Living with rheumatoid arthritis or another chronic illness can feel isolating, which is why building supportive communities matters so much. This past weekend I hosted the first ever Arthritis Life Friends & Family Get-Together in Seattle to celebrate five years of the Arthritis Life Podcast and the Rheum to THRIVE *support program for people with RA and other rheumatic diseases.
After years of connecting virtually, it was unforgettable to finally meet community members in person, share laughter, enjoy great food, and explore iconic spots in Seattle together!
Meeting Online Friends in Real Life
For half a decade, I have been meeting weekly with members of the Rheum to THRIVE program and the THRIVE Graduates alumni group. Many of us have developed deep bonds online, but until this weekend, we had never hugged in real life. Meeting community member Margaret, and so many others, in person for the very first time was a moment I will never forget.
Photo Highlights
Check out some of my favorite memories from the event!
Event Highlights
The get-together was full of warmth, laughter, and connection. Together we:
- Made friendship bracelets 💜
- Enjoyed a delicious Chipotle spread, along with gluten free desserts baked by me 🌯🍰
- Shared Arthritis Life swag, including giant pens, jar openers, and stickers 🎁
- Admired a beautiful custom poster sent all the way from Florida by community supporter Chris 🖼️
Continuing the Celebration
After the official event, some of us extended the fun with a tour of Seattle’s iconic spots:
- Pike Place Market and the downtown waterfront 🐟
- A hilarious and relaxing ride on a hot tub boat past Gasworks Park 🚤🫧
- Evening stops at the Fremont Troll and a cozy Thai dinner to wrap things up 🍜
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
I am deeply grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make this milestone celebration so meaningful. This weekend was a reminder of the power of community and how connections first formed online in RA support groups like Rheum to THRIVE can blossom into lifelong friendships in person.
I look forward to hosting more in person gatherings in the future as part of my mission to provide support, education, and connection for people with RA and similar rheumatic diseases. If you would like to stay updated on future events, programs, or resources, be sure to join my email list or follow along on social media.
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