Andrea Merriam, left, and Sarah Jones attend the World Parkinson Congress in Kyoto, Japan, the year before Jones began experiencing EGPA symptoms. (Courtesy of Andrea Merriam) This is Andrea Merriam’s story: The following is a conversation between ANCA Vasculitis News columnist Sarah Jones and her colleague and friend, Andrea…
Throughout May, ANCA Vasculitis News is recognizing Vasculitis Awareness Month with a variety of stories that represent different perspectives on life with vasculitis that we hope help to inspire and empower our readers. These stories highlight some of the unique challenges of living with vasculitis, as well as stories of hope, inspiration, and other topics that help to generate awareness among the ANCA vasculitis community. Follow along with the series here or visit us on Facebook, Instagram, or X using the hashtag #ANCASpotlight.
Heather Fish takes in the fresh air of the coast after seeing improvements following treatment for her EGPA. (Photos courtesy of Heather Fish) This is Heather Fish’s story: It was a terrible time in so many ways. My husband had cancer in a place that meant he could no…
Pam Squires is the wife of columnist Sarah Jones, who lives with ANCA vasculitis. (Courtesy of Pam Squires) This is Pam Squires’ story: For the last 30 years, since my wife, Sarah, and I met on a blind date in Grand Rapids, Michigan, we have been active in…
Janessa Kaneaster’s 7-year-old daughter, Kaylee, who has ANCA vasculitis, takes a break for a picnic lunch. (Courtesy of Janessa Kaneaster) This is Janessa Kaneaster’s story: When your 7-year-old gets diagnosed with something as rare and complicated as ANCA vasculitis, everything shifts. It’s not loud panic — it’s more…
Steven Chetham runs a 5K race in Boulder, Colorado, in September 2024. (Photos courtesy of Steven Chetham) This is Steven Chetham’s story: I was diagnosed with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) in September 2023. Everyone’s journey with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) is different, but we do have many…
Lynette Matson, left, provides care for her wife, Laure Larkin, who has granulomatosis with polyangiitis and liver problems. (Photos courtesy of Lynette Matson) This is Lynette Matson’s story: Before my wife was diagnosed with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), I thought being a caregiver meant fluffing pillows, offering…
Laure Larkin, left, and her wife, Lynette Matson, celebrate their anniversary. (Photos courtesy of Laure Larkin) This is Laure Larkin’s story: It all started with what seemed like a stubborn sinus infection and a chest X-ray that raised some eyebrows. No big deal, right? Fast forward a couple of…
John Stadler poses for a photo at his home. (Photos courtesy of John Stadler) This is John Stadler’s story: My journey with vasculitis has been both a challenge and a profound learning experience, filled with emotional ups and downs. I was diagnosed…
Jordyn, left, and Cody Blagg, five months before Jordyn’s diagnosis. (Photos courtesy of Cody Blagg) This is Cody Blagg’s story: It’s complicated. As I sit here in the emergency room with my wife, Jordyn (our favorite kind of date night), I wanted to write out the thoughts I’ve had…
Recent Posts
- Study points to 2 biomarkers for AAV disease activity, relapse
- Monitoring our kidney health is crucial with ANCA vasculitis
- Immune cell count predicts EGPA peripheral nerve damage risk
- New ways of grouping AAV may better predict symptoms, risks
- A seasonal reminder to thank the loved ones who walk beside us