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A family’s fight for health via the Denver Zoo

Team Segal (from left to right) Charlie, Marissa, Heather, and Greg.

Article by Kathy Dunker with photo courtesy of the Segal family

Heather Segal, resident of Esperanza, was formally diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome three years ago. Sjogren’s (pronounced show-grins) is an incurable autoimmune disease in which white blood cells attack moisture glands. While dry eyes and mouth are hallmark symptoms, Sjogren’s Syndrome is a systemic disease that can spread throughout the entire body causing joint pain, major organ failure and lymphomas.

Segal has experienced the effects of this disease for eight years, including chronic aches and pains, extreme daily fatigue, hypo-thyroid, constant sinus infections, liver problems, a weakened immune system, and an abundance of other ailments caused from dryness. Although Sjogren’s Syndrome is one of the most prevalent autoimmune diseases – striking nearly 4,000,000 Americans (1 in 70), most people have never heard of it. Nine out of ten Sjogren’s patients are women.

Segal has refused to give in to this disease. With the help of a very supportive family, Segal has been able to experiment with alternative health practices, decreased the amount of stress in her life through yoga and meditation, sees an acupuncturist every two weeks, and has completely changed her diet to be gluten, dairy, and sugar free. Along with a new exercise regime, Segal follows the Ayurvedic health practices of native India which includes taking a nap every day.

Segal says, “My disease and the changes I have been required to make have affected my family in so many ways. Fortunately, we are in a position where the necessary changes are possible. Although I can no longer do many of the things I was able to do before, I am in the process of rebuilding my body and doing more than I have done in years!”

Segal and her family will join the effort to raise awareness of Sjogren’s Syndrome and also help raise money for the Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation (SSF) at the 2011 Denver Sjogren’s Walkabout. The walkabout is a non-competitive family fun event that takes place at the Denver Zoo on Saturday, June 11, with registration at 9 a.m. and the walk off steps beginning at 10 a.m. Everyone attending this event gets free admission to the zoo. Segal hopes to exceed her last two fundraising efforts and raise $3,000 this year.

Segal says, “So many people with this disease do not have the means or support that I have. Because of this, I feel compelled to tell my story to help raise the level of public and medical awareness and to foster medical research.”

To find out more or to offer a donation to Team Segal, visit Segal’s fundraising page at www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/heather-segal.

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