. A cluster of Southie women were diagnosed with this rare disease, which left the small, tight-knit community confused and concerned. Our mother, Elizabeth Lombard, who has had Scleroderma for over 20 years, led the charge in trying to find the cause of this terrible disease through awareness and research .

Scleroderma is a chronic, progressive autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. The disease, which literally means “hard skin”, can cause thickening and tightening of skin, as well as serious damage to internal organs. Presently there is no cure for Scleroderma.

Here is a link to our fundraiser page, with all donations going directly to the National Scleroderma Foundation.We are also running a raffle that is $20 for a chance to win a gift card donated by South Boston restaurants. Please keep an eye out for updates on the start time of this event. If you’re up for the challenge join us on the beach Saturday Dec 28th. Thank you in advance.

For raffle tickets, please Venmo : @Barbara-Lombard