The SJÖGREN'S SYNDROME ASSOCIATION INC., also known as SJÖGREN'S QUEBEC, was founded on December 16, 1996 by Mrs Jeanine Boyer, Mrs Ginette Texier and Mrs Patricia Brown. It was registered as a charitable organization with the federal government in January 1997 (No. 89059 3734 RR0001).

SJÖGREN'S QUEBEC is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who ensure that its mission is carried out.

Serving the entire province of Quebec, SJÖGREN'S QUEBEC:

• Informs the public to promote early detection of the disease, allowing for rapid diagnosis and improved treatment;
• Develops information and awareness tools;
• Provides support services to people affected by the disease.

Non-profit organization whose primary mission is to support and inform people with Sjögren syndrome (pronounced "SHOW-grins") and their loved ones. This chronic autoimmune disease of the immune system affects approximately 1% of the general population. Nine times out of ten, they are women – generally aged 50.

Sjögren's syndrome  is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the glands responsible for producing saliva (salivary glands) and tears (lacrimal glands). Although Sjögren's syndrome is commonly known as "dry eyes and dry mouth syndrome," it can also affect other organs such as the lungs, kidneys, lymphatic system, and neurological system.

To better meet the needs of people affected by Sjögren's, the organization's mission is:

• Support and inform Sjögren's syndrome patients and their families.
• Raise awareness of Sjögren's syndrome among healthcare professionals and the general public.
• Encourage and promote medical research into the detection, treatment and support of people with Sjögren's syndrome.
• Receive donations and organize fund-raising campaigns to raise money for research.

To accomplish its mission, the organization has four main objectives:

• Reach as many people as possible affected by Sjögren's syndrome.
• Provide reliable information on Sjögren's syndrome.
• Provide moral support to Sjögren's patients to limit the negative effects of the disease on their daily lives.
• Raise funds to develop and offer more services to Sjögren's syndrome patients and their families.

We organize support group meetings and information sessions for our members and their families. These meetings are held in virtual mode on the Zoom platform. We publish a bilingual magazine entitled “Le Sjögren” sent to our members and healthcare professionals four times a year.

In addition, on the website you'll find articles about Sjögren's syndrome, information about our association, useful tips for modifying your environment and lifestyle to improve your symptoms, and news about the latest research.

2024-06-20