Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Hello, as many of you already know, my life drastically changed during the past 2 years. My name is Elizabeth Mena , or better known as just Eli. On March 16, 2023 doctors found a mass in my lung that was growing rapidly. On June 14 2023 I had a lung biopsy. Doctors believed it was cancer. Thanks to the prayers of many people, the biopsy came back negative for lung cancer, but positive for a rare disease called cryptococcosis. This illness causes the growth of masses in lungs and brain, and is also known as meningitis. I was explained that this was an opportunistic disease , targeting immunocompromised and autoimmune patients. It was here when the search began to see which autoimmune disorder I had. In November 2023 I was diagnosed with Sjogrens syndrome and Hyper IgM syndrome. Both are autoimmune disorders that do not have a cure. This fundraiser will only be focused on Sjogren's syndrome and funds will go directly to the Sjogrens Foundation. Sjogren's is an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system attacks the tear and salivary glands , muscles and joints, and in more severe cases internal organs. This disease is also known to cause debilitating pain,peripheral neuropathy, and extreme fatigue.

In December 2023, I was contacted by the National Institute of Health ( NIH ) to be recruited as a patient for research studies for Cryptococcus and Sjogren's Syndrome. Thanks to organizations like the NIH and the Sjogrens Foundation, continuing research towards finding a cure is possible. The NIH and the Sjögrens Foundation have provided me with many resources at no cost. This fundraiser is a way for me to give back and to create awareness about Sjogren's Syndrome. All donations go directly to the Sjogren's foundation. I would also like to say thank you to everyone that has provided me with continuous support through this journey. Always remember out of something negative we can create something positive and together we can change the lives of others :) . THANK YOU