Gates Foundation

[balor123]

From what I read it looks like a big problem with this disease is lack of funding. Has anyone ever approached the Gates Foundation for funding? I think this disease meets their criteria.

To invest resources most responsibly, we begin by asking:

What affects the most people?
What has been neglected?
Where can we make the greatest change?
How can we harness innovative solutions and technologies?
How can we work in partnership with experts, governments, and businesses?

We look for projects that:
Produce measurable results
Use preventive approaches
Promise significant and long-lasting change
Leverage support from other sources
Accelerate work the foundation already supports

Neglected diseases

[alittlebooboo]

Thats very interesting- you might send that information to someone at the Sjogrensfoundation.org

They start all sorts of fund raising, and awareness events and I'm sure they'd be interested in hearing about this

[balor123]

Looks like they don't have an email address for this so I have to call it in.

[gurs]

I wish they would understand how debilitating Sjogrens is, and esp with the CNS issues that alot of us have. I guess cause alot of us dont die from it
most are hesitant. Wish I would hit the lottery or something and I would certainly help. It would be nice to get some dental coverage under medical to cover alot
of our expenses..that is what i would fight for right now.

gursie

[balor123]

With this disease, there's little chance that any of us will make a lot of money and fund the research. We just can't afford to be without those benefits.

[DragonflyC]

There was a study in 2009 that confirms the serious impact Sjogren's can have on our quality of life: http://www.hqlo.com/content/7/1/46

From the report: "In summary, this survey of the health experiences reported by PSS subjects suggests a large unmet health burden. Delays in the diagnosis of Sjogren's syndrome may contribute to the psychological distress of unexplained symptoms and prevent the timely application of symptomatic therapies that are effective in preventing sicca related complications. Earlier diagnosis could potentially reduce morbidity attributable to sicca complications such as corneal scarring and tooth loss. Improved understanding of the neurobiology of pain and fatigue, as well as greater appreciation of the pervasive effects and reduced quality of life experienced by patients with PSS, is needed to reduce the health care costs and ultimately the burden of illness experienced by those with PSS."