Why I’m A #Rheumchampion

From the moment I first received my diagnosis, there has been this shining ray of hope.  I recall one of my first thoughts was how fortunate am I?  To have such a complicated and physically challenging disease in the age of information, in a time of great leaps forward in science and technology.  The things we have figured out how to get done, the problems we have solved, gave me immediate hope for the future.  As a lifelong science nerd with a BS, I knew just how much we have cracked open in the last few decades and can see some truly life-changing technology ahead.  Science drives us forward. When done well, it gives us incredible insight.  Our understanding of the human body is always growing and changing.  Surprising links lead to better therapies and more successful patient outcomes.  My great-grandmother’s experience with RA will not be my own experience. 

Naturally, when I was contacted by the Rheumatology Research Foundation about joining their effort to contribute to pushing that science forward while advocating for and spreading awareness about rheumatic conditions as a Rheum Champion, I was an immediate YES!  A quick look at the work they support was all I needed to say, ‘count me in, what can I do?’  The answer was, keep doing what you are doing, advocate, educate, share. 

Two years later I’m excited to have been selected to serve on the Impact Advisory Council and be invited to spend some time learning more about the exciting science being done by recent award recipients at the upcoming investigators meeting.  I’m excited about the opportunity to learn and share.  About all the sparks of hope I’m sure I will get to see.  Excited to meet some of my fellow rheum champions and share space with people who come from a place of passion and deep understanding. 

I’m a bit less excited about the travel part.  This is when living several hours north of the civilized world kind of stinks.  Travel to places south of the end of the world?  A long and often complex process.  Due to the surprising fact that you apparently can’t get there from here on a Tuesday from the closest airport…we had to double our driving time.   We also decided to tack an overnight stay to the start of the journey to avoid starting out the trip with a midnight drive to the airport.  I need to be alert and alive for this trip, not recovering from pushing the limits to get there. 

Staying near the airport, going down the day before the commitments I must be functional for, leaving room in my schedule for some movement or some rest when I arrive, will all help me get off to a good start and hopefully avoid a crash into the fog while I am at the conference.   Making sure I keep on top of my normal self-care routines will also help make sure I’m functioning at my best for the trip.  The better I feel, the more engaged my brain is, rather important when trying to learn about new things. 

Want to know more about the Rheumatoid Research Foundation?  Pop on over to the Rheum Lab to explore the work they do and take a peek at some of the research their awards have supported.  Interested in becoming a #Rheumchampion yourself?  Click here to learn more.