I recently attended the McGinley-Rice Symposium on Justice for Vulnerable Populations: The Face of the Person with a Disability at the Duquesne University School of Nursing.  To eloquently capture all that was covered would take up more time and space than I have the bandwidth for at the moment, but needless to say it was an … Continue reading →

“We have to remember that we’re actually all on one team…We’re not Democrats first, we’re not Republicans first, we are Americans first. We’re patriots first. We all want what’s best for this country.” – President Barack Obama I am glad that the election is over. We must be calm and respect the results peacefully, with … Continue reading →

Hello, friends! As you know, I’ve made it my life’s mission to help other patients like myself who are dealing with chronic illness, especially those with rheumatologic and autoimmune diseases. I try to be a voice for and face of invisible illnesses and aim to represent the younger patient population in particular, since I’ve dealt … Continue reading →

First, I want to say that I am thinking of the victims of 9/11 and their loved ones. This includes the first responders. Our nation was changed forever on that fateful day, and I will never forget where I was when I heard the devastating, and terrifying, news. I cannot believe that it’s been 15 … Continue reading →

Before I begin, let me be clear. This post is not about politics, which candidate I like, who I will vote for, which “side” I am on, or what my political party affiliation may be. I have been registered as Independent, Republican, and Democrat at various points in my life, and I have also voted … Continue reading →

I hate it when certain people want to make other people’s personal tragedies all about themselves, but I feel compelled to mention, since rheumatic and autoimmune diseases are a very important cause to me personally and professionally, that Teen Vogue has once again quoted in me in an article relating to Selena Gomez’s struggle with lupus. … Continue reading →

Back in May, I shared a lengthy post via Facebook about an encounter with a “Mean Horse Guy.” Mean Horse Guy.”  I also left a review on the carriage company’s Facebook page, and backlash ensued. I would like your feedback on my original post, my review, and the dialogue that resulted in the commentsin the comments … Continue reading →

Hi #RA and #rheum friends! Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Are you ready to survive and thrive, instead of suffering? Pain is a pain! If you are interested in learning more about an awesome opportunity to participate in a research study – with payment that varies by study up to … Continue reading →

I was at church on Sunday and the priest’s homily was talking about how self-centered our current society is. While I certainly do NOT disagree with him as a whole (honestly, who could deny that we are a generation of narcissists?) I do disagree with some of his thoughts about social media and selfies in our culture. … Continue reading →

I’ll admit it: I’ve been guilty of sugar-coating things to spare the feelings of others. I won’t lie, but I will avoid making others uncomfortable or upset at all costs. So, you can imagine that my answers to the questions “how are you?” or “how are you feeling?” aren’t always as genuine as they could … Continue reading →