The Philadelphia Support Group

Philadelphia has been my home since I moved here 16 years ago to attend art school, and it’s a city I truly adore. When I’m not working as a set builder for film and television, I spend time with my husband and nieces and enjoy everything Philly has to offer, especially exploring art, seeing movies, and finding great places to eat. My spondylitis symptoms began around the time I moved here for school. I was constantly in and out of the ER with severe GI issues. The fatigue, stiffness, and back pain were easy to dismiss as the result of long days working in restaurants combined with demanding drawing and sculpture classes.

After nearly 14 years of progressive pain and symptoms I was finally diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis. Today, I continue experimenting with diet, exercise, therapy, and medication to manage my moderate disease activity. At work, I adapt by running a CNC machine and paying close attention to the physical ergonomics of my environment.

Throughout this process, which can often feel painful, lonely, and uncertain, I found myself wanting to connect with other Philadelphians living with spondylitis who truly understood the experience. This group was created with the hope of building a welcoming and compassionate community where people can share experiences, learn from one another, navigate the lows of chronic illness together, and celebrate the highs while enjoying our beautiful city.