The New York City Support Group

I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis in 2014 at the age of 26. Luckily, the diagnosis came quickly after presenting with severe lower back pain, but I’d suffered with intermittent back pain and fatigue for years that I mistakenly attributed to stress. I am positive for the HLA B27 gene, and after some investigation, I discovered that my mother is also positive for the gene and went undiagnosed with spondylitis for most of her life. 

I have pursued both conventional treatment and lifestyle changes to manage my spondylitis and these efforts have shaped my character for the better in many ways. Over the course of almost ten years, I have learned to better manage the disease as well as its mental and emotional toll. Meeting other patients has made a huge positive difference in my ability to cope with spondylitis. 

I intimately understand all aspects of living with the disease, from the diagnostic process to navigating medical care and insurance to dealing with the widespread lack of awareness about spondylitis. I stay abreast of developing research in the field and am encouraged by the fact that there have been several new treatments developed in the years since I was diagnosed. 

I believe that a sense of community makes the difference between thriving with an illness and suffering in isolation. In fact, it is one of the major, well-documented social determinants of health. It gives me joy and a sense of purpose to be able to facilitate that connection for others and participate in it myself.

In my free time, I enjoy cooking healthy, nourishing meals, trying new recipes, spending time with my loved ones, reading, and writing.