Peer Support Partner – Alissa

 

Age at diagnosis?

I am 34 years old now and was diagnosed with RA when I was 5 years old.

Why I chose to be a Peer Support Partner

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 wanted someone to do that for me but there were no programs like this where I lived at the time.

A little about me

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 sister with whom I have a great relationship. I live alone but my parents are very close by to help me.