Family fights to shed light on painful, fatal skin disease

DENVER – Thirteen years ago, Linda Counterman noticed a change in the joints throughout her body. It was painful to move her fingers, and with time, it became more difficult to walk long distances.

"I had no idea what was going on," said Counterman, whose doctor referred her to a rheumatologist.

The doctor examined Counterman for more than six months before reaching a diagnosis.

She had scleroderma, a disease that thickens and hardens the skin. It can eventually affect internal organs, and because there is no cure, it can be fatal.

While many cases of the disease are mild, Counterman's case is much more debilitating. Her fingers can no longer move out of a fist, and the skin on her arms is no longer as flexible as they once were before her diagnosis.

More than a decade after her diagnosis, awareness about the skin-hardening disease is still very low. Her family is leading the charge in raising funding levels for research and awareness.

"All of those events you see for AIDS and cancer have great causes," said Wayne Smith, Counterman's brother, "but someone had to begin them. We would love to see more awareness and people involved so we can see that sea of people out there, supporting those who suffer from this who normally stand in silence."

Counterman's family and the Littleton Firefighters Foundation are holding a benefit for her on Sunday, Sept. 14 at the Exdo Event Center, located at 1399 35th Street in Denver.

The event takes place from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and $90 per couple. The benefit dinner and silent auction will help Counterman with her medical expenses.

For more information, e-mail LindaKaybenefit@yahoo.com or call Wayne Smith at 303-798-1558 or Chris Skurdahl at 720-218-0148.