The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) launched Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month (RDAM) in September 2016 to raise awareness about the 100+ conditions under the umbrella of rheumatic diseases such as Sjögren’s Syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and gout.American College of Rheumatology There are more than 58.5 million American adults diagnosed with a rheumatic disease, and an estimated 300,000 children living with some type of juvenile arthritis. If you haven’t been diagnosed with a rheumatic disease yourself, there’s still a good chance you know someone who has, so take a moment this month to learn a bit more! The American College of…
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Editor
Designed as a companion to your healthcare provider's advice, Mamas Facing Forward endeavors to provide resources, encouragement, and community for parents and parents-to-be living with chronic illness.
Facing Forward Stories shares real stories from parents and parents-to-be living with chronic illness and disability—highlighting both shared experiences and unique journeys. Through these voices, we offer connection, representation, and encouragement, reminding readers they’re not alone and that there’s no single way to keep facing forward. Since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis after becoming a mom, Heather has learned to balance the desire to keep up with her two young daughters with the realities of her physical limitations. By asking for specific help, leaning on her husband and community, and making practical adaptations, she continues moving forward while also acknowledging…
Sometimes kids need help understanding chronic illness and disability, as well as recognizing and processing their own feelings. We hope these topics are an ongoing discussion in your family, and we love to review children’s books that may help you along the way! The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn Emily Clemens received a copy of this book as a gift from Mamas Facing Forward. She was not compensated for this review and all opinions are her own. This book was perfect for preparing to send my daughter off to Kindergarten. It addresses separation and associated fears and provides reassurance that…
Facing Forward Stories shares real stories from parents and parents-to-be living with chronic illness and disability—highlighting both shared experiences and unique journeys. Through these voices, we offer connection, representation, and encouragement, reminding readers they’re not alone and that there’s no single way to keep facing forward. Kyrzia’s story is a powerful reminder that parenting isn’t defined by doing everything—it’s defined by showing up with love, adaptability, and grace. She shares how she has challenged internalized ableism, embraced support, and redefined what it means to be a “good mom,” and how these shifts have helped her build a joyful family life…
Facing Forward Stories shares real stories from parents and parents-to-be living with chronic illness and disability—highlighting both shared experiences and unique journeys. Through these voices, we offer connection, representation, and encouragement, reminding readers they’re not alone and that there’s no single way to keep facing forward. Diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at just seven years old, Holly has never known life without chronic illness—but she also hasn’t let it stop her from building the family she dreamed of. In her Facing Forward Story, Holly shares how she’s learned to replace perfection with self-compassion, embrace creative adaptations, and show her children…
Facing Forward Stories shares real stories from parents and parents-to-be living with chronic illness and disability—highlighting both shared experiences and unique journeys. Through these voices, we offer connection, representation, and encouragement, reminding readers they’re not alone and that there’s no single way to keep facing forward. After navigating diagnoses of endometriosis and scleroderma, Kristen has learned that parenting with chronic illness isn’t about doing everything—it’s about focusing on what matters most. In this Facing Forward Story, she shares how embracing flexibility, accepting support, and letting go of perfection helps her raise two daughters while continuing to build meaningful work and…
Facing Forward Stories shares real stories from parents and parents-to-be living with chronic illness and disability—highlighting both shared experiences and unique journeys. Through these voices, we offer connection, representation, and encouragement, reminding readers they’re not alone and that there’s no single way to keep facing forward. When Ali was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 29, she had no way of knowing how much that diagnosis would shape her future—including her journey through motherhood. Now raising two teenage daughters while balancing rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s disease, work, and family life, Ali has learned that parenting with chronic illness requires flexibility, honesty,…
At the age of 14, Laurie Proulx first started showing signs of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Today, Proulx is the mother of two children, and her personal experiences with pregnancy and motherhood led her to spearhead a project with the Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance (CAPA) creating a resource that was the first of its kind – a guide to pregnancy and parenting with arthritis, written for patients BY patients. Once Proulx’s original resource was complete, Mariah Leach from Mamas Facing Forward helped update these resources – based on experiences learned from real patients, updated data on medications, and newer recommendations for…
Amber and Mariah discuss how women with chronic illnesses cope with advice on medication use in pregnancy—especially in light of the confusion around acetaminophen. Mariah shares her experiences with rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy, focusing on changes in medication safety data. They talk about the pressure, stigma, and lack of support for pregnant women, the need for nuanced guidance, and provide resources. Visit About IBD for the full transcript! Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/IBDpodsSpotify: https://bit.ly/AIBDSpotPodcast Addict: https://bit.ly/AIBDPAAll other podcast apps: https://pod.link/1228402052
Researchers from the Da Costa Lab at the McGill University Health Center are looking for new moms and dads in Canada living with autoimmune arthritis to participate in their study. Your participation would help them create resources to support parents like you through the transition to parenthood. If you have a child under the age of 13, currently live in Canada and are interested in taking their survey, see their website: https://ards-parenthood.ca/. You will be thanked for your time with a $15 gift card. Some participants will be contacted for a one-on-one interview. You would receive a $25 gift card for the interview. …