Why Make This Website?

I was inspired to make this website for a few reasons. Perhaps the most significant reason is because I have a rare form of arthritis called Ankylosing Spondylitis. I was diagnosed at 14, I have had a few years of remission after being diagnosed and since have had sporatic flares that come unannounced and at different pain levels. At age 20 it has taken me many years to discover the great opportuniy that I have to reach out to people through my experience with this chronic illness. I want to inspire people to be able to reach out, get involved and never stop moving. This was my inspiration for this site.

I originally wanted to create a website that focused on the little known fact that kids get arthritis too. The more I thought it over and began developing a site I realized that so many more people could use this website for all types of arthritis and benefit from the loads of information. As I thought about it more I also realized that I am no longer a kid, and while I want to advocate for child arthritis, I now know more of what people my age are seeking for information and resources. I want this to be a site for people to come and learn new things about arthritis, interact with other people, become inspired by shared stories, and to eventually have the same "ah hah" moment I did, and share their own story.

Read more of my personal journey on my blog (last page of the navigation bar)

Follow me on Twitter --> @karimarieo

or find me on Facebook!