2022: Supporting A Fellow Warrior

This year, the Hope for the Holidays community raised $5,000 to support a woman from our Sjögren’s Syndrome group who needed urgent dental surgery.

For those unfamiliar, Sjögren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disease that attacks moisture-producing glands, leading to dry mouth and severe oral and organ damage. Unfortunately, our community member lost several teeth due to the effects of the disease and was dealing with organ failure.

The situation was made worse when her insurance refused to cover the cost of the necessary dental surgery, despite it being a medical issue directly caused by her condition. Without the funds for new teeth, she faced further health complications and a diminished quality of life.

Thanks to your generosity, we were able to cover the costs of her surgery, allowing her to get new teeth and regain some normalcy in her life. While her identity remains private due to HIPAA, her story is one of perseverance, and your support made a real difference in her journey toward healing.

This year’s fundraiser not only brought relief to someone in need, but it also reminded us all of the power of community. We came together to support a woman who was facing a serious medical issue, and together, we helped her find a path forward.