Chronic Crusaders
Real journeys. Shared strength.
Two Teachers, Two Diagnoses: Carol & Kay’s Shared Journey with Scleroderma Sometimes life brings together people in unexpected ways. For Carol and Kay, their connection began in the classroom—two dedicated teachers working side by side, sharing laughter, teamwork, and a passion for helping students thrive. Years later, that bond would take on a deeper meaning …
The Chronic Crusaders recently traveled to Dexter, Michigan—a beautiful town just outside Ann Arbor—to sit down with Carol, a former special education teacher, who shared her powerful journey living with scleroderma. From Diagnosis to Resilience Carol first noticed symptoms in her hands and feet nearly nine years ago. Within six months, she was diagnosed with …
“We couldn’t find anything wrong with you. Your lab work is normal. Set up an appointment to come back in six months.” I remember standing outside my office building where I had gone to take the doctor’s call in private. I just stood there, frozen in time, feeling lost and in a void. After months …
Can I continue working with a chronic illness? When you are newly diagnosed with an autoimmune disease or any chronic illness, many things change in your life. First of all, you probably aren’t feeling your best. There are doctor appointments, insurance companies to call, and medical tests to complete. You may be trying new medications …
