4th Virtual Sjogren's Summit 202517 Juli 2025

Day 1 - Kerri Washer Shouldn’t Take this Long- Learning Along the Way

What do you do when you know something is wrong, but doctor after doctor tells you you're "too young," "just stressed," or that "everything is normal"?In this powerful patient story, Kerri Washer shares her raw and honest decade-long journey to finally receiving a seronegative Sjogren's diagnosis. From early, unexplained symptoms like hearing loss to the persistent dismissal from multiple specialists, Kerri details the frustrating but ultimately triumphant process of learning how to advocate for herself and be heard.Listen to Kerri's story to feel seen, validated, and equipped with practical strategies for navigating the healthcare system and building a care team that finally listens.EPISODE IN A GLANCE00:00 Introduction: A Decade-Long Journey to Diagnosis01:53 Early Symptoms: The Unexpected Connection to Hearing Loss03:36 The Struggle with Chronic Migraines and Overwhelming Fatigue06:03 Persistent Health Issues and the Search for Answers09:40 The Breakthrough: Finding the Right Doctor and Getting a Diagnosis20:55 Effective Treatments and Lifestyle Changes That Made a Difference25:35 The Power of Support Systems and Taking Care of Your Mental Health27:13 Conclusion: Finding Hope and a Path to HealingABOUT KERRI WASHERKerri Washer is a Sjogren's patient who has been through the diagnostic gauntlet. After it took over 10 years to diagnose her seronegative Sjogren's disease, she is now dedicated to sharing her story to help others learn how to effectively communicate with doctors and advocate for their health. Her goal is to help newly diagnosed patients recognize early symptoms to prevent organ involvement and to feel empowered on their own journey to healing.CONNECT WITH KERRI WASHERInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/healing.kerrilynnABOUT THE VIRTUAL SJOGREN'S SUMMITThe Virtual Sjögren's Summit is an annual patient-led online event dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education and fostering a supportive global community for everyone touched by Sjögren's. Our mission is to build networks of support, knowledge, and hope.PRESENTATION LINK - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gXyYh6j04T-Xlpa6iaI9Cvi5jZ5ZgXuQiBp8mTli2K3ocgZRMoy_cyluOnQyrNO_PKP780Gt

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Day 3 - Kara Wada, MD - Beyond Medication: The 3-Visit Immune Reset

What if you could achieve the results of 3-5 years of traditional allergy shots in just three visits over two months? For Sjogren's patients stuck in a cycle of inflammation, where allergies fuel auto...

19 Juli 202533min

Day 3 - Kara Wada, MD & Janet Steins - Roundtable: "The Clinical Trial Journey: Patient Perspectives & Insights"

What is it really like to be in a clinical trial for a new Sjogren's medication? What are the tests like? What's the time commitment? And is it worth it?In this unique and candid roundtable discussion...

19 Juli 202554min

Day 3 - Lilly Stairs - The Power of Patient Communities & Network Advocacy

What does ambition look like when you're living with a chronic condition? How do you build a vibrant life and career when your body requires you to work smarter, not harder?In this candid and inspirin...

19 Juli 202525min

Day 3 - Delia Chiaramonte, MD - Caring for Someone You Love Without Losing Yourself

Caregivers often struggle to remain empathetic and compassionate without becoming depleted and overwhelmed, leading to guilt, resentment, and burnout. But it doesn't have to be this way.In this deeply...

19 Juli 202526min

Day 3 - Kristina Kelly, BCPA - Hack Your Healthcare_ Top 10 Tips for Tough Talks with Docs

Do you ever leave a doctor's appointment feeling rushed, unheard, or more confused than when you arrived? The emotional toll of dismissal and confusing medical jargon can leave Sjogren's patients feel...

19 Juli 202523min

Day 3 - Bexi Lobo, PhD - Networking and Advocacy - Making a Difference Together

19 Juli 202523min

Day 3 - Jillian Rigert, DMD, MD, ACC, TIPC- The Importance of Compassionate, Trauma-Informed Care To Cultivate Healing

Autoimmune conditions and their symptoms are often exacerbated by trauma and stress. While we are often taught to internalize our emotions and stress, this can lead to self-criticism that only fuels t...

19 Juli 202525min

Day 3 - Bianca Campbell - Intergenerational Trauma AND Resilience for Stress Reduction

What if the patient you see as "difficult" is actually traumatized? For many living with Sjogren's, years of medical dismissal, normal lab results despite debilitating symptoms, and being told "it's a...

19 Juli 202524min