Yes! It most certainly can!
To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of my book, SHOWgrins, I am proudly sponsoring the 2023 Sjögren’s National Virtual Walk being held on April 1st. Sjögren’s is pronounced SHOWgrins; hence the title of my book. (Click here to visit my website for more information about the book.)
Did you know that Sjögren’s is the second most prevalent rheumatic autoimmune disease affecting roughly four million Americans, making it three times more common than lupus and multiple sclerosis? Despite its prevalence, it still remains relatively unknown.
According to Steven Taylor, Sjögren’s Foundation CEO in 2013: “This book will captivate you as you read the five inspirational stories of courage, determination and spirit from women who refuse to define themselves as only Sjögren’s patients. Join them on their journey of self-discovery as they reclaim their lives and find new purposes and meaning to how they can make a difference and be the women they always wanted to be.”
Pictured here with Betty are the Fab Five at the 2013 Sjögren’s National Patient Conference. From left to right: Cathy Taylor, Estrella Bibbey, Paula Beth Sosin, Betty, Lynn Petruzzi, and Judy Kang. A sold out crowd of 400+ attended the 2-day conference learning how to take control of their health from Sjögren’s healthcare experts. Attendees had the opportunity to purchase autographed copies of the book.
ABOUT THE BOOK: Bestselling award-winning author Betty Collier has intricately woven a beautiful, edifying and inspirational book that informs readers of Sjögren’s syndrome – its signs and symptoms, diagnosis, medication and treatment, complications, and other related information. Betty brings into the limelight the cases of Cathy Taylor, Estrella Bibbey, Judy Kang, Lynn Petruzzi, and Paula Beth Sosin. These five extraordinary women opened their hearts and shared their Sjögren’s stories with the world for everyone to understand more about this chronic illness to help increase awareness and expedite new diagnoses and treatment options. Through the heartwarming stories of these five women and the intimate details of their journeys, millions will be inspired, encouraged, and motivated to face the crossroads in their lives.
In honor of four of these remarkable women and in memory of Judy Kang, the one we lost too soon, I am lacing up my sneakers and walking to make a difference again this year. I participated in my first Sjögren’s Awareness Walk in Bethesda, MD during the 2013 National Patient Conference. That same year, I ran my first and only half-marathon with Team Sjögren’s in Nashville, TN, and then ran a 10K with Team Sjögren’s CA in the Santa Cruz to Capitola (CA) Wharf to Wharf Race. I fondly remember that life-changing year I became forever connected to Sjögren’s. Walking made a huge difference for me back then because I was walking/running with a purpose. I wanted to raise funds and increase awareness of this little known disease that affects millions of people, oftentimes silently because from the outside, most “don’t look sick.” Inside though, it’s often a battle as the body is attacking itself.
So to reiterate my own answer, YES, walking certainly can make a difference. It made a huge difference for me in 2013 and continues to make a significant difference in my life and the lives of others today. My SHOWgrins book made an impact then and still does to this very day. I am asking you to consider helping me make an even greater impact by supporting my fundraising efforts. All proceeds go directly to the Sjögren’s Foundation to help increase awareness, education and research of this chronic disease that has no cure.
For your donation of $25 or more, I will send you a free autographed copy of my book!
Thoughts to Ponder:
“It’s not how much we give, but how much we put into giving.” — Mother Teresa
“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.” — Maya Angelou
“If you see someone without a smile today, give ‘em yours.” — Dolly Parton
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?”” — Martin Luther King, Jr.
Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee. — Deuteronomy 16:17
*** Do you have something that you are passionate about? Please share your thoughts in the comments.