Kelly

Patient Leader

I am a patient living with Spondlyoarthropathy, Fibromyalgia & Thyroid disease. I am also a cofounder of IFAA. IFAA is a global non-profit that endeavors to raise awareness, providing wellness education and support, & promoting patient-centered research that will improve the quality of life for those affected by autoimmune arthritis diseases. My passion is awareness & advocacy for the rheumatology community & all those living with chronic illness. I represented my state for the ACR as a Patient Advocate on Capitol Hill in 2013 & 2016. I write a blog: As my joints turn. I love connecting with other patients via social media & my life is richer being a part of this amazing community.

Nominations

Not only is Kelly living with RA, fibromyalgia, and more herself, but she also cares for a spoonie dog who lives with syringomyelia and a number of other health issues. Though one or both of them are almost always suffering, she finds a way to share their stories with humor. Whether in a short quip or a full blog, Kelly makes me literally LOL. — Kerry