Share Your Story with the Government

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.