Jacqueline

Jacqueline

Long Island, NY

Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at age 29

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How has your condition affected you?  After giving birth to my son 3 years ago, my feet were feeling slightly stiff and uncomfortable.  The stiff feeling never went away and, in fact, slowly got worse.  I wouldn't say I ignored it, but I almost got used to the discomfort, thinking I was just having normal body aches.

Jennifer

Jennifer

Cold Spring, NY
Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia at age 36

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How has your condition impacted you?  I discovered I had fibromyalgia when I went to see a rheumatologist for a persistent pain in my hip.  My GP thought it might be rheumatoid arthritis, and she wanted a second opinion from a specialist. 

Kelly

Kelly

Drexel Hill, PA

Grave’s Disease, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and DSAP (Disseminated Superficial Actinic Porokeratosis)

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How has your condition impacted you?  I was diagnosed with Grave’s disease when I was 30.  At the time my endocrinologist told me that having one autoimmune disease opens the door for other autoimmune diseases to develop.  I didn’t take that information too seriously at the time.   Ten years later I’m managing 5 diseases.  

Rob

Rob
Philadelphia, PA

Diagnosed in 1994 with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rheumatoid Vasculitis, and Sjögren's Syndrome

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How has your condition impacted you?  I have had bilateral knee replacements, elbow replacement, wrist replacement, and finger fusion.  The rheumatoid vasculitis causes inflammation of my arteries.  I was the 10th person in the US to try an autologous stem cell transplant for RA.  No medications have worked for me.  I went onto long term disability in January 2009 - after having the disease for 15 years.

Jessica

Jessica
Brooklyn, NY
Diagnosed with Polymyositis in 2004 and Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP) in 2006

 
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How has your condition impacted you?
Well, now I can look back and count myself lucky because the progression of my disease was very slow, my doctors recognized it early, and I responded well to medication.  A couple of years ago was pretty difficult as not only did I have to deal with a loss of physical strength but I also had to deal with a loss of identity.  I've always identified as a strong person, able to do anything on my own, and this disease has put a serious crimp on that kind of thinking.  It is something I still struggle with now.  In other ways, my life is better since I take much better care of myself. I  eat better and really know the importance of regular exercise and sleep.

Carrie

Carrie

Brooklyn, NY

Diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Ulcerative Colitis at age 31

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How has your condition impacted you? I’ve been lucky in that the symptoms have been minimal and I’ve responded well to medication.  Since the outlook for both conditions is not all that great as they progress, I’ve become much more conscious of my health and daily decisions that might affect it in hopes that I might be able to slow, manage or stop progression.

Dianna

Dianna

New York City

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Dianna says, "At age 52, I was told I was too old to get Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Just got lucky I guess."

Daniela

Daniela

Indianola, WA

Hashimoto's Disease, Vitiligo and Fibromyalgia

Sara

Sara

New York City

Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at age 29

Welcome!

I am starting a portrait project of people who have an autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia, celiac disease, hashimoto’s disease, etc.).  Often, these diseases strike people at a young age and are chronic.  We don’t usually look sick, but they never really go away.  There are so many people out there who are struggling with these health issues, and the general public doesn’t really understand. 

I want to give a face to these diseases to inform my friends and family at least, and the world at best, that we really aren’t “too young to have that”; and that even though we “don’t look sick,” we are.  And we need your care and support.

I am located in New York City and sometimes travel to the Philadelphia area and will likely be in the Baltimore area on occasion.  I will also be in Northern Indiana in December.  So, if any one wants to volunteer for a portrait session or has a friend or family member who might be interested, please e-mail me at jodimckeephotography@gmail.com.  Thanks!!

About

I am a photographer living in New York City.   I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2008 and have decided to start a portrait project of people who have RA and other autoimmune diseases. 

My hope for this project is that I can let everyone know that there are a lot of younger people out there who are dealing with these chronic, often painful, illnesses.  Also, I think it is very important for the newly diagnosed to be able to see all of these beautiful, happy faces and know that they are not the only one.

Working on this project makes me feel like we are all in this together and that none of us has to go through it alone.

If you would like to participate and have me take your portrait, please e-mail me at jodimckeephotography@gmail.com.  Thanks!