World Sjögren’s Day supporters set to raise united voice on July 23
Chronic autoimmune disorder estimated to affect about 4M people in US alone
Supporters around the world are preparing to use their voice to educate others about Sjögren’s syndrome for World Sjögren’s Day — set aside each July 23 to call attention to the chronic autoimmune disease.
Sjögren’s syndrome is believed to occur in about 0.1% to 1% of the general population, affecting some 4 million individuals in the U.S. alone. Women older than 40 are predominantly affected.
“World Sjögren’s Day is meant to put a face on the millions of people who live with this disease or suffer from symptoms and have yet to be diagnosed,” the Sjögren’s Foundation stated on a webpage about the event. “It gives everyone touched by Sjögren’s a vehicle to reach out and educate those close to them — family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc. — about the disease. It is the ideal opportunity for you to have your voice heard and to spread awareness about this life-altering disease.”
Day marked every year on birthday of ophthalmologist who identified disorder
World Sjögren’s Day, which also seeks to raise research funds, is marked each year by organizations globally on the birthday of Henrik Sjögren, the Swedish ophthalmologist who first identified the disorder 90 years ago.
The foundation is offering a shareable fact sheet to help people understand the disease that is little known and commonly misunderstood, despite its prevalence. The syndrome mainly affects glands that produce tears and saliva, resulting in dryness in the eyes and mouth, and can potentially affect other tissues.
There is also a World Sjögren’s Day media kit that includes a press release, text for a guest blog post, and a social media tool kit, which contains platform-specific sample posts to be used with hashtags #WorldSjögrensDay and #Sjögrens. There are also social media images available in the media kit.
In the run-up to July 23, the foundation, which established World Sjögren’s Day more than a decade ago, is asking supporters to use their voice to raise awareness of the disease and day of observance.
“Leading up to World Sjögren’s Day and especially on the day itself, talk about Sjögren’s with the people in your life,” the foundation stated in a blog post. “Share your story and educate others! By doing so, you are helping spread the message that Sjögren’s is a serious disease that deserves to be recognized. You may also be helping someone who is looking for answers to their own questions.”
Horizon Therapeutics to match up to $35,000 in donations
Horizon Therapeutics has pledged to match, dollar for dollar, up to $35,000 in donations to help fund research into better treatments and a cure, and to further educate the public. Supporters are also invited to create a personalized fundraising page and share why the cause is important to them, then ask friends and family to support their efforts.
Supporters may also purchase two limited-edition World Sjögren’s Day Awareness kits that include a thematic T-shirt, socks, flyers, and brochures.
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