A father who is also the founder and CEO of Performance Painting is preparing for a statewide paddle inspired by his daughter's diagnosis.
News4JAX reported on the planned paddle.
Understanding Sjögren's Disease
Sjögren's disease is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the body's moisture-producing glands and other organ systems. The disease affects an estimated 1 million to 4 million people in the United States, making it the second most common rheumatic autoimmune condition in the country, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Women account for approximately 90% of all Sjögren's cases, per the Sjögren's Foundation. Adult diagnosis typically occurs between ages 30 and 50, according to research published on PubMed. Childhood-onset cases are exceptionally rare, making up roughly 1.3% of primary diagnoses, and pediatric patients often present with recurrent salivary gland swelling rather than the classic adult symptoms of dry eyes and mouth. These differences in presentation can make diagnosis challenging.
Years of Searching for Answers
Delayed diagnosis is one of the most persistent problems surrounding Sjögren's disease nationally. Diagnostic delays have been linked to greater disease activity and worse quality of life, according to the American Journal of Managed Care. An estimated 2.5 million Americans are believed to be living with undiagnosed symptoms.
Treatments can help relieve symptoms. Healio has covered clinical-trial news about Sjögren's disease.
Momentum Building at the National Level
The Sjögren's Foundation is scaling up its investment in research. In August, the foundation committed more than $1 million across 11 individual research grants and two national research collaborations.
The father’s own background suggests he's no stranger to large, complicated undertakings. He founded Performance Painting Contractors after starting out working night shifts, eventually growing the business in commercial painting. His background in commercial painting precedes a very different undertaking: a statewide paddle.
