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- Health
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- AwarenessEducationalHealth
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- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every April
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- 💜
National Sjogren’s Syndrome Awareness Month is observed every April to highlight this chronic autoimmune disease. Affecting millions, primarily women, Sjogren’s often goes undiagnosed due to its varied symptoms. Learn more about its impact, support research, and help spread awareness to improve early detection and patient care.
Want to sponsor National Sjogren's Syndrome Awareness Month? Learn how
Expected National Sjogren's Syndrome Awareness Month Deals
During National Sjogren’s Syndrome Awareness Month, the focus shifts from commercial deals to crucial fundraising and advocacy. Organizations like the Sjögren’s Foundation partner with corporate sponsors to amplify their mission, often through donation-matching programs, awareness campaigns, and special events. Pharmaceutical companies developing treatments, such as Novartis or Bristol Myers Squibb, may support patient education initiatives. Retailers like Walgreens or CVS Pharmacy might offer roundup-at-checkout options for related charities or feature educational materials. Brands producing dry eye or dry mouth relief products, such as Systane or Biotene, often participate in awareness drives. Look for opportunities to donate directly to research funds or participate in virtual walks and challenges throughout April. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as April approaches.
Platform Guide for National Sjogren's Syndrome Awareness Month
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #SjogrensAwarenessMonth. Share personal stories, educational infographics, and event details to foster community and support.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #SjogrensSyndrome. Join conversations with medical experts, patient advocates, and research organizations to spread real-time updates and calls to action.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #SjogrensAwareness. Post visually engaging content like symptom checklists, patient spotlights, or behind-the-scenes of research efforts to educate and inspire.
National Sjogren's Syndrome Awareness Month Hero
Dr. Henrik Sjögren
History of National Sjogren's Syndrome Awareness Month
As far back as 1930, Swedish ophthalmologist Gustav Sjogren was the first to describe the symptoms of Sjogren’s Syndrome, which is characterized by a lack of tears and saliva. He noticed that one of the most common symptoms of the condition, known as ‘Keratoconjunctivitis,’ was dry eyes. At that time, he submitted a doctoral thesis detailing 19 females, most of whom were postmenopausal and had arthritis, exhibiting the clinical and pathological aspects of the disease.
Sjogren’s study was not taken seriously by health professionals at the time because of the lack of consistency in the symptoms of the illness. A study released by Sjogren in 1951 was the culmination of his extensive research on the disease, and it included the analysis of 80 patients with keratoconjunctivitis. Also, arthritis was a common problem among a large number of patients, according to his paper. As a result of his research and the lectures he gave in connection with it, Sjorgren’s Syndrome gained more attention across the globe. It was Sjogren himself who invented the name ‘keratoconjunctivitis sicca’ and began to identify it as Sjogren’s Syndrome in health literature.
In 1998, the late New York Congresswoman Louise Slaughter read into the Congressional Record a resolution establishing Sjogren’s Awareness Month. To better understand the illness, develop better diagnostic tools, and discover strategies to prevent, manage, and cure it, Sjogren’s Syndrome is now being studied in numerous research institutes across the U.S.
In 2010, the Medical Research Council in the U.K. approved the establishment of the U.K. Primary Sjogren’s Syndrome Registry, a tissue biobank containing samples taken for research. Those interested in participating in clinical trials and genetic investigations of Sjogren’s Syndrome are welcome, as are academics interested in the condition.
National Sjogren's Syndrome Awareness Month timeline
A Swedish ophthalmologist diagnoses a patient with symptoms of dry eyes.
The newly discovered autoimmune disease is named after the discoverer, Henrik Sjogren.
An international non-profit organization is established to serve the needs of people affected by Sjogren’s Syndrome.
Sjogren’s awareness month is established and passed into law.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Sjogren's Syndrome Awareness Month
Local businesses can support National Sjogren’s Syndrome Awareness Month by hosting educational events or partnering with local advocacy groups. Pharmacies can highlight products for dry eyes and mouth, offering discounts or informational pamphlets. Restaurants might host ‘dine to donate’ nights, contributing a portion of proceeds to Sjögren’s research. Healthcare providers can offer free screenings or informational sessions on early detection. Even small businesses can display purple ribbons or share facts about the disease on their social media, encouraging community engagement and spreading crucial awareness.
National Sjogren's Syndrome Awareness Month FAQs
When is National Sjogren's Syndrome Awareness Month?
In 2027, the observance again spans the entire month of April, providing another opportunity for widespread advocacy, fundraising, and patient support initiatives across the nation.
How many people are affected by Sjogren's Syndrome?
Globally, millions more contend with Sjogren’s, making it one of the most common autoimmune diseases. The ongoing awareness month in 2027 will continue to emphasize the need for broader recognition and improved diagnostic pathways.
What are the common symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome?
Beyond the classic dry symptoms, Sjogren’s can present with a wide array of systemic issues, from nerve pain to kidney problems. The 2027 observance will continue to highlight this complexity, aiding in earlier and more accurate diagnoses.
Is Sjogren's Syndrome an autoimmune disease?
As an autoimmune condition, Sjogren’s shares characteristics with other diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Research in 2027 continues to explore the underlying mechanisms of this immune dysfunction to develop more targeted therapies.
How to Observe National Sjogren's Syndrome Awareness Month
Wear a ribbon
Wear a purple ribbon or pin to show your support for Sjogren's Syndrome awareness. It’s usually a very tough and painful experience so patients always need all the support they can get.
Donate to charity
Make a donation to a charity that funds research into Sjogren's Syndrome. As scientists continue to search for better treatments, public donations go a long way to ensure they have all the tools they need.
Create awareness
Share information about Sjogren's Syndrome with your friends and family members. Use this time to explain the different preventive steps that can be taken.
5 Facts About Sjorgen's Syndrome
It affects your whole body
Although the main symptom is dry eyes, this disease causes inflammation to the entire body.
It’s a difficult disease to diagnoze
Being an autoimmune disorder, Sjogren's Syndrome shares symptoms with many other ailments and this makes it difficult to diagnose.
The disease is more prevalent in women
Sjogren's Syndrome has been found to affect women who are over 40 with the majority of the diagnosis made in the ages 45 to 55.
It has two primary symptoms
The two most common symptoms are dry eyes which make one feel like they have sand in their eyes and dry mouth which makes it difficult to chew.
It is not life threatening
People do not die from Sjogren's Syndrome but it does make life very frustrating.
Why National Sjogren's Syndrome Awareness Month is Important
It publicizes a rare disease
Sjorgen's Syndrome is a relatively rare disorder, affecting only about one in 4,000 people. This means that many people may not have heard of it before, so raising awareness is important.
It’s an opportunity to create top-of-the-mind awareness
Many people with Sjorgen's Syndrome may not even realize they have it. Raising awareness can help ensure that more people receive an accurate diagnosis.
Provides more information on treatments
There is no cure for Sjorgen's Syndrome, but there are treatments available that can help improve symptoms. Raising awareness ensures that more people are aware of these treatments and can access them if needed.
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