For 10-year-old Violet Fredin of Orland Park, life is filled with soccer games, ballet classes and choir rehearsals. But behind her bright smile and busy schedule is a battle with a rare autoimmune disease that has transformed the lives of her family.
Violet was diagnosed with systemic scleroderma in December 2024 at the age of 8, according to her mother, Lindsay Fredin, assistant principal at Jerling Junior High in Orland Park.
Despite the challenges, Fredin said her daughter continues to inspire everyone around her with her strength and resilience.
“She is an amazing human with so many talents and an extremely kind heart,” Fredin said. “Violet sings in multiple choirs, she plays soccer for the Vortex, she does ballet, and overall is a brave and sweet soul.”
Systemic scleroderma is a rare chronic autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its own connective tissue, causing hardening and tightening of the skin and, in some cases, damage to internal organs. The disease can affect the lungs, heart, kidneys and digestive system. There is currently no cure, and treatment is focused on slowing the progression of the disease and managing symptoms.
Fredin said Violet’s diagnosis launched the family into a world of medical appointments, treatments and uncertainty.
“The constant worry, sleepless nights, and fear of what might be next are always in the back of my head,” Fredin said. “But I know that God chose Violet for a reason. She is the strongest little Violet in the world and will put scleroderma in its place.”
Violet, a student at Liberty School in Orland Park, travels with her family to Pittsburgh twice a year for specialized care under Dr. Torok. Between those visits, she sees several doctors in Chicago as part of her ongoing treatment.
Fredin said the medical regimen can be overwhelming for a child so young.
“Violet takes up to 11 pills a day,” she said. “One Chicago rheumatologist explained it like Violet is a MACK truck because we are dumping all of these medicines in her body and praying that the disease slows down.”
Still, Fredin said Violet handles the challenges with remarkable courage.
“It is a lot,” she said. “Violet is learning. She is amazing.”
Violet’s support system includes her mother, her father Timothy, and her 12-year-old sister, Lillian. Together, the family has become deeply involved in the scleroderma community, advocating for research and support for pediatric patients.
One of their biggest efforts is Team Violet – Scleroderma Walk in Crown Point, a fundraiser aimed at supporting continued research and helping families affected by the disease.
Funds raised through the walk benefit scleroderma research and organizations such as the Scleroderma Kids Alliance, which provides free opportunities and support for pediatric patients and their families.
The family also helped organize care bags for children attending a recent scleroderma conference in Oak Brook. They continue to collect donations of blankets, gloves, socks and other comfort items for pediatric patients.
Fredin said community support has been invaluable throughout Violet’s journey.
“With the help of her amazing team in Pittsburgh, Chicago, and the community among the Scleroderma Foundation, she is in the best of hands,” she said.
Those interested in supporting Team Violet can contribute through donations to the Crown Point walk effort or by donating comfort items for children battling the disease.