Sjögren's.  

They whispered to her you can’t stand the storm.  She whispered back I am the STORM!!

I look forward to seeing everyone for my Third Annual Walk for Sjogren’s with Purple Storm!  We will meet at Fort Hunt Park- time and date to be determined!!



First thank you for all your support! Due to weather beyond my control. I am asking that we postpone walk to later time when it is safe for us to walk in park.

2023 Mid-Atlantic & National
Virtual Walk for Sjögren's For all of DC, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia & Nationwide  Saturday, April 1, 2023
10:00am ET

 

Join us Saturday, April 1st at 10am ET via Zoom for the Mid-Atlantic & National Walk Opening Ceremony and then celebrate your strength as you walk, your way, through your neighborhood, park, or anywhere you choose.  Show Your Community How You Can Be Stronger Than Sjögren's. 

 I am a little late this year to ask for your support for my 3rd annual walk for Sjogren’s.   This year reminds me of my first year, not really understanding Sjögren’s and finding my purpose.  So, I decided to join my first walk with a Purpose for others and doing something for myself too!  

As some of you know and some don’t.  I had pain episodes this February and March that were excruciatingly debilitating.  I usually don’t cry out for help because many don’t have appropriate responses, to my type of pain; #1 we just getting old...  I hear people when referring to others she was fine earlier, well that’s my story fine one second then feeling like I don’t want to keep pushing the next because I’m mentally and physically exhausted with pain.  Then I remember too many people rely on my strength, purpose and resilience; if there is a will there’s a way.  I typically can put one foot in front of the other; you know like a real soldier!  But one time in February and once in March I went to sleep feeling awesome, then in the 1 o’clock hour in pain; pain that most will never live to know!  Both times I tried everything from natural remedies to the forbidden pain meds!  Those who know me, know I won’t take pain meds without a current doctors order; even if I know I can take this plus this without any issues.  I still have fears of going back on pain medications around the clock without any pain relief, like I was for 3 months straight in early 2020.  I ended up with extreme pain, difficulty walking, off from work for several days, Emergency Room visit, MRI, 4 shots in my hips, Rheumatology visits, spine and pain doctor, Orthopedics, pain management, changes to meds, Lumbar Spinal Epidural Injection under anesthesia, bone scan (all day affair), and now physical therapy twice a week.  When this started I wasn’t in a healthy state of mind ( I will spare details).  Pity party over, a little nudge helped me remember I’m not alone and it’s not too late; and others need me too.

My word for 2021 was PURPOSE, 2022 RESILIENCE.  This year my word is BALANCE, I selected this word early in the year!  To Balance is to stand upright and be steady.  Well that’s one of the meanings.  I definitely love this for me.  Of course it’s time for me to embrace Balance for all the other obvious reasons.  One might say I take on too much at the sacrifice of my own wellbeing!  My dad always says “Sarah it’s ok to say NO”!  I am still learning Balance for work, home and my small social life.  My goal this year is to find Balance in all aspects of health, work, kid’s schedules, and social life.  I will keep pushing and will be ready for this walk in April. 

 

There is plenty of time to donate to Sjogren’s Foundation.  Help us surpass the fundraising goals from 2022.  I look forward to your support.  

Please join me in my efforts to support the Sjögren's Foundation!
 
Together we can make a difference and impact the future of Sjögren's!   The Sjögren's Foundation raised over $3 million dollars to support our mission. These funds are being used to further research, education, patient initiatives and awareness of this complex disease.

Please support me in helping to reach this goal by a making a donation today. Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure and is the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts!

Thank you in advance for your support with Team Purple.

It means a lot to me to have support from my family with donations.  The gathering of friends and family for this important cause means the most!  Thank you for your generous donation that will help the lives of many.

Love,

Sarah