Rena Newman,  —

Rena Newman is the eccentric, clumsy, superhuman columnist for Sjogren’s Syndrome News. Rena resides in Pensacola, Florida. She has a diverse work history which involved working in the legal field and mental health field. She is also a Singer-Songwriter who focuses on supporting various causes and non-profit organizations. At age 42, she was diagnosed with three rare diseases including Sjogren’s Syndrome, Raynaud’s Disease, and Autoimmune Autonomic Ganglionopathy (say that three times fast). Rena is a proud Aspie and is continuing her education in hopes to one day become a researcher with a focus on autism. She is a lover of cats, plants and porcelain dolls. Check in on Mondays to hear of her wacky tales that may just enlighten, entertain, inspire or encourage hope.

Articles by Rena Newman

May 24, 2021 Columns by Rena Newman

Battling the Sjögren’s Blues With Creative Art Therapy

It happens. Everyone gets the blues from time to time. For us Sjögies, it can be the “Sjögren’s blues.” How could we not become a little glum when faced with the unique challenges that accompany this rare, lesser-known disease? There are various ways to battle the blues, but one of…

May 17, 2021 Columns by Rena Newman

My Wooden Tooth Has Taught Me Important Lessons

Hello again! Given the title, you may be wondering if I really have a tooth crafted out of wood like George Washington. (Actually, I hear it’s a myth that he had wooden teeth.) And what could this wooden tooth possibly have taught me? Please read on to find out.

May 10, 2021 Columns by Rena Newman

Is Your Jug Full? Welcome to ‘Diary of a Sjogie’

“Beep, beep, beep, beep!” The alarm crescendoed. It was 5:30 a.m., sometime in 2017. “Time to make the doughnuts!” I thought. After getting ready for work (on my own), I effortlessly marched out the front door. Later, while driving home after an extended shift, I decided to stop at the…

Recent Posts