Welcome to The Road So Far
I grew up with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) long before the medical world understood what childhood arthritis truly was. The terminology has changed to Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and the research has evolved, but the impact of growing up with a childhood illness stays with you long after you age out of pediatrics.
This blog is where I finally tell that story. I write about what it means to grow up with a chronic illness, to build a life around it and beyond it, and to keep becoming yourself along the way. Not just the early treatments and surgeries, but the lessons, the workarounds, the quiet truths, and the hard-won clarity that only lived experience can teach. Some of my story is medical, but most of it is simply human.
If you live with JIA, grew up with JRA, love someone who does, or are just looking for honest reflections on resilience and identity, I’m glad you’re here.
This is my road so far!
Featured Post
Opening The Door To My Journey – JRA to JIA & Everything In Between
If you’re new here, this is the best place to start.
The beginning of my story and the moment I chose to start sharing it. It’s a reflection on how childhood arthritis shaped me, and why I finally opened the door to telling this journey out loud.
The Early Years: Where My Story Begins
Before adulthood with JIA, there were the early years. The diagnoses, the surgeries, the small victories, and the quiet moments that shaped everything that came after.
If you’d like to start at the beginning, you can read the Early Years series here.
Or start with Post 1: Look Mom, I Can See You!→
Hi! I’m Teresa 🙂
I’m someone who grew up under the old JRA label and spent years trying to make sense of what that meant. Medically, emotionally, and practically. This space is where I bring together the history, the lived experience, the lessons learned and the quiet truths that shaped my life.
I’m grateful you’ve found your way here.
A Space for Us
Living with chronic illness can feel isolating, even when you’re surrounded by people who care. No matter what brought you here – your story, your curiosity, or your support for someone you love – you’re welcome here.
If you ever feel like sharing, I’d be honoured to listen.
My Most Recent Posts
- My Fusion Takedown, Part 2
- My Fusion Takedown, Part 1
- Ode to the Parents (Now I Understand)
- A Note to My Younger Self
- Sustainable Strength
Notify Me
Want to know when there’s something new to read? Leave your email and I’ll send a quick note when a new post is published. No spam. Ever.
To see all my posts, please select Blog in the top menu. Enjoy your day and again, thanks for stopping by!
`