Welcome to Katie Vance Forte's Personal Page for the New York Sjögren's Walk
Hello, family & friends!
As you may know, I was diagnosed with Sjögrens in 2017 after a long two year struggle trying to find out what was wrong with me.
- Why was I coughing incessantly? FOR TWO WHOLE YEARS.
- Why was I in so much pain? (to the point of being taken to the hospital)
- Why was I so exhausted no matter how long I slept?
- Why was I losing my voice?
- Why did my eyes feel like sandpaper?
- Why was my hair thinning?
- What the HELL was happening to me?
Along with an incredible Rheumatologist & amazing Pulmonologist, the Sjögrens Foundation quite literally changed my life. I finally realized I was not alone in this journey which in the early days very much felt like a battle. I immediately had resources at my finger tips and a treasure trove of information and a connection to fellow warriors, medical professionals well versed in this and a wonderful foundation staff of support.
Sjögren's ("SHOW-grins") is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects the entire body. Along with symptoms of extensive dryness, other serious complications include profound fatigue, chronic pain, major organ involvement, neuropathies, and lymphomas. As a systemic disease, symptoms may remain steady or worsen overtime. There is no one single progression of the disease and this can make it challenging for patients and their physicians. While some people experience mild discomfort, others suffer debilitating symptoms that greatly impair their functioning. Early diagnosis and proper treatments are important as they may prevent serious complications and greatly improve a patient's quality of life.
There are 4 MILLION Americans living with this disease, making it one the most prevalent autoimmune diseases...just that no one's ever heard off and therefore they don't realize they have! And, that's what I'm here to do. To put a face to this disease. To increase awareness. And, to raise funds to help the foundation's PHENOMENAL work that is changing the lives of people very single day...just like mine. In the world of Sjögren's we are on the cusp of something...there are many clinical trials in progress and so many advancements happening in the world of educating medical professionals.
Please join me in my efforts to support the Sjögren's Foundation!
Together we can make a difference and impact the future of Sjögrens!
Please support me in helping to reach this goal by a making a donation today. Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure and is the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts! No dollar amount is too small.
Thank you in advance for your support!
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