Your Stories
Discover the powerful and inspiring stories of Canadians living with spondyloarthritis on our dedicated Spondyloarthritis Stories page. Each journey showcases resilience, strength, and hope, offering firsthand experiences of navigating life with this chronic condition. From overcoming challenges to finding effective treatments and support, these personal accounts highlight the importance of awareness, early diagnosis, and community. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing spondyloarthritis for years, these stories will remind you that you are not alone. Explore real-life perspectives, share your own experience, and be part of a supportive network that empowers and uplifts.
Sarah’s Story: A Journey Through Ankylosing Spondylitis, Misdiagnosis, and Resilience with Chronic Illness
Sarah began experiencing low back pain in April of 2019. The pain started off mild, but quickly became debilitating. Soon, she found herself having to get out of bed in the middle of the night to take three ibuprofens, stretch for 20 minutes, and return to bed hoping...
A 30-Year Journey to Diagnosis: Georgina’s Life with Ankylosing Spondylitis
It took Georgina nearly 30 years to receive a diagnosis, despite having symptoms, a family history of AS, and carrying the HLA-B27 marker. Unfortunately, this isn't uncommon for many people living with spondyloarthritis. Georgina first started experiencing stiffness,...
From Coast to Coast: Tyler Ashton’s 11,000 km Solo Cross-Canada Ride to Champion Those Living with Spondyloarthritis
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: From Coast to Coast: Tyler Ashton’s 11,000 km Solo Cross-Canada Ride to Champion Those Living with Spondyloarthritis | Canadian Spondyloarthritis Association Tyler Ashton is on an extraordinary mission. With nothing but his bicycle,...
Chris’ Story : A Story of Resilience over Ankylosing Spondylitis
Your gift will be matched dollar for dollar up to $5,000 until March 31st - Donate now to make twice the impact!Chris, a dedicated Vice Principal at Amherst Regional High School in Nova Scotia, first noticed minor lower back pain in 2016. At 35, his doctor attributed...
‘Let’s Get Loud for A.S.’: Raising Awareness for Ankylosing Spondylitis
After being diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at 29, Montrealer Michael Santillo turned his journey into action by creating the Let’s Get Loud for A.S. fundraiser gala. The annual event raises awareness and funds to support people living with AS, improve diagnosis...
Walking from Mexico to Canada with Arthritis
They say that a journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step. Now if you have arthritis or any form of chronic pain disease, you know this to be an especially daunting quote. In high school, I read Wild by Cheryl Strayed. A story of a troubled, newly divorced woman...
Podcast – Monica’s Navigation of Spondyloarthritis
Joining CSA in this episode is Monica, who has bravely navigated her own journey with spondyloarthritis. Monica shares her personal experiences, including the challenges she faced with treatment resistance and insights on the importance of having access to new...
Let’s Get Loud for AS: Michael Santillo’s Inspiring Journey
Michael Santillo’s journey after being diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AxSpA/AS) not only illuminates the challenges faced by millions worldwide, but also exemplifies the power of community and determination in the face of adversity. Knowing that the lack of...
In recognition of the Canadians affected by axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA), we’re sharing Dr. Élie Karam’s story.
“It’s just a sprain. It’ll go away. It’s nothing.” I thought I simply had a back sprain from playing squash. I dismissed the painful inflammation that began to spread from my back to my neck and shoulders. I became frustrated and annoyed at the limitations these...