Overview
- Inaba says she experiences constant, often debilitating pain from Sjögren’s and described days when she avoids cameras and rests at home.
- She reported a long diagnostic journey that took about a decade and said the disease is systemic, not just dry eyes and mouth, and has affected her organs.
- A recent flare forced her to miss the first night of Dancing With the Stars for the first time in roughly 20 years, and ABC allowed her to stay home.
- Earlier this year she suffered a medical emergency on a flight that required help from on-board responders and paramedics after landing before she was treated and released.
- Inaba has partnered with Novartis for the Sjöut for Sjögren’s campaign to raise awareness, encourage earlier diagnosis and secure better employer and insurer support while she manages energy and work accommodations.