My name is Ashley.

Once upon a time, I was an All-Star softball player who dreamt of working in music or fashion. Then, I was confronted by the harsh reality of a life-altering diagnosis in middle school: juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Despite ensuing medical challenges and invisible disability, I've remained determined to embrace a positive life while chronically ill. I aim to help others do the same, always focusing on what I can do instead of what I cannot. Gratitude key, and so it's encouraging to look at what I have, versus what RA has taken from me. 

Currently I'm a people manager at a digital health start-up and a community guide for an RA patient community, in addition to doing freelance writing, PR, and social media work. I'm a member of Mensa, a previous Pittsburgh 40 Under 40 winner, formerly worked with the Arthritis Foundation, 96.1 KISS fm, and the Autoimmune Registry, and have volunteered with the Lions Club and various nonprofits benefitting animals and the arts. 

After overcoming knee and thumb joint replacements, and brain surgery unrelated to my RA, I've made it my mission to thrive as best I can given the health cards I was dealt. Through it all, I've been recognized for my advocacy work and writing, which spans topics ranging from music, fashion, and entertainment, to medical news and health tips. 

As a versatile hobbyist -- and when my joints let me -- I enjoy traveling, birdwatching, kayaking, playing multiple instruments, horseback riding, hip-hop dance, writing poems and songs, podcasts, antiquing, and attending dozens of concerts annually. As you can see, despite my chronic pain, I do try to seize opportunities on good days, even pursuing a Master's Degree at age 40 and certifications in Generative AI.

Perhaps most importantly, I'm a "pet mom" to my rescue dogs Olive & Pip, a parrot named Pancake, and a fish named Dexter, and draw strength from family, friends, pets, colleagues, and my husband Mike. (He is a 5th-grade schoolteacher and lifelong athlete, who has inspired me by his completion  of a full Ironman triathlon and competing on NBC's American Ninja Warrior, among other things!) 

My ultimate goal is always to find beauty and joy amidst life's chaos, and to inspire others to do the same, whether or not they're dealing with a condition like arthritis. I remain hopeful for a cure for RA and similar ailments.

If that cure doesn't come, I want to be able to say I did my part to at least raise money and spread awareness. I am also determined to:

•  prove that a full and fulfilling life is still possible despite illness, one day at a time, and
• to enjoy my life and do things I love, while I still can. ♥️
  

A cure would rock ... but awareness comes first. Please help me shine a light on arthritis!

I’ve joined Walk to Cure Arthritis, the premier event of the arthritis community committed to conquering arthritis for the nearly 60 million Americans, including hundreds of thousands of children, who live with this debilitating disease's daily pain and challenges. My team is called Arthritis Ashley's RA Rockstars, and you can check out our page, here!

Whether you're local to Pittsburgh, national, or international, I welcome you to join our team. You can join physically in-person, virtually/online, and you can support by donating money or just sharing the link online! This event raises money to advance arthritis treatments and find a cure, develop resources, and take action to improve the lives of the 1 in 4 people who live with arthritis. I am so humbled, proud, and honored to be this year's Adult Honoree, and to walk in Memory of my grandmother, "Nana" (Eileen Louis) who also lived with RA.

Thank you!

-- Ashley 

Living a Positive Life While Chronically Ill.