I wanted to thank you Kelly for writing your book “As my body attacks itself”! I am sure have heard this before, but it’s like you wrote my story! You have given me the courage to face Sjogrens Syndrome head on without apologies for being ill. You transparency, and honesty are a breath of freash air! It has helped me have an honest conversation with my loved ones and plot a course for the future and realise my limitations and strengths! May God bless you in you struggles and accomplishments!

Enjoyable read, speaks to many of the “intangibles” of a chronic illness. I read it in one day, and have now asked my husband to read it. I think it will help him see some of the things I have difficulty communicating, and a confirmation of some of the things I can.

I’m loving your book @kellymdempewolf – so much I feel like I could have written – you said it better! #spooniebooks

More than 50 million people have been diagnosed with autoimmune disease. There are many stories illustrating how the diagnosis not only takes a physical toll on a patient but also affects them emotionally, psychologically and financially. Within these tales of extreme pain and uncertainty underlies one common theme: the amount of time that it takes to receive an accurate diagnosis.

A 2014 American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA) survey revealed that it takes four years and five different physicians for a patient to receive an accurate diagnosis. As in Kelly’s case, many patients are labeled chronic complainers and their concerns dismissed. If concerns are not dismissed, patients can be prescribed a variety of medications. Many times, without an exact diagnosis, these medications can potentially exacerbate a patient’s condition.

Not only are bodies being drained physically but so are finances. AARDA has heard Kelly’s concerns. In an effort to alleviate patient suffering, AARDA distributed a physician survey to gauge how much autoimmune disease education they received in medical school. The results are alarming. The survey showed that 13% of the respondents didn’t receive any autoimmune disease education at all while only 22% received five or more lectures. Sadly, 32% believed that they didn’t receive enough training to diagnose or treat autoimmune disease and half of those that responded were uncomfortable with diagnosing autoimmune disease.

These results are why Kelly’s story is so timely and needed. Her chronicles are relatable and speak to the need of increased autoimmune disease education. Hopefully, readers will not overlook Kelly’s bravery and only see only the challenges that she has endured. We hope that patients find strength to speak up and speak out about autoimmune disease. Writing letters to their Congressperson, participating in awareness walks and taking their stories to the local media are only a few ways to take action. Awareness and education depends on us…the 50 million with autoimmune disease.