This site will continue to accept donations until August 1.
Dear Friends and Family:
Thank you to all of my sponsors! Because of your support and generosity I have surpassed my fundraising goal. I am so blessed to have incredibly supportive friends like you.
Special thanks to my mother, Eileen and my sister, Stacy for helping with my fundraising efforts.
Offline contributions were made by:
Jared Skarstedt
Lisa Dixon
Drew and Jo Anna Brune
Larry Wagstaff
Brad Weatherby
Steve Pannepacker
Terri Gaboda
Marge Martin
Steve Seidman
Mike Villanova
Pat McNeill
Carol Melman
Employees of Bucks County Orphan’s Court
ORIGINAL MESSAGE
Dear Friends and Family:
Thank you for visiting my fundraising page:
Last year, I was diagnosed with Sjögren’s (pronounced "SHOW-grins") Syndrome, a progressive autoimmune disease without a cure and with limited treatment options. It is estimated that nearly 4 million Americans suffer from this disease.
What is Sjögren’s Syndrome?
With Sjögren’s Syndrome the body’s immune system slowly destroys moisture producing glands. The disease can eventually cause dysfunction of other major 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 an increased risk of developing lymphoma and additional autoimmune diseases.
What I have been doing to battle Sjögren’s Syndrome
During the past year I have done everything that I can to help find a cure, participating in research studies both locally and at the National Institutes of Health (NIH.) Next up, on May 1st, I will participate in the Philadelphia Sjögren’s Walkabout. By doing so, I hope to raise money so science can one day find a cure and reverse the damage for me and millions of Sjögren’s patients.
What you can do to help
I understand that times are tough, but I was hoping that you could donate to my fundraising site. There is no minimum to donate online. In fact, if everyone I know donates even $10, together we can easily raise $4,000. If people can contribute $20 or more, we can easily double that! Every little bit adds up and will make a huge difference.
Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. Offline contributions such as cash and checks are also greatly appreciated. You can contact me so I can help coordinate any offline contributions or employer matching gifts.
I have a long time to live with this and the progression of the disease is unpredictable, so keep your fingers crossed that breakthroughs will be made. Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!
Love, Sandra
PS. For more information on Sjögren’s Syndrome you can visit: