Finding Faith During Times of Chaos

Posted on November 4, 2014 by Arthritis Ashley • 4 Comments

I’ve learned something: Illness turns many people away from God. Suffering makes many question their faith. However, these times of chaos and seemingly “ungodly” pain causes others to go the opposite direction, running towards God and embracing their faith with arms wide open. Of course, there are those of you who are agnostics and atheists, … Continue reading →

Advocacy / Arthritis / Journey to Wellness / Personal Stories / Wellness

Rant Time: Don’t “Quantify” the Sick Girl

Posted on October 23, 2014 by Arthritis Ashley • 2 Comments

You know how it’s rude to say things like, “you throw okay … for a girl.” Or, “you run pretty fast … for being so big.” It’s also somewhat insulting to say things like, “wow! You’ve accomplished so much … despite being sick.” No, I haven’t accomplished a lot “for being a sick girl.” I’ve … Continue reading →

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Someday is Now: How to Live Your Life Through Health Struggles

Posted on September 13, 2014 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

I am human. Though I strive to live a positive, beautiful life even with chronic illness, at times I grow weary of always being sick, discouraged by the pain, drained from the fatigue, and down in the dumps because of my general health situation, from an overall standpoint. I get frustrated waiting for my “someday.” … Continue reading →

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Juvenile Arthritis / Personal Stories / Types of Arthritis / Uncategorized / Wellness

Arthritis Ashley Tells The Mighty Why She’s Happy Despite Living with Illness

Posted on June 18, 2014 by Arthritis Ashley • Leave a comment

Our very own Arthritis Ashley was featured on the website, “The Mighty” this week. The Mighty celebrates “the superheroes among us,” who are staying strong and triumphing despite life’s many hardships ranging from chronic illness, to disability, and more. Like us, their mission is to educate and spread awareness about various health issues. You can read … Continue reading →

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Don’t Bench Yourself: An Inspiring Juvenile Arthritis Story by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on June 8, 2014 by Arthritis Ashley • 6 Comments

Today, I spoke at an Arthritis Foundation Juvenile Arthritis Family Day event in my area. I wanted to share the text of my speech with you all below. I will have videos and photos at a later time, to share on my arthritis Facebook page. Enjoy, and feel free to leave a comment letting me know … Continue reading →

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Inspiration or Isolation: Which Path Will You Choose? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on May 22, 2014 by Arthritis Ashley • 3 Comments

In the world of chronic illness, there are many things about which we simply do not have a choice. I didn’t choose rheumatoid arthritis, or osteoarthritis, or celiac disease, lupus, sjogrens syndrome, chiari, and so on. Likewise, I’m sure that you did not choose whichever illnesses or disabilities that you may live with. As I’ve … Continue reading →

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Loving Yourself Even with Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on March 11, 2014 by Arthritis Ashley • Leave a comment

When you love someone — a partner, a spouse, a friend, a parent, a child, a sibling, and so on — do you love them even through their imperfections? Are we not taught to accept others, flaws and all? Most of us, of course, care for our loved ones unconditionally. We look past … Continue reading →

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Fatigue vs. Being Tired: What’s the Difference? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Arthritis Ashley • 21 Comments

To put it simply: being tired is NOT the same thing as having fatigue. The type of fatigue that comes along with chronic illness and autoimmune diseases is unlike any other kind of exhaustion that most healthy people will experience in their lives. As an “e-patient” and an online advocate for people with rheumatic and … Continue reading →

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What’s the 2014 Arthritis Forecast? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on January 22, 2014 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

2013 was a great year with many arthritis-related accomplishments and medical advances. But, 2014 stands to prosper just as well. Instead of looking back with a usual “best of” or “top 10” list in regards to the year that has passed, let us welcome in 2014 by looking forward, and seeing what the future could … Continue reading →

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Lupus for Christmas – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on December 27, 2013 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

I got Lupus for Christmas. And Sjögrens Syndrome, too. They were wrapped up in a nice little package to go with my Rheumatoid Arthritis and Celiac Disease, and tied up with an imaginary bow. I didn’t get coal in my stocking, but I got the motherlode of autoimmune illness, delivered not by Santa, but by my … Continue reading →