Like many newly diagnosed patients, Elaine K. Harris was frustrated with the lack of information available. Without a Foundation or the internet, Elaine was only able to find two patient fact sheets that mentioned the disease. Determined to take control of her health and learn more about her symptoms, Elaine used her past community involvement to start a local support group with only one other Sjögren’s patient that she met, the secretary of her doctor. She then slowly grew that support group into the Sjögren’s Foundation.
Today, the Foundation serves thousands of patients and has grown into a powerhouse organization, breaking down barriers worldwide in the field of Sjögren’s. The many achievements that the Foundation has seen in the last four decades is because of the hundreds of volunteers and members across the country. None of what we have today would be possible if it wasn’t for Elaine turning her frustration into a source of hope for all patients.
During the Foundation’s 35th anniversary in 2018, Elaine and Janet Church, Sjögren’s Foundation CEO, meet to discuss the past, present and future of the Foundation. Below are excerpts from their interview.
What was your key motivation as to why you started the Foundation?
I wanted more people to know about Sjögren’s, to be able to talk to other patients and have more doctors interested in it.
How do you think the Foundation is doing today?
I think the Foundation is doing superbly
What was the primary focus of the Sjögren's Foundation in its earliest days?
There was a need for doctors who could recognize the discrete manifestations as possibly related symptoms. We wanted to develop and distribute patient-oriented literature that would also help doctors communicate with each other regarding the patient’s needs and proposed treatment. We also saw a great need for promoting public awareness about Sjögren’s and getting more physicians interested so that they would focus on developing treatments, bringing relief to patients.
How did the newsletter receive the name, The Moisture Seekers?
Name recognition is a challenge with Sjögren’s. It’s a disease name that people cannot easily pronounce or spell. We reasoned that since we were looking for moisture for the many organs in our body, naming our group The Moisture Seekers made sense. When were ready to incorporate as an official “not-for-profit organization,” our lawyer suggested it would be best to name the organization after the disease. We decided to become the “Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation” but I didn’t want to let the name The Moisture Seekers go and retained it for the newsletter.
(Editor's Note: In 2020, because language matters and to more accurately describe the disease, the Foundation became the "Sjögren's Foundation" dropping the word "syndrome." During this time, the newsletter also evolved into Conquering Sjögren's.)
Why do you think it’s important for patients to add their voice to the Sjögren's Foundation?
The squeaky wheel gets oiled. Sjögren’s patients take time and doctors are often limited with time. This is why it’s so important to learn from doctors through the foundation newsletter, local support group meetings and the National Patient Conferences. It is also important to help educate your doctor and not be bashful when talking about your disease. You have to spread the word and keep trying for those who are living with debilitating manifestations and find it difficult to function.
What is the best advice that you would give to a new diagnosed patient?
Meet other Sjögren’s patients. Patients will talk to each other about some of their problems that they are reluctant to bring up to doctors. Find a doctor who is informed about the many manifestations of Sjögren’s or one who will work with you and is interested in learning. Someone who will listen to your problems, communicate with the other specialists treating you, and keep up with the new medications being developed to treat the disease.
What advice would you like to share with all patients?
Be open about your Sjögren’s and never stop reaching!
What is the biggest transformation between the early years of the Sjögren's Foundation to now?
Growth in the pharmaceutical industry. Today it seems possible that there’s a pot of gold to be found!
Learn more about Elaine K. Harris' Legacy
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This interview was originally published in an issue of the Foundation's newsletter. To receive access to current and archived newsletters, as well as receive discounts on merchandise and conferences, become a member of the Sjögren's Foundation today!
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