Suffering with any disease can be difficult on anyone. I cope with the burden of over 5 autoimmune illnesses on a daily basis. One of them is the debilitating disease called Sjogren’s.
Sjögren’s (pronounced "SHOW-grins") is a disease that affects women predominantly in their late 40’s and 50’s, however, I was diagnosed before I turned 20. Sjögren’s patients struggle with extreme dryness in their salivary glands and tear ducts, which can eventually affect the internal organs, nervous system and even cause malignant lymphoma. Typically patients with Sjögren’s also suffer from more than one autoimmune disease. For further info about Sjögren’s visit: http://www.sjogrens.org/
Having Sjogren’s (along with Hashimoto Thyroiditis, Fibromyalgia, Raynaud’s Syndrome, Periphereal Neuropathy, Anemia, among other symptoms) has certainly been a challenge. But learning to adjust one’s lifestyle to live happily and healthily with such a significant number autoimmune diseases takes time; for me, it took a couple years.
Unless you have gone through what I have, it is very difficult to understand what people with any disease truly encounter on a daily basis or what it may feel like to have your life change forever, for something entirely out of your control. Besides the physical barriers that might keep me from carrying on with life at the same ease as years prior, I have gained a greater awareness of the importance of living well by staying healthy and doing what I enjoy.
I am now finishing my senior year at the University of Delaware pursuing a degree in Visual Communications with a minor in English. I am the President of the Yoga Club, a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars chapter and the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honors Society, and I also volunteer for the Main Street Journal, Caesura Magazine, and UDress Magazine. Plus, I recently finished up an amazing internship in NYC this past winter at Shecky’s (visit my blog: psosin.tumblr.com). After graduation in May, I plan to return to New York and contribute my design and writing experience to a magazine company. In spite of all my health issues, I don’t let them keep me from pursuing my dreams!
Please take my story as an incentive to possibly change the lives of millions who suffer with Sjogren’s Disease as I do. Give the 4 million Sjogren’s patients and 3 million who have not been properly diagnosed a chance to live a healthy life with the best possible care, even if researchers have yet to find a cure at this time.
My mother and I will be walking on behalf of the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation. Join our team on April 2nd in the Reston Town Center (VA) or make a contribution to bring us closer to finding that cure!
Thanks so much!
Love, Paula
TO DONATE: You may upload below or mail Paula a personal check, made out to SSF, Attention: Greater Washington Region Walkabout. (Mail to: 281 Beverly Rd., Apt E3 Newark, DE 19711)
If you have any questions or would like more information you may contact me via email: sweetp1238@aol.com or cell: 301-538-3422.