For 30 years, my body was slowly failing me and every test said I was fine.

It started in my late twenties. I knew something wasn't right, but I couldn't explain it. I went to doctors and allergists. Over three decades, I've had more than twenty-five blood tests, and every one came back normal.

Meanwhile, the symptoms kept building: pain and inflammation, then nerve pain in my fingers and toes — I can't touch a phone screen anymore; I use a stylus. Then came the fatigue, the brain fog, the dry mouth, and eyes. Eventually, I stepped away from a company I loved because I knew something was seriously wrong.

Two different antibody tests finally gave me the answer: advanced-stage Sjögren's syndrome. It's a covert autoimmune disease that can affect the nerves, joints, and organs, and it significantly increases the risk of lymphoma. I'd never even heard of it.

I'm doing everything my doctors recommend. I've lost thirty-two pounds and I'm on hydroxychloroquine. Recently, we found what may be a promising treatment path — but much of it isn't covered by insurance, and some of it requires traveling outside the United States.

To get to this point, I have already sold my possessions and downsized to a minimal lifestyle. I have no regrets about that. But I can't carry this alone anymore, and staying silent out of pride would be giving up. I'm fighting for my children, my family, and my friends who started this campaign for me.

Any contribution, of any size, means a great deal. I'll post updates every two weeks so you can see exactly how things are progressing, and you'll find my diagnosis documentation in the comments. And if you can bear how I slur, and how I look, I will gladly do a zoom and answer any questions. DM me or request in the comments…

Also, in the comment, you will find the latest video update on Sjogren’s. Even just the first few sentences are enough to give you chills:

"What if the symptom quietly ending lives right now, the one sending people to the I.C.U. without warning, feels almost like something you'd take a nap for? That's not a hypothetical. That's what's happening to thousands of people with Sjögren's syndrome every single year in this country."

I am 100% convinced, without my healthy lifestyle, sports, food , optimism, I would not be walking the Earth today . I want to live. I am not done parenting. I’m not done contributing to humanity. I definitely have unfinished business.

Thank you and I give you my love. In a few months I will make you proud. I hope to show the world how to cure this disease and help others who who are also suffering.

Thank you for reading, and please SHARE