Hello, my name is Haydee "Heidi" and I am so excited to be hosting an Arthritis Introspective Support System West Los Angeles. Together we are creating a Fun, Empowering, and Supportive Community / Network of People Living with Arthritis in the Prime of Life who are not just surviving but thriving with arthritis!
You may be wondering why I am taking on organizing and facilitating an AI group. Simply - there is a real need for a group on the Westside/South Bay and I got tired of waiting for someone else to start up a "local" support group. Presently, I am the Vice President of AI and a volunteer with the Los Angeles Office of the Arthritis Foundation as a Certified Speaker and Arthritis Advocate. More importantly for over forty years, I have been on the Rheumatoid Arthritis rollercoaster. I was diagnosed with JRA at the age of seven and have dealt with being a young person living with an “old” person’s disease.
One of the things I have learned is that it makes a world of difference to connect with people who "really" understand and get it. Living with a chronic illness can be super challenging especially when you are still young. It is important to educate ourselves and to have fun, which is what we are going to accomplish through a combination of social and educational activities.
Whether you are newly diagnosed with arthritis, a seasoned vet or somewhere in between, you are invited to join us. Please sign up below to join my support system and receive updates about upcoming events! I am looking forward to meeting you!
