Community Voices

Welcome to our virtual community! Start by browsing through the personal stories featured here.

We have organized these stories into two categories: Your Stories – stories sent to us at the Spondylitis Association of America – and selections from The Faces of Ankylosing Spondylitis project.

We’d love your story as well! Send it to us at Programs@spondylitis.org

Tell A Story with SAA Storytellers, Your Stories on Stage! Send Us Your Story Pitch!

Are you interested in being a part of SAA Storytellers, Your Stories on Stage?

SAA is always looking for those in the spondyloarthritis community to tell their story (patients, caregivers, medical personnel, and friends of the community – all are welcome!).

ByMaya Klauber

Through Sickness and Health

John and Maya’s paths first crossed near Rochester, New York at Sunshine Camp—an amazing, week-long escape for children living with muscular dystrophy. They met in…

ByJennifer Visscher

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Jennifer Dye Visscher Hi everyone, my name is Jenna and I have Ankylosing Spondylitis. My story is similar to so many but I’ve had a very difficult time trying to figure out how to put it down…

ByTyler Hyder

Tyler Hyder The working life of a hospital nurse can be extremely busy, stressful, and complex. Making life or death decisions goes part and parcel with a caring heart and gentle touch. I thrived on it. Caring…

BySallie Marx

Tri-AS

For my senior project in High School, I am raising awareness for AS by doing a Half Ironman Triathlon on October 27th 2013 in Austin, Texas (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, and 13.1 mile run). I…

ByKevin Andrews

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I am Kevin. I am 57 years old, and I live in England. My problems started about 50 years ago, at a time when even less...

ByCookie Hopper

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Cookie Hopper My diagnoses came in 2002 when I was forty-three. I started showing symptoms when I was about twelve and began seeking answers when I was around twenty. I don’t remember a time in my life…