I remember it like it was yesterday- answering the phone to speak with a nurse about my most recent lab work. What I thought would be a routine visit, led to more doctors, more testing and eventually, an answer. In 2019 I was diagnosed with Sjögren’s Syndrome. It’s something I don’t talk about often, but something that has impacted my life significantly.

On a good day, I experience dry eye, which causes a burning sensation and frequently feels like something is stuck in my eye. My mouth constantly feels like there is cotton in it, regardless of how much I drink. If I’m speaking for a long period of time (which if you know me, is something I do often), it becomes difficult to speak because my mouth and throat become incredibly dried out.

Aside from the day-to-day, I can experience “flare ups”, or a worsening of symptoms often brought on by environmental triggers (such as stress or drastic changes in weather). During flare ups it can become painful to walk, or even rest, because my joints ache with every breathe I take. Yet most people wouldn’t even realize, because I put a smile on my face and push through the pain.

I have been placed on countless medications with horrific side effects in an attempt to alleviate symptoms. The side effects eventually grew to be so unbearable that I opted to go without medication because the above was a far better alternative. I don’t share this in an attempt to gain pity, but rather to spread awareness and educate. We all go through challenges in life, and this is one of mine.

As I have adapted to my diagnosis, I have slowly started sharing my story with those around me. This year, I have decide to participate in the Philadelphia Tri-State Walk for Sjögren’s. Please join me in my efforts to support the Sjögren’s Foundation by making a donation today. Your donations will help support and educate those impacted by Sjögren’s Syndrome, as well as support research aimed at developing improved treatments and hopefully an eventual cure.

If you’ve gotten this far, thank you. Thank you for reading my story, and thank you for being part of my support system!