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What is World Sjögren's Day?

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. 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.

Leading up to World Sjögren's Day and especially on the day itself, talk about Sjögren’s with the people in your life. 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.

Watch Shannon's Story Here

Watch Tiffany's Story Here 
 

World Sjögren's Day is also a chance to further Sjögren's research and education by making a donation. And we are extremely excited that Horizon Therapeutics has pledged a dollar-for-dollar match this year up to $35,000! Thanks to their generosity, your gift will have DOUBLE the impact.

This World Sjögren's Day, use your voice to tell your story, make a donation, and help us conquer the complexities of Sjögren's. TOGETHER, we can make a difference!

History of World Sjögren's Day

World Sjögren's Day was created by the Sjögren's Foundation to raise much needed awareness for Sjögren's. It is marked every year on July 23rd, the birthday of Dr. Henrik Sjögren, the Swedish ophthalmologist who discovered Sjögren's. The Foundation is joined by organizations around the world to draw attention to Sjögren's and the disease's impact on millions of patients.

Dr. Henrik Sjogren

Dr. Henrik Sjögren was a Swedish ophthalmologist who first identified the disease in 1933. Today, his birthday is celebrated as World Sjögren's Day to help raise awareness for this disease.

In 1929 Dr. Sjögren met a patient who complained of dry eye, dry mouth and joint pain. While each of these symptoms were already well known, it was the combination of them that Dr. Sjögren noticed and decided to investigate.

Dr. Sjögren could have been just an ophthalmologist who happened to meet a patient with dry eye, but his open mind led him to the discovery of an unknown clinical entity. His work not only paved the way for current researchers in the field but has also helped all patients living with this complex disease.

You can donate in honor of Dr. Sjögren, yourself, a loved one, or in honor of the nearly 4 million Americans who fight this disease each day. 

Ways You Can Make a Difference