Annual General Meeting
Sjögren’s Syndrome Association Inc.
Saturday, May 4, 2024
at 10:00 am
By visioconférence ZOOM
You must confirm your presence by email :
sjogrenquebec@gmail.com
Hope to see you soon!
Francine Laguë, president
2024-04-11
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NEW ADDRESS
Association du syndrome de Sjögren inc.
706 Laurier Street, suite 100A
Beloeil (QC) J3G 4J6
Téléphone : (514) 934-3666 – Toll free :1-877-934-3666
Website : http://sjogrens.ca – Email : sjogrenquebec@gmail.com
Hope to see you soon!
Francine Laguë, president
2024-04-11
Sjögren’s syndrome research project
at CHUM Montreal
If you suffer from dry eyes, have been diagnosed with Sjögren’s disease or are in the process of being diagnosed, and would like to take part in this research project.
A clinic is being offered on August 2, 2023 in Montreal for non-invasive tear collection using a Schirmer strip (most of us have experienced such collection during regular visits to the ophthalmologist).
You are interested in participating in this research project.
Please leave your contact details:
- your name,
- phone number
- e-mail address
- indicate whether you are available on August 2, 2023
- or available on another date
- at the following e-mail address: sjogrenquebec@gmail.com
- or on the office voice mailbox: 514-934-3666
Contact information for those interested in participating in this research project will be sent to the researchers in charge. You will then be contacted directly by the research center to confirm the date and time of your appointment.
For more information, please contact Lise St-André at 514-934-3666.
This is a great opportunity for us to advance research in order to better diagnose and potentially even monitor the treatment or progression of the disease.
Looking forward to seeing you!
Lise St-André, office manager and volunteer
2023-07-29
World Sjögren’s Day!
July 23rd
World Sjögren’s Day is designed to put a face on the millions of people living with this disease or suffering from symptoms who have not yet been diagnosed. It gives everyone affected by Sjögren’s disease a way to reach out and educate their loved ones – family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, etc. – about the disease. It’s the perfect opportunity to spread the word about this life-altering disease.
History of World Sjogren’s Day
World Sjögren’s Day was created to raise public awareness of Sjögren’s disease. It is celebrated every year on July 23, the birthday of Dr Henrik Sjögren, the Swedish ophthalmologist who discovered Sjögren’s disease.
Dr Henrik Sjögren was a Swedish ophthalmologist who first identified the disease in 1933. Today, his birthday is celebrated as World Sjögren’s Day to help raise awareness of the disease.
In 1929, Dr. Sjögren met a patient complaining of dry eyes, dry mouth and joint pain. While each of these symptoms was already well known, it was their combination that Dr. Sjögren decided to study.
2023-07-20
NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2023-2024
On Saturday, May 6, 2023, the Annual General Meeting of the Sjögren’s Syndrome Association was held via Zoom video conference.
Following nominations, all positions on the Board of Directors were filled.
Officers were appointed at the Board meeting following the AGA.
PRESIDENT
Ms Francine Laguë nº987
VICE-PRÉSIDENT
Ms Pierrette Roy nº1000
SECRETARY
Ms Guylaine Alarie nº1048
TREASURER
Ms Claudette Hubert nº988
DIRECTORS
Ms Ginette Fréchette nº1036
Mr. Michel Bourassa nº 969
Ms Lucie Poulin nº 997
– – – – – – – –
Two new directors have joined the board of directors :
Mr Michel Bourassa nº 969
Mrs Lucie Poulin nº 997
We welcome them.
We would like to thank Mrs. Micheline Piché and Mrs. Agnès Léveillé
for their valuable commitment to the Sjögren’s Syndrome Association.
We wish them good luck in their new projects.
Hope to see you soon!
Francine Laguë, president
2023-05-08
HAPPY EARTH DAY
Dedicated to the preservation of the environment and the planet, Earth Day is celebrated this Saturday in hundreds of countries. It has been held every April 22 since 1970.
Every year, for more than 50 years, several demonstrations and events take place on this occasion, mobilizing the planet to face environmental issues such as waste reduction, pollution or the climate crisis.
Celebrated on April 22, earth day aims to raise awareness around the world to protect the environment.
HAPPY EARTH DAY 2023!
Together we can paint a better world.
Let’s celebrate the planet through action
and restore the beauty of the world, on April 22 and every day.
2023-04-22
National Volunteer Week 2023
National Volunteer Week 2023, which runs from April 16 to 22, is an opportunity to highlight the commitment of volunteers to the Sjogren’s Syndrome Association
Actively participating, our volunteers contribute to the promotion, development, support and outreach of our organization and its mission.
“To take part in volunteer action is to join a movement where it is good to give and receive, regardless of the size and nature of your contribution. When it comes to the heart, there are no small gestures. We can all contribute in our own way, so we can volunteer in unison.”
FCABQ et le Réseau de l’action bénévole du Québec
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS!
2023-04-17
A FIRST IN QUEBEC AND CANADA
“A Quebec policy for rare diseases”
On June 6, 2022, the Minister of Health and Social Services, Christian Dubé, accompanied by his parliamentary assistant, Marilyne Picard, announced the establishment of the first Quebec policy for rare diseases. This policy aims to optimize the accessibility of quality, safe, equitable and inclusive health care and services adapted to the specific needs of patients with rare diseases and their families.
The policy, which was developed through a consultation process involving 24 rare disease organizations including the Sjogren’s Syndrome Association and other rare disease organizations, has three main components:
- awareness and training, especially for health professionals,
- easy and equitable access to diagnosis, care and services,
- as well as the promotion of research, innovation and data collection.
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A WORD FROM THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
Mr. Christian Dubé, Minister of Health and Social Services.
Rare diseases are serious and disabling health problems that may involve chronic pain, various forms of impairment, or involvement of multiple organs or systems. There are between 5,000 and 8,000 rare diseases in the world, which together affect up to 8% of the population. In Quebec, this represents approximately 700,000 people, affected at various stages of life, sometimes even before birth and into adulthood.
Our lack of awareness of these diseases in the medical community leads to many challenges for those affected and their families. These challenges include the difficulty of obtaining a diagnosis, treatment, reliable information about the disease or support. It should also be noted that access to services in the regions is an additional difficulty for patients living outside the major centers. In addition to these issues, the very limited number of people suffering from one of these diseases slows down the development of appropriate treatments, or leads to the creation of drugs that remain very expensive and rather inaccessible.
Faced with all these accessibility challenges, we must show solidarity and offer an adequate response to people’s needs. This is why the implementation of this policy is very important to us. These people have the right to better access to diagnosis, health care and treatment, regardless of where they live, their condition or their cultural reality.
Such a policy is a first in Quebec and in Canada. Our government recognizes the special needs of people with rare diseases and their families and we are working to ensure that these needs are met in the best possible way. It’s about fairness for everyone, and in this way we are committed to making a lasting difference, with the support of our teams across the system.
Source: Office of the Minister of Health and Social Services (June 6, 2022)
2023-04-11
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MEETING OF THE SUPPORT GROUP
“Living with Sjögren’s on a daily basis”
Saturday, April 22, 2023
at 11:00 am
By visioconférence ZOOM
Members who wish to attend
must confirm their presence at the following email address:
sjogrenquebec@gmail.com
Au plaisir de vous rencontrer.
Francine and Lise
2023-04-11
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MEMBERSHIP
If you would like to contact a member of our team directly, please call 877-934-3666. You can also reach us outside of these hours by leaving a message on our voice mail or by email: sjogrenquebec@gmail.com.
Reminder, it is now possible to pay your membership by Interac transfer. Please contact us to obtain the necessary information. Payment by cheque is still accepted.
All support group meetings will be held virtually with the Zoom platform. Members interested in participating in the meetings must register by email: sjogrenquebec@gmail.com or by phone toll free: 877-934-3666.
We thank you for your support and look forward to meeting you.
Francine Laguë, President
2022-07-29
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CONFERENCE
ON DRY EYES WITH SJÖGREN’S
Friday, May 21, 2021
at 1:30 pm
by Dr. Langis Michaud,
Dr. Langis Michaud is a full professor at the School of Optometry of the Université de Montréal. He has expertise in ocular health and dry eye as well as the use of specialized contact lenses.
Lecture in French and question period in French and English.
We look forward to meeting you,
You must confirm your presence by email
sjogrenquebec@gmail.com
2021-05-10
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Recruiting studies
Sjögren’s Syndrome
Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease, which occurs when the immune system is out of balance. In Sjögren’s syndrome, the white blood cells of the immune system attack the glands responsible for lubrication and other tissues in the body. This explains the constant dryness of your eyes and your mouth.
Researchers suspect that the immune response could be due to several factors, including viral infections, hormonal changes and stress.
A genetic factor could also come into play, because sometimes related conditions are observed in members of the same family.
It may be possible for you to participate in this study if:
YOU ARE BETWEEN 18 AND 80 INCLUSIVELY
YOU HAD A DIAGNOSIS OF THE ILLNESS FOR 7 YEARS OR UNDER.
Eligible participants will be followed by a medical team and may receive reimbursement for their travel.
I want to apply to this clinical study
For more information, contact us at 819 346-2887 (Sherbrooke) or at 1-844-739-3439 (toll free), or fill the online form.
https://www.diex.ca/participants/formulaire-de-prise-de-contact/?id=3133&succursale=Sherbrooke
2021-01-12
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Celebrate 25 years of the Sjögren’s Syndrome Association
On December 16, 2021 we will be celebrating 25 years of the Sjögren Syndrome Association. To mark this event, we are offering you the opportunity to join for a longer period, giving you a substantial reduction. We invite you to read the terms and conditions proposed on page 22 of the newsletter Le Sjögren Vol. 26 nº2 Summer 2020 or by contacting Lise by email: sjogrenquebec@gmail.com or at the following phone number: 1-877-934-3666.
In addition, in response to a request made by several members, it is now possible to pay your membership fee or any document by Interac Transfer. Contact us to obtain the necessary information. Payment by check is always accepted.
Best regard,
Lise St-André
2021-01-15
Welcome to the Sjögren’s Syndrome Association Website
The Sjögren’s Association is a Canadian registered, non-profit organization. We publish a Bilingual newsletter, the “Sjögren Bulletin” which is sent to our members and some medical professionals four times a year. In our newsletter you will find articles about Sjogren’s Syndrome, information about our association,helpful tips about caring for yourself and news about research.
You will find on this site a wide variety of links providing you with all relevant information to better understand Sjogren’s syndrome
We also organize support group meetings and information sessions for our members and their families and friends. These meetings are presently available in Montreal.
Good navigation!
About Our Logo
This logo was chosen in 1994 by the Sjögren’s Syndrome group soon after it was formed in Montreal Quebec Canada. It was designed by one of our members.
Our logo is in the shape of an eye, one of the first problems associated with Sjögren’s Syndrome. Dry eyes are the most common symptom. The dove signifies peace, which everyone with a chronic illness actively seeks.
The heart represents passion and love. Many of us have difficulty coping with the health problems associated with Sjögren’s Syndrome. We reach out through the association to comfort and help others. The tear drop indicates moisture needed for the dry eyes and other parts of the body.
