“Shawna Lee, my best friend for many many years definitely deserves this recognition. She was there for all the hard moments. Whenever I needed anything. She drove from Florida to be with me at doctor appointments, has been my shoulder in lonely nights. Jumped right in with helping me raise awareness. She has been my rock for many many years. No one has ever been more of a constant source of support than her. Joined SAA and is actively involved in my groups.”
— Summer C.
“Saul Guel, my husband best friend & everything. He's always by my side to Love, Help & Support me through this excruciating disease. He works extra hard to allow me the time I need to rest because I feel so bad. He picks up my meds & makes sure I always have snacks & a bite to eat. He's by my side always when I have major melt downs even if it's only to hug or hold my hand. Sometimes he forces me to put myself together & takes me on outings, which are always just what the doctored ordered. He makes me the best I can be. Without him, I would not exist. I thank the heavens above for his Love. God bless you always baby!”
— Lupe G.
“My husband, my best friend, and my physical therapist have been there for me since the beginning and I am very grateful for their love and support.”
— Isabelle D.
“Andre & Angela, Thank you to my family for caring for me through the up's and down's of this disease. You've gone to doctor’s appointments, helped me walk when my knees were too inflamed to carry me, opened endless bottles because my hands were too sore to do it myself, listened and comforted me when I've felt low, cleaned/cooked for me when I've been too fatigued to get off the couch…the list is endless. I want you both to know how grateful I am to have you. I love you guys so much!!”
— Fiona C.
“My 11-year-old daughter Sienna has made my AS way more bearable! She understands my limitations and tries to help when needed. But above all else she makes me feel better about life! She keeps me going, makes me laugh and offers unconditional love without knowing that's what she is doing. I am about to cry thinking about all the ways her presence makes me feel motivated to push through all the pain and be a good mom! And feel happiness and normalcy in everyday life, something those who suffer from a chronic illness know can be difficult. I love you Sienna! Thank you SO SO much.”
— Kelly B.
“It takes a caring team, who communicates with one another, to effectively treat chronic illnesses. I'm beyond grateful to Dr. Mary Hagerty, Arthritis Specialists of Winchester PC, Dr. Gardiner (retired) / Dr. Snow, Winchester Gastroenterology, Dr. Twigg-Charles-Bayliss, Dr. Hanson, Dr. Hahn & Staff at Advanced Implant and Periodontal Specialists, Dr. Christine Feathers, Primary Care Associates of Hagerstown, LLC, Jeff & Staff at Muscular Skeletal Therapies, Inc. & Reed's Pharmacy Spring Mills, WV. Last, but not least, my close circle of friends, family and co-workers are a Godsend as well!"
— Robbie S.
“My friend Georgia Dunich Nielsen has gone above and beyond in supporting me in my journey with ankylosing spondylitis. She prays with and for me, she takes me to infusion treatments. She has been there for many ER visits and Dr. appointments. I love and appreciate all she does for me.”
— Christensen L.
