Rheum to THRIVE
You don't have to figure out rheumatoid arthritis on your own. This is an *old* page for a group that started in Spring 2022. Please click the link below to be redirected to the latest group page.
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."
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."