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SJÖGREN’S SURVIVOR
Chronic illness motivates this mom into medicine BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
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PHOTO BY MARK MORGAN
hen Jennifer Mattox was diagnosed with thyroid cancer 10 years ago, it was just the start of her health journey. “Even when I was in remission, something didn’t feel right,” says the mother of two, who would continually fall ill with many seemingly unrelated symptoms. It wasn’t until 2009 when doctors uncovered the issue – and it wasn’t cancer. “I was diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome, a chronic condition where white blood cells attack the mucous membranes and moisture-secreting glands of the body,” Mattox says. “While researchers have yet to determine the cause or cure, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms.” Buoyed by finally having a diagnosis, Mattox began a proactive care regime, and this inspired her to action. “This brought me to Carrington College, where I got my medical assisting certificate. My goal is to work with a rheumatology group to help those living with Sjögren’s,” says Mattox, who graduated in late April. Mattox’s desire to help others extends outside of the doctor’s office, too. “At Carrington, we are empowered to help to make the community a better place. This spring, we delivered 520 homemade heart-shaped pillows with messages of hope and healing to Phoenix Children’s Hospital through our annual Heart Pillow Project.”
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How common is Sjögren’s? Four million people in the United States live with the condition. While some people experience mild discomfort, others suffer debilitating symptoms that greatly impair their functioning. Who does it affect? Since the disease was first identified in 1933 by Dr. Henrik Sjögren, it has been proven to affect virtually every racial and ethnic group. However, nine out of 10 people diagnosed are women. How are you locally involved in helping support Sjögren’s research and education? I am a passionate volunteer with the local Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation. We recently held a walk-about event at Paradise Valley Mall, in fact, raising more than $12,000. SO SCOTTSDALE! |
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| MAY 2016
4/22/16 12:36 PM