Hello Family and Friends,

On July 24th, I am going to run the wharf to wharf with a group of inspirational women and for a great cause. My goal is to raise $1000 for the Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation. Please read on and if you feel like you can help it will be greatly appreciated

Last year I met an amazing woman and mother who struggles with Sjögren’s Syndrome. As a mother myself and learning how to parent a growing active toddler I couldn't imagine what it would be like to be a parent and having to deal with the difficulties that Sjögren’s Syndrome throws at you. I had never heard of this auto-immune disease but knew my friend, Estrella, struggled with debilitating joint pain very similar to Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Both my father and my grandfather had rheumatoid arthritis and the extreme joint pain that is associated with this auto-immune disorder. Knowing how my father had to deal with daily pain at a later age gives me some insight into what my young friend, Estrella struggles with on a daily basis. Many days she can't pick up and hold her son, Anderson, because the pain is too great.

In addition to joint pain, Sjögren’s unfair attacks on the body include reduction of your body producing saliva which ultimately and rapidly leads to tooth decay and loss. Sjögren’s is a chronic autoimmune disease in which a person’s white blood cells attack their moisture-producing glands.

The hallmark symptoms of Sjögren’s are dry eyes and dry mouth. Sjögren’s may also cause dysfunction of other organs such as the kidneys, gastrointestinal system, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, and the central nervous system. Patients may also experience extreme fatigue and joint pain and have a higher risk of developing lymphoma. With upwards of 4,000,000 Americans suffering from Sjögren’s syndrome, it is one of the most prevalent autoimmune disorders. Nine out of 10 patients are women.

Please help me in supporting further research, education and a cure for Sjögren’s. Any amount you are able to give will be greatly appreciated and will go directly to the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation. You can donate on my page on the secure “First Giving” website http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/patricia-pollock-1/2011w2w or give a check to me and I will be forwarding the checks to the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation.

With affection and gratitude, Patty

ps. If any of you are planning on running a race or fundraising for a charity that is close to your heart—please remember to keep my address in your files. I would be happy to donate!