Global campaign aims to raise awareness of Sjögren’s disease
World Sjögren's Day, observed each year on July 23, encourages action
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People around the world are gearing up to observe World Sjögren’s Day, an annual campaign dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of Sjögren’s disease, a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects millions of people worldwide.
Created by the Sjögren’s Foundation in 2005, World Sjögren’s Day is observed each year on July 23 to commemorate the birthday of Henrik Sjögren, the Swedish ophthalmologist who first described the condition in 1933.
Sjögren’s primarily affects the glands producing tears and saliva, leading to its hallmark symptoms of dryness in the eyes and mouth. However, the disease can also affect many other parts of the body. Because symptoms vary widely from person to person and often resemble those of other conditions, diagnosis is frequently delayed.
World Sjögren’s Day provides an opportunity to educate others about Sjögren’s, share personal experiences, support the Sjögren’s community, and help improve recognition and diagnosis of the disease.
“Whether you are living with Sjögren’s disease, caring for someone who is, a healthcare professional, or an advocate for autoimmune disease awareness, there are many ways to participate,” the foundation stated on its website.
Community invited to make pledge, wear blue
Patients, caregivers, family members, friends, and advocates are invited to pledge to take action.
“The pledge to take action … is a personal commitment to take one small action to raise awareness or show support,” the foundation stated on its World Sjögren’s Day campaign website. “Whether you’re living with Sjögren’s or standing beside someone who is, your action helps bring visibility to the disease and connection to those affected.”
Participants can dedicate their pledge to themselves, another person living with Sjögren’s, or someone who has supported them throughout their journey with the disease. With pledgees’ permission, their names — along with those of the people they choose to honor — will be displayed on the foundation’s World Sjögren’s Day Honor Wall.
One of the simplest ways to take action is by wearing blue, the campaign’s official awareness color, on July 23. Supporters are encouraged to share photos on social media using the hashtag #WorldSjögrensDay, invite local landmarks or buildings to light up in blue, and display awareness ribbons or informational materials at their workplace or in their community.
Another action involves telling at least five people about Sjögren’s. To make those conversations easier, the Sjögren’s Foundation is providing a fact sheet. Downloadable graphics are also available in the campaign’s toolkit to help supporters spread the word on social media using the #WorldSjögrensDay hashtag.
Supporters are also encouraged to organize workplace or community “Lunch and Learn” events, send emails to friends and colleagues highlighting World Sjögren’s Day, or simply use everyday conversations to spread awareness.
Sharing experiences, supporting research
People living with Sjögren’s, as well as caregivers and loved ones, can also participate by sharing their experiences. According to the foundation, these personal stories not only educate the public but also help others living with the disease feel understood and less alone.
People can also make a donation to support research, education, and awareness initiatives through the foundation. Until the end of the month, all donations will be matched dollar for dollar — up to $20,000 — thanks to a matching gift from donor Diane M. of Santa Fe, New Mexico, doubling the impact of every contribution.
The foundation is also encouraging supporters to continue their advocacy beyond World Sjögren’s Day by registering for this year’s Fall Walk for Sjögren’s, a nationwide fundraising and awareness campaign.
Under the theme “Your Place, Your Pace!” participants can walk in their own neighborhoods, local parks, or favorite trails after joining others virtually in a national kickoff ceremony on Oct. 10. Throughout the day, walkers are invited to share photos and stories on social media using the hashtag #WalkforSjogrens to help raise awareness and show support for the Sjögren’s community.
Across Europe, Sjögren Europe continues to advocate for greater awareness of the disease, earlier diagnosis, and improved care while amplifying the voices of people living with Sjögren’s.
The organization introduced SpiderWeb, a digital tool designed to help patients better describe and track their symptoms before medical appointments, and is preparing for this year’s International Symposium on Sjögren’s Disease, taking place Sept. 29 to Oct. 2 in Paris. The event will bring together researchers, clinicians, healthcare professionals, and patient representatives to discuss the latest advances in Sjögren’s, from diagnosis to treatment.
Carol Catlett
I received this message later than July23 , I have SJS diagnosed about 7 years ago ! I have some others who I have met with this also! I enjoy reading about this illness! Thank you!