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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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….