Back in July 2013 I blogged about a Kickstarter campaign by Christine Molloy raising funds for her anthology of 13 personal stories by Sjogren’s patients, including my own story.

Kickstarter is an innovative way to make creative projects happen, when traditional sources are not available. I am happy to report that 101 people gave $7305. towards the goal of $7000. for Christine to complete the project, and she has indeed published the book. Thank you to all Kickstarter contributors!

Christine’s goal in publishing the book was to allow individuals the opportunity to share their personal stories in an effort to increase awareness of Sjogren’s Syndrome.

Christine did not publish the book as a money-making venture, nor did any of the contributors submit with any hope to profit from the sale of it. Each of us told our stories solely in an effort to reach out to others with Sjogren’s, create support and understanding among patients and their families/friends, as well as to generate much needed awareness of Sjogren’s within the medical professions, as well as the community at large.

Here is a brief blurb about the book from Ms. Molloy:

Imagine for a second what life would be like if for years, you searched for answers to mysterious physical symptoms that were so severe, you could no longer participate in the daily activities of your life. What your life would be like if not only did the medical community doubt your sanity, but you begin to question it yourself. For approximately four million people in the United States, including tennis superstar Venus Williams, this is often a reality because they have Sjögren’s syndrome; an autoimmune illness that severely affects the moisture producing glands in the body. It is difficult to diagnose and even more difficult to effectively treat as there is no cure.

The publication gained greater credibility having the Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation (USA) CEO Steven Taylor provide the book’s Forward. Ms. Molloy will also be attending the annual National Sjogren’s patient conference this Spring. Today she is attending the Boston Sjogren’s Support Group. The book has sold hundreds of hard copies , as well as Kindle digital copies.  A portion of every book ordered through the Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation in the USA goes directly back to the Foundation for research and generating awareness. Congratulations Christine! In a short time, you have succeeded in creating much awareness with much more to come. You have shown that indeed one person can make a big difference!

In Canada, the book may be purchased directly through Amazon (paperback or Kindle):

http://www.amazon.ca/Tales-Dry-Side-Personal-Autoimmune/dp/1478722096/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391298087&sr=8-1&keywords=Tales+From+the+Dry+Side

It can also be purchased directly from the Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation website, on amazon.com, and in Barnes + Noble bookstores in the USA.

To read more about this project, Sjogren’s, living with Autoimmune disease, Christine’s personal journey and more, check out her blog – “Thoughts and Ramblings on Life, Love and Health” on the links below:

http://www.christinemolloy.com/

http://www.facebook.com/ThoughtsandRamblingsOnLife.Love.and.Health