The Elmira Support Group

I live in upstate New York. I am a teaching assistant in public education who loves working with young children. I am married and have five grown children who are married. I enjoy biking, traveling, reading, quilting and spending time with all or any of my five grandchildren. I am also active in my church teaching Sunday school and helping with a financial peace class that helps people get out of debt.

Ankylosing Spondylitis became part of my life in 2005 when my 17 year old was diagnosed. It came as a total surprise and took a while to diagnose. I had never heard of this inflammatory disease before that but it has become a part of my daily life. I was diagnosed eight years later in 2013. It was a very frustrating time for me as several doctors tried to figure out what was wrong. I actually could not walk for a couple of months during that time. I am happy to say that with the correct treatment I am doing much better! I take it one day at a time and try to not to take things for granted – flare ups can come at the most inopportune time. It is my hope that this support group will provide valuable resources (which I continue to learn about) and encouragement to help anyone who is living with this inflammatory disease.