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.
Meet Mihaly, our new Support Group Leader for Southwestern Ontario!
I know what you’re already thinking…terms like Ankylosing Spondylitis and Enteropathic Arthritis are hard enough to pronounce and this guy has a name that looks like hieroglyphics! It’s easy. It’s pronounced “Me-High Jur-X” , not so bad! I’ve been living with AS for...
Raj’s Story
Meet Raj from the UK. He is the Chair of NASS, patient advocate and motivated to not let AS define him. Diagnosed in his early 20’s Raj was told he would likely be in a wheel chair in 10 years. Watch his inspiring video sharing how he set goals, had a plan and...
Bjillian’s Story
Former Canadian Spondyloarthritis Assocation board member, Bjillian describes her first symptoms and how the pain progression happened. She also describes how she deals with the disease on a daily basis and how it impacts her life.
Graeme’s story: Living a full life in the face of ankylosing spondylitis
For the hundreds of thousands of Canadians with inflammatory arthritis, the road to effective treatment can be rocky.Arthritis comes in many forms beyond the rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis we’re all familiar with. For those with ankylosing spondylitis (AS),...
Dawn’s Story
Canadian Spondyloarthritis Assocation's member Dawn tells her story about how Ankylosing Spondylitis affects her life. She also describes her road to diagnoses and how it made her feel.
Sara’s – Young Adult Feature
I want every young person to know that arthritis doesn’t have to derail your life. Ten years ago, after graduating with a degree in Kinesiology at the age of 21 I was feeling excited and optimistic about my future. I was hired for my first full time job as a research assistant and I was loving my new position.
Maryssa’s Story – Young Adult Feature
My journey with arthritis started at only 2 years of age. Random rashes turned into inexplicable sore joints and fatigue. Years and many medical appointments later, I was (finally) diagnosed at the age of 11 with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis as well as...
Katie’s Story – Young Adult Feature
“God gives challenges to those who are strong enough to overcome them” ~ Unknown It was a particularly bad flare, not too long ago, when my mom turned to me quite randomly and asked, “do you remember what it feels like to not have back pain?” My response, “no.” As...
Marilyn’s Story
Getting the right diagnosis changed my lifeLike so many Canadians, Marilyn Walsh had her life plans derailed by the devastating effects of arthritis. Fortunately, a proper diagnosis and treatment helped correct years of pain and suffering, and now Marilyn is devoted...