Lou Renna was a son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many. Lou battled scleroderma for approximately ten years and his journey was not an easy one. Over the years, the disease caused physical changes and robbed Lou of his energy and strength, but never altered his spirit or courage.

Scleroderma is a very difficult disease to diagnose, as it was for Lou, and presents differently in everyone.  Lou’s first symptoms were Raynaud’s, telangiectasias on his face, and tightening of the skin on his legs. As the disease progressed, Lou developed pulmonary hypertension, GI symptoms, and compromised kidney function.  Lou took various medications, and used oxygen to help manage the progression and symptoms of his disease.

Lou channeled much of his time and energy into raising awareness and funds in hopes of finding a cure for scleroderma.  He was a member of the Steffens Scleroderma board of trustees and extremely dedicated in his support of the Steffens Scleroderma Foundation’s efforts. In fact, five days before his sudden death in 2017, feeling tired and short of breath, Lou attended the annual Cruise for a Cure fundraiser aboard the Dutch Apple with the hope of raising awareness and money to help fight this terrible disease. 

Lou’s Family Member