Send your story directly to provincial and/or federal representatives.
Include the following information in your letter:
- Explain why you are contacting their office.
- Indicate that you live in their jurisdiction.
- Define Sjögren’s syndrome briefly and include:
- The Canadian Arthritis Society estimates that Sjögren’s syndrome affects up to 1 in 70 people or 430,000 Canadians.
- 9 out of 10 patients are women.
- Sjögren’s syndrome is one of the most prevalent autoimmune diseases.
- It can take 5 – 9 years to be diagnosed.
- Many different specialists are needed to treat you and it is difficult to diagnose and is sometimes misdiagnosed.
- Share your story and how it has affected you, your family, work and quality of life. Personalize your writing style and be brief.
- Discuss the need to increase the level of funding and research into Sjögren’s Syndrome.
- Tell the representative that more information can be obtained from the Sjögren’s Society of Canada, include our address and website information.
Include the following if applicable to you:
- If a particular medication has helped you, explain why and how.
- If you are currently benefiting from a medication that is under review by Health Canada and discuss expediting the drug approval process.
Summarize your letter and thank the representative.
Follow-up by mailing a letter of thanks.
Notify the Sjögren’s Society of Canada about your efforts.
