You don't have to figure out how to THRIVE with rheumatic disease on your own!
In the Rheum to THRIVE support group and educational program, you'll go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected.
From Alone to Supported
Most people with rheumatic diseases are given only one 20-minute appointment with a doctor every 3 months. They're left alone to figure out how to actually live with their condition, which leads them feeling lost and overwhelmed!
You *could* spend your valuable time figuring this all out on your own, but I want you to get started on the right foot as soon as possible.
That's why I designed this program around two pillars: education and support. You'll learn ways to not just live but THRIVE with chronic illness. You don't have to do this on your own.
Learn from a fellow patient and expert
After earning a Masters in Occupational therapy and completing hundreds of hours of additional training, I've learned tools that are scientifically shown to help you manage pain, function in daily life, cope with stress and give you a sense of control over your disease.
That's why the first pillar of this program is education. The more proactive you are now, the better you will feel in the future!
Approximately once a week, Cheryl or guest speakers provide a live mini-lesson about one way to manage how your rheumatic disease affects your quality of life (e.g. pain, stress, or friendships).
From Alone to Supported
Have you ever felt alone on your chronic illness journey, or wished you could connect with someone who's going through the same thing? Rheum to THRIVE includes a supportive community, so you can connect to others on similar journeys.
On our live video calls, Cheryl facilitates a support group session where you'll have the chance to gain and provide support from a group of people who truly *get* what it's like to manage a complex autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis!
Testimonials
What are people saying about Rheum to THRIVE and related programs?
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"Valuable Tips, Close Community Atmosphere"
"Rheum to THRIVE is just what I had been craving since my RA diagnosis nearly two years ago. No more spinning my wheels over researching and overthinking.
Cheryl shares tools, tips and good information for living well with an autoimmune disease in a close community atmosphere. I am so grateful I joined this group!"
"Everyone trying to thrive while battling RA deserves to have a toolbox and supportive community."
The (program) gave me so many new tools to help manage my RA and validated so many of my feelings and the experiences I have encountered since being diagnosed. What has become just as valuable is the community that I have become a part of.
Everyone trying to thrive while battling RA deserves to have a toolbox and a supportive community as amazing as what Arthritis Life has created for me."
"Compassion, Support & Resources"
"Before Rheum to THRIVE, I thought I had to suffer in silence. I felt so alone and didn't know where to begin with researching my options for living with ankylosing spondylitis.
The group has offered so much compassion, validation, and encouragement, as well as a safe space to share. I've made new friends and also had access to additional resources and information for how to live with AS. I now know I'm not alone." - Anonymous, June 2021
"I now feel so much less alone and way more confident in managing my illness."
"I had so many questions about my symptoms and how to manage this disease that I wasn't able to ask my medical team. Getting valuable information each week about the things that really matter to me from someone who gets it was so helpful.
It's obvious that Cheryl really cares about the people enrolled and goes out of her way to answer questions and give explanations. I now feel so much less alone and way more confident in managing my illness."
Validating and Empowering
"I am SO grateful for you and can not say enough wonderful things about Cheryl! I’ve been on this journey since 2016 with no idea what I’m doing and it feels crippling at times to just be so out of control in your own body. I have learned so much, not just incredible tips for day to day, but also about the disease itself!
I cried so many tears of relief because I feel validated for the very first time. It was such an empowering opportunity to learn from you- I wish I had this years ago but I’m so happy to have it now!"
From lost to empowered.
"I felt so lost with my new RA diagnosis. I found Cheryl to be a wonderful, compassionate source of information. She encourages, supports, and offers insight to this new way of life. I feel more empowered now, more confident in myself and the choices I make for my health. The learning is non-judgmental, and leave you feeling stronger."
"Practical information that is rarely discussed in the rheumatologist's office."
"I wish I had access to this information when I was diagnosed with RA 17 years ago. The coping tools provided by Cheryl are useful even for a seasoned patient like me.
I recommend it for the newly diagnosed to equip them with practical and evidence-based information that is rarely discussed in the rheumatologist's office."
The THRIVE framework:
Live a full life despite rheumatic disease.
In this six month-long program, you will build a toolbox to help you THRIVE despite your condition.
Each month we will learn tools from each of the THRIVE pillars:
T = Tools for pain & fatigue
H = Habits (exercise, sleep, nutrition & more)
R = Relationships (managing social life with rheumatic disease)
I = Inner world (stress and mental health management)
V = Valued Activities / Hobbies (how we can connect to our main values and still do things we love despite our condition)
E = Executive functions (how to be the CEO of your care team).
Program Schedule
Discover how to THRIVE with rheumatic disease in six months.
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1
Welcome to Rheum to THRIVE!
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Get Started Guide!
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Welcome and Orientation Video: Fall 2021
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Master Meeting Schedule: 2021-2022
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Live Meeting Rules & Agreements
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Payment Details
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Link to Private Facebook group
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Pre-THRIVE Program Survey
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Copy of Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions
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March 2022: EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS - Track symptoms, advocate & be the CEO of your team
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Call Schedule
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Symptom Tracking - Meeting Recording from March 3, 2022
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Making the Most of Medical Appts & Advocacy: Meeting Recording: March 12, 2022
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Meeting Recording from 3/17 - Making Difficult Medical Decisions
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Meeting Recording from 3/26/22 - Becoming the CEO of your Care Team (final meeting)
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3
OCTOBER 2021: TOOLS for PAIN & FATIGUE
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Call Schedule
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Welcome Call Recording - 10/2/21
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Tools for Pain - Call Recording from Oct 7, 2021
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Tools for Fatigue - Recording from Oct 16, 2021
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Problem Solving Pain & Fatigue Tools in Real Life: Mtg Recording 10/21/21
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NOVEMBER 2021: HELPFUL HABITS (exercise, nutrition, sleep & more)
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Call Schedule
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Focus on Exercise: Recording from Thursday 11/4
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Meeting recording from 11/13/21
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Recording from 11/19/21 about Nutrition - Guest Speaker - Jenifer Tharani, Registered Dietitian
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Focus on Nutrition - Meeting from 11/19/21 - Guest Speaker Jenifer
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How to start a habit: Meeting from 11/27/21
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5
DECEMBER 2021: RELATIONSHIPS: Manage Social Life, Family & Work
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Call Schedule
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Meeting Recording 12/18 - Friendships
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Recording from 12/10: Romantic Relationships
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Meeting Recording 12/4 - How to deal with misconceptions
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Meeting Recording from 12/30: Work & Family Relationships
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Just for Fun - Virtual Pictionary Gathering 12/30/21
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JANUARY 2022: INNER WORLD - Managing stress & Mental Heath
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Call Schedule
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Meeting Recording - 1/8/21 - Tools for Stress: Overview
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Meeting Recording - 1-13-22 - ACT and MIndfulness
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Meeting Recording - 1/22/22 - CBT - Cognitive Behavior Therapy strategies
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Meeting Recording 1/27/22 - Building a Coping Toolbox
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FEBRUARY 2022: VALUED Activities & Hobbies - doing what we love with rheumatic disease
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Call Schedule
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Meeting recording - 2/3/2022
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Meeting Recording - 2/10/22
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Meeting Recording - 2/18/22
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Meeting Recording - 2/26/22
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BONUS: Extra Resources & Trainings
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My "Face Sheet" Template for Patient Provider Communication
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2022 Arthritis Life RA Master Checklist
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Arthritis Life Hack Crash Course: Replay
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Yoga with Paulina - 60 minute class (Oct, 2020)
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9
Post Program Survey
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Optional Survey: Rheum to THRIVE Program Feedback
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Is Rheum to THRIVE a good fit for me?
This program is for you if:
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You have a rheumatic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis, or a chronic illness that involves pain and fatigue.
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You are overwhelmed with figuring out how to manage your condition in your daily life.
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You feel alone, and/or would like to connect with others in a supportive environment.
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You are interested in learning how to manage the disease through coping strategies and lifestyle choices (such as mindfulness, exercise and altering how you approach tasks).
Who is not a good fit for Rheum to THRIVE?
This education and support group isn't for you if:
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Your primary goal is to cure your condition. This program can be taken in conjunction with complementary therapies, but this program does not claim to teach a way to heal or cure your disease. The focus is on minimizing symptoms, adapting to what's occurring in the present moment, and maximizing our quality of life *despite* our condition.
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You don't want to commit the time and energy required to learn how to manage your condition.
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You don't believe that mindset changes or daily living change will make a difference, or you believe you will feel badly no matter what you do. This course is for people who believe they *can* make an impact on their quality of life through their choices.
FAQ
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When does the Rheum to THRIVE program start?
This program is offered twice a year, once with fall start and once with a spring start. For those who join in fall 2021, the first meeting will be in October. You will have access to the Welcome modules as soon as you purchase the program.
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Can I purchase this program at any time or does registration close on a certain date?
There are 2 open enrollment periods per year, once in the fall and once in the spring. This allows members to get to know each other and form a cohesive community and safe space to share. The next open enrollment period will be in late September 2021.
If you miss out this time, you may join the waitlist for when registration opens again in the spring of 2022. Email [email protected] to be added to the waitlist!
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What if I would like support beyond this 6 month program?
I also offer an ongoing weekly support group exclusively for people who've completed Rheum to THRIVE. Since rheumatic diseases are chronic and ongoing, it's beneficial to surround yourself with consistent sources of encouragement and support!
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Does this program only apply to rheumatoid arthritis? What about other chronic illnesses?
The THRIVE toolbox, which is the cornerstone of this program, applies to many chronic illnesses. The "inner world, relationships, valued activities and executive functions" are applicable to all chronic illnesses, while the "tools for pain and fatigue" and "healthy habits" are designed for rheumatic, autoimmune diseases that involve some degree of pain and fatigue. Please email me at: [email protected] for specific questions and I can help you determine if this course is the right fit for you!
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What if I want a refund or wish to cancel?
You are welcome to request a refund at any time within the first 30 days of the program. I will just will ask you to provide feedback so that I can learn and continue to make this program the best it can be.
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Is this relevant even if I've had a rheumatic disease for many years?
Yes! Because many patients never are given adequate education or support in the tools discussed in Rheum to THRIVE, it can benefit those who've had their diagnosis for years.
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If I join this program am I receiving occupational therapy services from Cheryl?
No. Cheryl has training as an occupational therapist, but in this program she is providing general education. This program is not a substitute for individual or group occupational therapy services. Cheryl is licensed to provide these services in Washington State and does so on a limited basis at this time. More details can be found in the course medical disclaimer.
Facilitator Bio
Cheryl Crow is an award-winning occupational therapist who specializes in helping people with rheumatic diseases have the best quality of life possible.
Course Creator
Cheryl Crow
Cheryl earned a Masters in Occupational Therapy in 2012 from Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, CA.
Email
Cheryl frequently is asked to share her expert opinion on ways people can successfully manage daily living challenges with rheumatoid arthritis. She has written articles and/or been interviewed for: Everyday Health, RheumatoidArthritis.net, AnkylosingSpondylitis.net, Creaky Joints, The Mighty, and Mamas Facing Forward.
In 2019 Cheryl formed Arthritis Life to educate, empower and inspire others with arthritis.
Cheryl has devoted many additional hours to continuing education in the area of chronic disease management and rheumatoid arthritis specifically, including:
- Certification as an educator for the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program
- Completion of USC's "Introduction to Lifestyle Redesign" training
- "Systematic Review of Educational Interventions for Rheumatoid Arthritis"
- "Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy Interventions for Adults With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review"
- "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Beginners" (Psychwire)
- "Fatigue Management Occupational Therapy for Individuals with Autoimmune Disease"
- "Arthritis of the Upper Extremity"
- "Occupational Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy"
- "Persisting Pain: Understanding why Things Hurt"
Cheryl has also developed and facilitated a training for other occupational therapists titled: "Beyond Joint Pain: Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis from the Full Scope of Occupational Therapy."