Thanks for visiting Katie Forte's Team Page for FORTE FIGHTERS! 

I hope that you will join my team and help to increase awareness and raise funds to support the work of the Sjögren's Foundation! 

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.

I've been on the board for two years and most recently, in July, I joined the Executive Committee as Secretary of the Board of Directors. I once read that Your story could be the key that unlocks someone else’s prison. Don’t be afraid to share it. And, from that moment on, I decided to be vocal about this.

Everyone's heard of Lupus. And, Rheumatoid Arthritis and MS. But, what the heck was Sjögrens and how the hell do you pronounce it?!!

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.

About half of the time Sjögrens occurs alone, and the other half it occurs in the presence of another autoimmune connective tissue disease such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, or Scleroderma.

In addition, Sjögren's is often misrepresented as a rare disease, however it is estimated that there are four million Americans living with this disease, making it one of the most prevalent autoimmune diseases...just that no one's ever heard of!! 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.

Sjögren's is very common yet still little known, you can help make a difference by joining our team and help us to get the word out!  We need your help to support research, education and to increase Sjögren’s awareness! 

Join the team and help to make Sjögren's known. It is simple to set-up your personal webpage and become part of the team!  It is also an easy way to receive donations which is also fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support your fundraising efforts. Then reach out to your friends and family by sending them a link to your page so they can learn more about Sjögren's and support your efforts. 

Thank you in advance for your support! Go Team!

-Katie Vance Forte