I was diagnosed with Sjögren’s in September 2023. I had never heard of this autoimmune disorder, but by then it had been wreaking havoc on my life possibly for years. Fatigue and brain fog hit me out of nowhere and can last for either the length of a nap, or for days straight. During my worst flare-ups, I have full-body joint pains.

My case is considered mild.

Sjögren’s is a chronic illness with no cure. It’s a systemic disorder, meaning it can affect every part of the body: the glands, most commonly, but also the nervous system, muscles, joints, major organs, and blood vessels. It frequently cooccurs with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or heart disease.

And it’s more common than many people think. Some sources report that anywhere from 3-4 million Americans have Sjögren’s. Others say up to 4% of the total population. Another number is 1 in 83. This means that almost everyone knows someone with this disorder—diagnosed or not.

On Saturday, March 16, I will participate in the 2024 Southeast Walk for Sjögren’s and walk 5km (3.2 miles) in Boca Raton.

If you have a few dollars to spare, please join me in my efforts to support the Sjögren's Foundation. Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure and is the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts!

Thank you in advance for your support!