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.
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).
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!
What are people saying about Rheum to THRIVE and related programs?
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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 a supportive community as amazing as what Arthritis Life has created for me."
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
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."
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!"
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."
Live a full life despite rheumatic disease.
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).
Discover how to THRIVE with rheumatic disease in six months.
Get Started Guide!
Welcome Video
Orientation to Thinkific Platform
Pre-Program Survey
Live Meeting Rules & Agreements
Payment Details
Link to Private Facebook group
Copy of Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions
Master THRIVE Toolbox - Editable PDF
"Day in the Life" Handout: Editable PDF
October Meeting Schedule: THURSDAYS (Group 2)
Welcome Meeting October 13th
Meeting Recording Oct 27: Part 1 (of 2)
Meeting Recording Oct 27: Part 2 (of 2)
November Meeting Schedule
Meeting Recording Nov 3rd: Part 1 (of 2)
Meeting Recording Nov 3rd: Part 2 (of 2)
Meeting Recording, November 23: Part 1 (of 2)
Meeting Recording November 23rd: Part 2 (of 2)
December Meeting Schedule
Meeting Recording December 1st: Part 1 (of 2)
Meeting Recording December 1st: Part 2 (of 2)
Meeting Recording December 15th: Part 1 (of 2)
Meeting Recording December 15th: Part 2 (of 2)
January Meeting Schedule
Meeting Recording January 5th: Part 1 (of 2)
Meeting Recording January 5th: Part 2 (of 2)
Meeting Recording January 19th: Part 1 (of 2)
Meeting Recording January 19th: Part 2 (of 2)
February meeting schedule
Meeting Recording from February 2nd: Part 1 (of 3)
Meeting Recording from February 2nd: Part 2 (of 3)
Meeting Recording from February 2nd: Part 3 (of 3)
Meeting Recording from February 16th
March Meeting Schedule
Meeting Recording from March 2nd
Meeting Recording from March 16th, Part 1
Meeting Recording from March 16th, Part 2
Editable "Face Sheet" Template for Provider Communication
My Master Checklist for Managing RA
Arthritis Life Hack Crash Course: Replay
Yoga with Paulina - 60 minute class
NEW 2023 "Rheum to THRIVE" presentation: "Introduction to Rheumatic Diseases & Inflammation"
Intro to Rheum Disease - Presentation
Optional Survey: Rheum to THRIVE Program Feedback
This program is for you if:
You have a rheumatic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis, or a chronic illness that involves pain and fatigue.
You are overwhelmed with figuring out how to manage your condition in your daily life.
You feel alone, and/or would like to connect with others in a supportive environment.
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).
This education and support group isn't for you if:
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.
You don't want to commit the time and energy required to learn how to manage your condition.
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.
You can choose from one of two groups, each of which meets twice monthly for 90 minutes each: FRIDAY GROUP: Meets at 12:30pm EST / 11:30am CST / 10:30am MST / 9:30am PST. This is 4:30pm GMT Fridays for those on London time. THURSDAY GROUP: Meets at 7:00pm EST / 6:00pm CST / 5:00pm MST / 4:00pm PST. This is and 7:00am on Fridays for those on China Standard time (GMT+8), and Fridays at 10:00am for those on Australia Standard time (GMT +10).
The first meetings will be: THURSDAY GROUP: October 13th, 2022 at 4:00pm PST / 7:00pm EST FRIDAY GROUP: October 14th, 2022 at 9:30am PST / 12:30pm EST /4:30pm GMT.
The program starts once in the fall and once in the spring. You must purchase by October 13, 2022 in order to start with the Fall 2022 cohort. This allows members to get to know each other and form a cohesive community and safe space to share.
If you miss out this time, you may join the waitlist for when registration opens again. Email [email protected] to be added to the waitlist!
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!
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.
The goal of both programs is similar: to equip and empower you with tools to manage your condition in daily life, and the content overlaps. The differences are: - RA Roadmap contains all pre-recorded videos that you can go through in your own time, at your own pace, and there are no live meetings. - Rheum to THRIVE consists of 3 live virtual meetings a month where I deliver educational content live, then facilitate a support group.
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!
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. If you are on the monthly payment plan and need to cancel before the full 6 month program is complete, I am happy to do that for you or pause your membership until a future group at a better time for you.
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.
Cheryl Crow is an award-winning occupational therapist who specializes in helping people with rheumatic diseases have the best quality of life possible.
Cheryl Crow
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."
