In 2018, my now-husband Dustin started noticing joint stiffness in his feet and hands, as well as fatigue. He was diagnosed with carpal tunnel, and went in for double-wrist surgery in the spring of 2019. He healed up, but the stiffness didn’t go away. This past February, he was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and began a cocktail of Prednisone and Sulfasalazine. By May, he added Hydroxychloroquine to the mix.

In the last two years, he’s lost his ability to work full time and had to put a pause on his most loved activities: hockey, guitar, and weight lifting. His quality of life has deteriorated. It is likely to be a lifetime of health issues, but we’re hopeful. He was just approved for coverage of a drug called Erelzi, which is an injectable that could provide more relief. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is complicated. It presents differently for everyone, which means his struggle is different than the next person’s.

One in five Canadians suffer from some form of arthritis. By supporting my campaign, you’re supporting research and resources that will benefit people like Dustin.

Why ‘Stiff, Stuck & Spinning’?

When Dustin’s symptoms started to get bad and he couldn’t exercise like he used to, he bought an Echelon spin bike. I thought it was a waste of space. Then I went for a ride, and found my new addiction. Dustin found a new competitive outlet that had his heart pumping, and I lost 20 pounds. I’ve clocked more than 175 rides since November. By combining the cause (‘Stiff’), the lighter sides of this pandemic in my donation perks (‘Stuck’), and my favourite activity (‘Spinning’), I’m hoping we can drum up some support as a community.

UPDATE: As part of my campaign, I took 20 x 20 min. spin classes on Sept. 26, and shared my 6 hour 40 min. journey live on Facebook! I've also created more than 50 'Pandemic Survival Kits' to honour early donors with their generosity. I've now finished the handmade masks and strip washing kits. Shipping and drop-off of the kits are expected to begin Oct. 3. Thank you for your patience as I continue to build these cute lil' gift bags in your honour!

I am so grateful for the incredible support you've provided for me, Dustin, and all of the people living with arthritis. Thank you. <3