Stasia's Story
After being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 9, Stasia has made sure RA does not control her life. She’s married with three girls, works as a real estate agent, travels and volunteers.
After struggling with everyday activities, sometimes as simple as sitting on the floor for carpet time in the classroom, Stasia knew something wasn’t right. She eventually received the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at just 9 years old. While living in a small town had many perks, it also meant that there weren’t any doctors who knew how to help her. To help manage and treat her RA, Stasia was put on many medications and traveled more than 5 hours to see her specialist several times a year.
Leaving the state for college meant Stacia would have to change doctors, which can be incredibly scary for people with a chronic illness. Thankfully, her new doctors were great. Under their care, RA stopped controlling Stacia’s life. When she moved to the Bismarck-Mandan area in 2007, she was introduced to the Arthritis Walk and has been involved ever since, even serving on the committee. She is married with three little girls and keeps busy by traveling, working full time as a real estate agent and volunteering in the community.
Leaving the state for college meant Stacia would have to change doctors, which can be incredibly scary for people with a chronic illness. Thankfully, her new doctors were great. Under their care, RA stopped controlling Stacia’s life. When she moved to the Bismarck-Mandan area in 2007, she was introduced to the Arthritis Walk and has been involved ever since, even serving on the committee. She is married with three little girls and keeps busy by traveling, working full time as a real estate agent and volunteering in the community.