If you’ve ever felt like you were given a diagnosis… and then left to figure out the rest on your own, you’re not alone.
Living with rheumatoid arthritis or a similar rheumatic disease isn’t just about managing symptoms. It affects your energy, your relationships, your work, your identity, and your sense of control over your life.
And yet, most people are never given a clear roadmap for how to actually live with it.
That’s exactly why I created Rheum to THRIVE.
What Rheum to THRIVE Is (and What It’s Not)
Rheum to THRIVE is not a drop-in support group.
It’s a structured, evidence-based self-management program combined with a small, facilitator-led support group.
Over 14 sessions, you’ll learn how to:
- Build practical, sustainable tools for managing pain and fatigue
- Navigate uncertainty and flare-ups with more confidence
- Feel more prepared and empowered in medical appointments
- Process the emotional side of chronic illness
- Connect with others who truly understand
This is about building a toolbox for real life, not just venting (though there is space for that too).
What Members Consistently Say
By the end of the program, participants often report:
- Feeling less alone
- Feeling more informed about their condition
- Feeling more capable of navigating daily life
One participant shared:
“I feel so much less lonely, and a lot more hopeful. I feel a sense of belonging to a community.”
Meet Your Facilitators
One of the most important parts of this program is the people leading it.
I’ve personally trained and certified a small group of Rheum to THRIVE facilitators so we can offer more meeting times and connect you with leaders who bring diverse lived experiences.
For this cohort, you’ll be guided by Eileen Davidson and Gittel Aguilar.
Eileen Davidson (Chronic Eileen)
Eileen Davidson is a patient advocate, writer, and speaker based in Vancouver, British Columbia. She lives with rheumatoid arthritis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis and has dedicated her career to helping others better understand and navigate chronic illness.
She has written over 150 articles for platforms like CreakyJoints, Healthline, and Arthritis Research Canada, and serves on the Patient Advisory Board for Arthritis Research Canada. She is also the co-host of the Rheumer Has It podcast, where she helps break down myths and misinformation about rheumatic disease.
But beyond her credentials, what makes Eileen such a powerful facilitator is her deep understanding of how isolating and confusing chronic illness can feel, and her commitment to making sure no one has to navigate that alone.
Gittel Aguilar
Gittel Aguilar is a former teacher and longtime member of Rheum to THRIVE who brings incredible empathy, honesty, and lived experience to her facilitation.
Living with ankylosing spondylitis and multiple comorbidities, Gittel has navigated chronic illness from a young age, including years of undiagnosed pain before receiving answers. She also balances her own health while participating in caregiving within her family.
Gittel is passionate about creating a space where people feel safe to show up as they are, and where they can experience the same sense of belonging that she found as a participant in this program.
Program Details
- Dates: May 6 – September 16, 2026
- Time: Wednesdays at 1:00pm Eastern
- Sessions: 14 total
- Group size: Capped at 12 participants
Registration closes May 5th, or when the group fills.
Is This Program a Good Fit for You?
This program may be a good fit if:
- You have a form of inflammatory arthritis (RA, psoriatic arthritis, spondyloarthritis, etc.)
- You feel overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure how to manage day-to-day life
- You’re looking for structured guidance, not just general support
- You value science-based tools + real-life strategies
It’s also for you if:
- You use a little dark humor to cope
- You’re tired of hearing “everything happens for a reason”
- You want a space where you don’t have to explain yourself
This is not for you if:
- You are looking for a program that promises to cure, “heal” or reverse your condition. This is a science-backed program and there are no scientifically proven cures for rheumatoid arthritis or similar rheumatic diseases at this time. As soon as there is one, you can trust that Cheryl (program creator) will be the first to try it and let ya’ll know!
- You don’t wish to learn alongside others in a small group environment. If you prefer learning on your own, the self-paced course by itself is a fantastic fit!
Pricing, Discounts, and Scholarships
To celebrate enrollment opening, we’re offering a 25% Early Bird discount through April 18th.
We also offer pay-what-you-can scholarships, because accessibility matters deeply to me.
If You’ve Been Thinking About Joining…
It’s completely normal to have questions like:
- “Will this actually help me?”
- “Do I have the energy for this?”
- “Is now the right time?”
You don’t need to have everything figured out to start.
You just need a willingness to learn, reflect, and try new tools alongside people who understand.
Ready to Join?
Spots are limited and filled on a first come, first served basis.
If you have questions or want help deciding if it’s a good fit, feel free to reach out.
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
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