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.

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.

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.

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!.

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.

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…

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…

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!

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 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…

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…