Bionews Staff, writers and editors —

Christine MacFadyen’s symptoms appeared 15 years ago, and she was diagnosed five years ago. (Photos courtesy of Christine MacFadyen) This is Christine MacFadyen’s story: I was a fun-loving, always smiling, energetic, adventurous woman. I was only 24 and had just graduated with my college degree in early childhood care…

Sarah Wellings, left, smiles with Isla Bell before her ANCA vasculitis diagnosis. (Photos courtesy of Sarah Wellings) This is Sarah Wellings’ story: Last night I dreamed I was running again. It seems my running days are over. Don’t get me wrong, I was no athlete when I was healthy,…

Jennifer Feinson Destours is an American with ANCA vasculitis living in Paris. This photo was taken two years post-diagnosis. (Photos courtesy of Jennifer Feinson Destours) This is Jennifer Feinson Destours’ story: My life has often been fantasized, the subject of envy. It sounds great, doesn’t it? An American moves…

Rob Nelson explores Peggy’s Cove in Nova Scotia, Canada, in fall 2021. (Photos courtesy of Rob Nelson) This is Rob Nelson’s story: Receiving a vasculitis diagnosis has a dramatic effect physically, emotionally, and socially on both those with the disease and their families. Like many conditions,…

This is Pam Squires’ story: Pam Squires says her life with her wife, Sarah Jones, who has eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), is like having EGPA by proxy. (Courtesy of Sarah Jones) My wife, Sarah, and I attended a support group a while back and one of the care…

Sarah Jones smiles for the camera. (Photos courtesy of Sarah Jones) This is Sarah Jones’ story: I thought on the day of my EGPA diagnosis — fully, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis — that I was finally going to get on top of it and move on. Nothing could…

Karna Karlsrud, left, poses for a photo with her daughter, Clea, who has vasculitis. (Photos courtesy of Karna Karlsrud) This is Karna Karlsrud’s story: When I adopted my beautiful daughter, Clea, 23 years ago, the social worker told me in many conversations that fantasy is worse than reality, so…

Kathy Olevsky prepares to record a Vasculitis Foundation medical webinar in her office. (Photos courtesy of Kathy Olevsky) This is Kathy Olevsky’s story: In late 2008, I was diagnosed with microscopic polyangiitis or MPA. It plunged me into a 21-day hospital stay, including time in intensive care, filled…

Ioana Miclea has eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. (Photos courtesy of Ioana Miclea) This is Ioana Miclea’s story. So, picture this: I’m Ioana, your quintessential 20-something girl, living it up with nights out, camping escapades, and a newfound love for festivals. And I’m jamming out to some meme song I…

Janice Barnett poses with a textile piece in the making. (Photos courtesy of Janice Barnett) This is Janice Barnett’s story: My diagnosis of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, formerly known as Churg-Strauss syndrome, in December 2021 plunged me into a state of utter disbelief. I was fit and…