I was diagnosed with Sjogrens Syndrome in 2011.  My symptoms are debilitating, prohibiting enjoyment of my previous lifestyle and ability to work.  This illness has not only drastically affected me, but also my wonderful husband and family.  It is my prayer that a cure be found and your support, prayers and donation will help in the continued research of this goal.

Sjogren's means that every part of every day has changed for me... what I eat, what I drink,  how I sleep, how I dress, hygiene, mobility, relationships, work, hobbies...everything has changed.  Sjogren's has clearly cost me my health, lots of money, eventually cost me my job, and at times my sense of self-worth.  Instead of hanging out with friends and attending after-work functions, I now hang out with rheumatologists, neurologists, GPs, internists, gynecologists, urologists, dermatologists, cardiologists, dentists, opthamologists, orthopedists, gastroenterologists, hematologists, and ENTs, to name a few. 

Sjogren's Syndrome (pronounced "show-grins") is a chronic autoimmune disesase where my white blood cells attack my own moisture producing glands.  Sjögren’s also causes dysfunction of other organs such as the kidneys, gastrointestinal system, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, and the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous systems. I also experience extreme fatigue and joint pain and have a higher risk of developing lymphoma.  Sjogren's usually pairs with other autoimmune diseases - lupus, arthritis, psoriasis, and scleroderma to name a few.

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!  The Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation and our local SSF support group have been a temendous comfort and resource for me.  By participating in this Walkabout I hope to raise funds as well as awareness so that hopefully others will receive an easier diagnosis and find the same kind of understanding and support I have received.  Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

THAT is why I'm asking you to join me in supporting the SSF Walkabout in Birmingham.  Please consider donating to SSF here, but also, come out and join my team  - Team Sjo-Jo - at the Birmingham SSF Walkabout event on Saturday, September 8 at Brookwood Mall as we raise awareness about the 2nd most common autoimmune disease in America  (and the most often mispronounced!)  Registration starts at 9 AM, step-off at 10AM.  Would love to see you there!

 

If you'd like futher information about Sjogren's, check out the SSF website here: http://www.sjogrens.org/

If you'd like to get connected with other Sjogren's patients, families, and friends, come join us at a support group meeting.  Info is here:

http://www.sjogrens.org/files/sg/Alabama%20-Birmingham%20-%20Meeting%20Schedule.pdf

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to everyone who might want to donate too!