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Phone Toll Free: (800) 777-8189
Mail info@spondylitis.org
Monthly Newsletter
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Chicago NW Suburbs

The Chicago Northwest Suburbs Support Group

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Meetings offer education, encouragement, emotional support, and allow for open discussion about managing and living with spondyloarthritis.

Upcoming Meeting(s)

Wednesday, April 7, 2021
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm (CT)

Virtual meeting, using Zoom!

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82073658186?pwd=eUNHdldpc3g4UEVkbHVMSjhZeFNhdz09

Meeting ID: 820 7365 8186
Passcode: 762419

Regular Meeting Location

  • 3400 Dundee Rd. Suite 330
    Northbrook, IL 60062

Social Media

Join our social media channels:

Facebook: @spondylitis 

Twitter: @spondylitis 

Instagram: @spondylitis 

YouTube: Spondylitis

LinkedIn: Spondylitis Association of America

Topic: Special guest Kristi Harreld will guide us through a sitting meditation and lesson on how meditation can help manage stress and symptoms of chronic illness. Kristi Harreld has practiced yoga, meditation, and qi gong for over 20 years. She is a co-host and facilitator of the Chicago Weekly Sitting Meditation Group.

Leadership

Gail Wright

Gail Wright

jessica_lepore

Jessica Thomas

About Chicago's Northwest Suburbs Support Group Co-Leaders

Gail Wright

Gail Wright is a teacher of students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. She’s been teaching in a variety of settings for 27 years. Gail was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis in January of 2014. She enjoys exercising, hiking, being outdoors – especially in the mountains, gardening and being with great friends. She has an amazing, supportive husband and two great kids.

Jessica Thomas

I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis in the spring of 2018. I was later diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis that summer. My teen daughter was also diagnosed with AS and psoriatic arthritis in the fall of 2018. Between the two of us we have been on many different NSAIDs and biologics. Currently Remicade infusions are working for me, and Enbrel is working for her.

I am working very hard to stay as active as I can for as long as I can. Last year I ran the Chicago Marathon – my first marathon ever – as part of the Arthritis Foundation charity team. My daughter is still playing ice hockey and softball to stay as mobile as she can.

We certainly have our challenging days – cortisone injections for both of us, hip surgery for me, and LOTS of physical therapy. I also use yoga and massage to try to stay flexible and limber. Every day is a patchwork of remedies to keep me moving.

I am so happy to be volunteering with the SAA. I cannot wait to share my experiences as a patient and a mom, but also to learn from others!

Want to Start a New Support Group?

We’d love to have you join our team of passionate volunteers leading our spondylitis educational support groups! Learn more about how to get started here, and reach out to programs@spondylitis.org