A benefit for Brenda Hahn-Rockwell will be held from 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at St. Michael’s Pavilion, Toll Gate Road, Sheffield.

Brenda was diagnosed with scleroderma in 2009. Scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis, is a chronic disease generally classified as one of the autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Scleroderma stems from two Greek words, “sclero” meaning hard, and “derma” meaning skin. Hardening of the skin is the most visual manifestations of this disease, but unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there. This disease’s symptoms vary from patient to patient and, in Brenda’s case, it is affecting not only her skin and joints — making day to day movement painful — but has also her gastric and digestive tracts. That lead her to require very serious surgery just a month ago and another surgery in the near future if she can heal properly from the first.

Brenda served in the U.S Navy before she moved to Sheffield to start a family and has resided here for the last 33 years.

“She has worked very hard all of her life for her family and has always been there to lend a hand to those in need. Even if times were hard, if someone needed help she just did it without a second thought,” said Alyssa McDowell.

Brenda was a member of the Barnes Church where she was baptized and her three children attended Sunday school. She is an active member of the Clarendon and Sheffield vets clubs. She has worked at Mauser (formerly Berenfield) for the last 20 years, where she has dedicated vigorous labor to provide for her family.

“She is likely the strongest woman I have ever known,” said McDowell. “Unfortunately, due to the progression of her disease and recent surgery, she will be unable to return to her job. We are holding a benefit to help eliminate financial burden until she is back on her feet.”

There will be a pot luck dinner, drinks, dessert, basket raffles, games, a 50/50, a DJ, and more. Admission is $10 for and $5 for children ages 12 and under.

For information, or to make a donation, contact McDowell at (814) 730-9800, Amy Morgan at (814) 230-4734, or Penny Morgan at (814) 730-3307.

Information on scleroderma from:

sclerodermafoundation.org.