My name is Camille Novachek. People also call me Cami.

I’m a Scleroderma Warrior!

In March of 2021, I was diagnosed with Scleroderma, a rare and often debilitating connective tissue disease characterized by chronic inflammation that leads to varying degrees of fibrosis in affected tissues/organs including the lungs, heart, GI system and kidneys. An estimated 300,000 Americans live with Scleroderma, 80% of which are women. It’s associated with high morbidity and mortality. There is no known cause or cure.

When I got hit with Scleroderma, it changed my life forever. But I decided early on that I could either give up and give in or dig deep and fight back. I chose the latter!

I had to force myself to remember that I am more my Scleroderma diagnosis. Who is that?

I’m a wife, dog mom, daughter, niece, sister, aunt and friend. I live in Wisconsin with my Husband Dennis and our Dog Birdie. I’m obsessed with watching cooking shows, love to travel, adventure, write and create art.

About Chasing Joy

There are loads of resources out there that focus on helping us understand how to manage living with Scleroderma. I created this website because I want to help others learn about and connect with people who are living well with Scleroderma and other Chronic illnesses.

Scleroderma has taught me many lessons, the biggest of which is that life is short and can change in an instant. Although it can be challenging, I’ve found it helpful to focus on the things I can control and to find something to be grateful and joyful for every day.

Some days joy easily finds me and on others it can be quite elusive. But joy is not just a noun, it’s a verb…an action word that requires intention.

So, I created the challenge for myself to always be looking for joy. And that’s how the name Chasing Joy was born.

My hope is that this website can serve as a resource and blueprint for your own Chasing Joy journey.