Michele’s story

In 2017, I was diagnosed with Sjogren’s (SHOW-grins) disease, a systemic autoimmune disease that affects my entire body. Before I go any further, let me say that while I have had very bad and very hard days, the Lord has been good to me with very good days of health as well. I missed my first day of work in 3 years, last week, due to a Sjogren’s flare. I want to keep my life as normal as possible with my family, my friends and my ministry at Cornerstone Christian School and Cornerstone Church of Harrisonburg.

My daily symptoms include fatigue, foggy brain, extreme dry eyes, mouth and skin, painful neck lymph nodes & salivary glands. Symptoms that come and go are swollen, painful joints & muscles. Systemic autoimmune means that this disease can affect most of the organs in my body.

As I’ve begun to experience new symptoms, it was apparent to Rod and I that I needed to find a doctor who specializes in this disease beyond my rheumatologist. We both typed in Sjogren’s Doctors on our Google search on the same day, unbeknownst to one another. Our searches brought us to Johns Hopkins Sjogren's Center. We could hardly believe our eyes! Doctors who specialize in this disease, BUT…I had to be accepted into their program. I downloaded all of my labs, xrays, CT scans, sonograms and biopsies over the last 8 years and sent the package off to JHSC. Within 10 days, I received a phone call from their office saying that I was accepted into the program and my testing dates were secured.

I will spend two days, May 13-14, at the center undergoing a variety of tests, CT Scans and biopsies. One particular biopsy of the lip is so vital as lymphoma is a huge concern for people with Sjogrens, and this biopsy can give early detection.

How you can help

Any donated money will be used for out of pocket medical expenses that are due the days of my testing, along with travel expenses ($3000.00), as well as other medical bills.

Normally, we wouldn’t ask for help with a medical need, but due to Rod’s 18 month unemployment journey…things are a bit tight. I’m proud of the “odds and ends” jobs he has taken to keep us going. (You can pray for that as well!)

Above all, your prayers for me are treasured. I continue to ask God to heal me of this disease as I believe that He wants me to thrive, not just survive! God bless you!