Please join me in my efforts to support the Sjögren’s Foundation! I have been suffering with Sjögren’s since 2002 and my symptoms continue to get worse every year. I believe so strongly in this organization and hope a cure &/or better treatment options are discovered soon! The Foundation also does an excellent job in providing education to both patients & their health care providers. I won't stop fighting to help those inflicted with Sjögren’s Disease because Sjögren’s Disease doesn't stop!
There are several ways you can help me support the Sjögren’s Foundation.
- Please join me in my efforts by making a donation on my page.
- Please join my team to be part of the fun. You can walk from anywhere for as long as you want. If you join my team with a $50 or larger donation, you will get your own walk t-shirt.
- If you are available on Walk day, please join the Zoom Virtual Opening Ceremony at 10am on Saturday, May 31st. It promises to be very informative about Sjögren’s Disease and the Foundation
Let me know if you want to join my team and I will send you the link. I would be honored if you join my virtual team!
Sjögren’s is the second most prevalent rheumatic autoimmune disease striking as many as four million Americans making it three times more common than lupus and multiple sclerosis. Despite its prevalence, Sjögren’s still remains relatively unknown.
What is Sjögren’s? (SHOW-grins)
Sjögren’s is a devastating disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the moisture-producing glands. Along with symptoms of dryness it can affect any body organ or system.
Founded in 1983, the Sjögren's Foundation is the only patient advocacy organization that serves Sjögren’s patients and their healthcare providers, provides support to patients and their families, increases public and professional awareness and encourages research into new diagnostics and treatments towards a cure.
Last fall I attended a Sjögren’s conference about treatments & research being done to help Sjögren’s patients with their dry eye issues. There are days I cannot even open my eyes outside, let alone drive. Through this conference, I learned about other eye drops that the presenting doctor said were much more effective for her patients than the eye drop my doctor prescribed for me. She also mentioned how expensive they were, but provided a pharmacy that works directly with the manufacturers to give substantial discounts for the eye drops. Fast forward 3 months after seeing my eye specialist & being able to advocate better for myself. I’m on 2 new eye drops & a couple of home treatments & my eyes are doing much better. I can drive more often, don’t have as many issues with being able to keep my eyes open, using fewer OTC drops, etc.. It is starting to change my life for the better! That pharmacy the speaker recommended decreased the cost of one of the eye drops from $790 / month to $80 / month. Some manufacturer or pharmacy is getting rich! I thank all of you who have donated over the years to my cause as this conference was extremely helpful! The conference & other patient advocacy information, conferences, treatments & trials, would not have been possible without support from people like you!
The Foundation's mission is to:
• Support Sjögren’s patients and their loved ones through education, resources and services
• Provide credible resources and education for healthcare professionals
• Serve as the voice for all Sjögren’s patients through advocacy and awareness initiatives
• Lead, encourage and fund innovative research projects to better understand, diagnose and treat Sjögren’s
Stay safe and healthy! Together we can make a difference!
Thank you so much for supporting me in my efforts to bring awareness to this often debilitating disease.
Virtual Hugs,
Amy
PS: If you prefer to send a check, please note my name & Colorado Walk on the check & send it to:
Sjögren’s Foundation
10701 Parkridge Blvd.
Suite 170
Reston, VA 20191
