Meet Our Young Adult Ambassadors

Meet The Young Adult Ambassadors

Photography of Dina-MarieDina-Marie

Photography of KiahKiah

Photography of CristinaCristina

Photography of AllysonAllyson

Photography of JillianJillian

Photography of JamesJames

Photography of JenniferJennifer

Photography of JoyJoy - Our Interviewer

Photography of AngieAngie - Our Interviewer

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Our Ambassadors

Meet Dina-Marie


Dina-Marie is 25 years old and was diagnosed with scleroderma when she was 19. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, reading and catching up on sleep because “you can never have enough!” Dina-Marie has chosen to share her story in hopes it has an impact on someone else who is going through similar struggles. Ultimately, her message is that no one is alone.

Meet Kiah


Kiah is 25 years old and was diagnosed with SLE (lupus) when she was 17. In her spare time, she enjoys playing The Sims, watching HGTV (because she has a passion for design) and learning Mandarin. To Kiah, this resource provides a source of inspiration as it showcases people living with arthritis and achieving their goals. As she says, “Anything is possible with the right support system.”

Meet Cristina


Photography of CristinaCristina is 38 years old and was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren's syndrome when she was 21. In her spare time, Cristina loves reading psychological thrillers, Zumba, cooking, learning about medical cannabis and of course, playing with her son. Through sharing her story, Cristina hopes to inspire young arthritis warriors to live life to the fullest despite chronic illness.

Meet Allyson


Allyson is 35 years old and was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis when she was 27. Allyson loves travelling to new places and exploring the outdoors. Through sharing her story, she hopes to help others that may be facing a new diagnosis or who just want to know they are not going through it alone. Allyson wants young adults to know that despite the challenges of living with arthritis, they can still achieve their dreams.

Meet Jillian


Jill is 31 years old and was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis when she was 25. Things that make Jill happiest are working out and spending time with family and friends. Through this resource, Jill hopes to help and/or inspire others by connecting with young adults like herself.

Meet James


James is 30 years old and was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis when he was 23. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking delicious food and DJing. Through this resource, James hopes to raise awareness that “arthritic conditions affect adults of all age groups” as this is a step towards “understanding that inflammation causes a lot of pain in people's everyday life.”

Meet Jennifer


Jennifer is 27 years old and was diagnosed with axial spondyloarthropathy with peripheral involvement when she was 23. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys hiking, canoeing, kayaking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, skating, traveling and just about anything involving nature. Jennifer believes that her story is well worth sharing if her experiences can help others in any way.

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Meet our Interviewers

Joy


Joy is 32 years old and was diagnosed with SLE (lupus) when she was 22. In her spare time, she enjoys dancing, singing and playing guitar. Joy has chosen to be an interviewer as she found it challenging to access peer support after her diagnosis 10 years ago. Ultimately, she hopes that this resource will serve as a source of support for young adults living with inflammatory arthritis.

Angie


Angie is 34 years old and enjoys volunteering with the Arthritis Society on the info-line to empower people living with arthritis. In her spare time, she enjoys taking walks in nature, drawing and drop-in improv classes. She is excited to help as an interviewer to increase awareness of the voices and stories of young adults with arthritis. To her, this resource means young adults diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis will have more access to resource during a key time in their lives.