Heather

I was diagnosed when I was eleven and I am now 26 years old – 15 years ago

I had such a positive experience having a Peer Support Partner that I wanted to become one myself.  I found the experience of speaking with someone who also has rheumatoid arthritis to be invaluable….

Mary Ellen

I have had RA for 12 years and am 44 years old now so i was diagnosed at age 32.

It took a while for me to get diagnosed and I would like to be able to provide support and be a sounding board for someone.

I work in retail, am in the process of remodeling some of my home, and enjoy outdoor activities. I am active in sports such as softball and skiing.

Corneilia

I developed RA when I was around 12 years old and have been living with it for over 30 years.

I want to be a Peer Support Partner to give others encouragement and hope by listening, caring, and giving them a sounding board. I feel that I could have benefited from this sort of relationship when I was first diagnosed and anticipate that this will be a great experience.

Although I can’t do heavy lifting, I am still very active, enjoy going to the gym…

Alissa

I joined the peer support program in hopes of being able to show someone recently diagnosed that you CAN make it with arthritis and things do get better. When I was little I wan

Currently I am writing a memoir and much of it is about my experience having arthritis since I was five. I am also currently getting my graphic design certificate at the Art Institute of Boston. I like to go out with my friends, go to the movies, and eat at nice restaurants. I have two cats and one younger…

Mary T.

Diagnosed in 2006 – Three years ago

Initially I was diagnosed with  carpel tunnel syndrome, and it wasn’t until three years ago at age 58 that my doctors determined that I had RA.

I joined the Peer Support program in hopes of helping another RA patient at whatever level I can.

I am interested in politics and current affairs. My hobbies are needlepoint…

Mary P.

I have had rheumatoid arthritis for about 10 years but had symptoms for 1-2 years prior to actual diagnosis. I am now 54 years old.

became a peer coach to try to support/encourage others and share what my experience, challenges, and outcomes have been. It was difficult at the beginning to find a balance and modify my lifestyle so I wanted to be able to give others advise…

John

I was attracted to becoming a Peer Support Partner with the hope of being able to help others. I have had the disease for many years and was able to deal with many ups and downs with my brother who was also diagnosed with the disease 9 years after I was. My experience working with people going through trauma as a police detective has prepared me.

I am retired and enjoy sailing, woodworking, and photography.

Athena

I was diagnosed when I was 34 years old and am now 70 so I have had RA for 36 years.

I am interested in helping out in any way I can and that is why I am interested in being a peer support partner.

I am originally from Greece, and have been blessed with an incredibly supportive husband, sister-in-law, and two daughters. I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren.

Elizabeth

When I was first diagnosed about a year ago at the age of 49, I was afraid and felt alone and wished that I had someone to really talk to that understood all that I was feeling and experiencing. I hope I can be that listening ear and support to someone else through the Peer Support program.

I have learned to embrace my disease but live a full life by pacing myself and learning what I need. I am a fine arts painter, and a mother of two grown children who are not yet married.

Val

When I was first diagnosed less than a year ago, a friend connected me to another person with RA who lives in Texas. This person emailed me daily and was extremely helpful at the beginning in allaying my fears. I look forward to helping others in the same way.

I am a 65 year old nurse by profession, have been semi-retired for about half a year and am very positive!  I walk daily…

Rosalie

Diagnosed at age 48 and nowhave had RA for 18 years. Both of my knees and wrists have been replaced.

I decided to become a Peer Support Partner to share my experiences, encourage others and to let people know that there is hope.

I work out 3-4 times a week, attend movies and plays, and most importantly live my life!.

Margaret

When I learned of the Peer Support Program, I knew I wanted to do it because it would have been wonderful to have someone to talk to when I was first starting out on this path. I am so glad this program exists!

I have found ways to continue activities I like such as knitting and discovered new ones that I wouldn’t have otherwise like yoga and meditation. currently do research in the social sciences, have two siblings, and two fish.

Kim

I was diagnosed at age 16 and am now 42.

RA sent my life in a whole different direction.  It actually pointed me to a course of study in college and allowed me to help others professionally and personally in ways I never imagined.  I have had numerous joint replacements and figure I am not in trouble until something wears out that we don’t have a spare part for.  As tough as the road has been at times my arthritis…

Carroll

I was diagnosed with RA in 1986 when I was 46. I have had an ankle fusion and bones fused in my foot. I tried all possible medications available at the time but none was successful until, with the support of a Brigham doctor, I combined methotrexate and an injectible biologic. For about 8 years the disease has been very much under control. Very exciting!