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Podcast, rheum to thrive

Redefining Thriving: Celebrating 5 Years of Rheum to THRIVE

4 months ago
4 min read
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Summary:

ave you ever wished you had a community of people supporting you, who just “get it?”  On the five year anniversary of Rheum to THRIVE, members of Cheryl’s program share their personal experiences and memorable moments from their journey with rheumatoid arthritis and similar autoimmune conditions.

Cheryl, Marisa, Alice, Gittel, Meg and Annette reflect on the profound impact of community, the invaluable educational components, and the collective wisdom that has helped them cope and thrive. 

The conversation highlights the importance of vulnerability, shared humor, and the supportive environment of the Rheum to THRIVE group, which empowers members to navigate their health challenges and advocate for themselves. 

Episode at a glance:

  • Celebrating 5 Years of Thrive: Cheryl reflects on the origins of the Rheum to THRIVE program and members share how they found the group and what drew them in.
  • Support Group as Lifeline: Members describe Rheum to THRIVE as a uniquely supportive and safe space that offers emotional validation, practical advice, and deep connection.
  • Power of Peer Support & Representation: Cheryl and Rheum to Thrive members share how hearing others share similar stories helps members feel less alone and seeing others thrive with chronic illness is empowering and inspiring.
  • Tools for Thriving: Members reference helpful resources like the THRIVE Framework, webinars, and guest speakers.
  • The Joy of Community & Shared Identity: Cheryl and the Rheum to Thrive members discuss how inside jokes, celebrations, and shared experiences strengthen group bonds.
  • Lasting Impact of the Program: The Rheum to Thrive members tell Cheryl that they pursued careers in counseling or advocacy inspired by their journey and that Rheum to Thrive supports lifelong learning and personal growth. They also reflect on how the group has helped members through isolation and uncertainty.

Medical disclaimer: 

All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Episode Sponsors

Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! 

Speaker Bios:

Marisa Levy

I’m a young professional, living in Atlanta, GA.  I was diagnosed right around my 30th birthday (happy birthday me).  I am also a group fitness instructor/enthusiast and work a desk job that requires a lot of typing.

Gittel Aguilar

Gittel is a 36-year-old daughter of immigrants from Central America, who was born and raised in downtown Los Angeles. She is a “forever teacher” who is no longer in the workforce due to her diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (among other comorbidities). Currently, she lives with her parents and is learning to manage her illness as best she can—one moment at a time.

Alice Getchell

My name is Alice and my primary health condition is seronegative rheumatoid arthritis. I have a long list of other conditions, some of which are related to RA and some not. I have no professional expertise in this. I am however a retired clinical laboratory scientist, which makes me just dangerous enough when asking questions while speaking with my doctor. I hope I have something to offer as a patient.

Annette Leija

Annette is a licensed psychologist based in Texas with a deep passion for mental health and chronic illness awareness, inspired in part by her own journey with rheumatoid arthritis and her professional experience as a therapist. A lifelong learner at heart, she finds joy in quiet moments spent reading and journaling, always seeking new insights and personal growth.

Meg Zell

My name is Meg and I was diagnosed with RA in 2020 at the age of 30. I live in Seattle, WA and have two rescue dogs Willie and Lucy. 

Cheryl Crow

Cheryl is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for over twenty years. Her life passion is helping others with rheumatoid arthritis figure out how to live a full life despite arthritis, by developing tools to navigate physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare I say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.

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