I again accepted the challenge to raise funds to support the Sjogren’s (“show-grins”) Foundation, by participating in the 2d Midwest Walk for Sjogren’s (SJD) at Elver Park in Madison on June 21. The Walk focuses on increasing awareness of the disease while helping raise money for crucial Sjogren’s research and education.

This event brings together hundreds of patients, family, friends, colleagues, and health care professionals from 6 states. Fundraising like this is still beyond my comfort zone, but seeing the dedication and action for this walk, and results from the first one, has shifted my attitude about SJD from grim survival to hope that disease management might actually get easier in my lifetime.

My Sjogren’s experience began in 1974 with a severe case of Epstein-Barr Virus (“EBV") )which smoldered for years with severe fatigue and morphed into Sjogren’s.  Until my son was born in 1977, I was on the fulltime payroll at the Wisconsin Department of Justice, taking sick leave to accommodate my fatigue.  After my maternity leave, I held a parttime position until I retired. 

Distinctive Sjogren’s symptoms like brain fog/fatigue attacks began in the early ‘80s, but I didn’t put it all together until 2009. I got a Sjogren’s diagnosis in the early ‘90s for my very dry eyes and mouth, and my mother's SJD.

Through the 80’s, 90’s, and 2000’s, I & many doctors dealt with seemingly unrelated issues like peripheral neuropathy, acid reflux and painfully swollen glands. An unexpected observation by a radiologist in 2009 opened my eyes to the fact that Sjogren’s is way more than dry eyes and mouth. I’ve been learning about and working to manage it ever since. The disease has reframed my life.

Please support me in helping to reach this goal by a donating today through this totally secure website, or by registering for the walk. There will be much more than walking, & you can choose to sit & enjoy the music, learn from the experts who will answer individual questions, & meet other people who are curious about, have, or know someone with SJD. The SJD Foundation has a great variety of services, and their staff will be on hand also.

I’d love to see you there.   My team is Mary’s Dry Humor.  You can register for $50 and get a T-shirt & other goodies, or register for $25 as a walker & donate more only if you wish. That's what I did, since I don't need more walk shirts!  

Thanks so much for your support!   Mary (M/MV)