In this episode, co-hosts Leila and Brittany dive into the power of patient voices in transforming the healthcare experience for the AiArthritis community. They bring empathy and validation to stories submitted by listeners, highlighting real struggles with insurance, pharmacy issues, and the emotional toll of chronic illness. Brittany also shares key takeaways from the recent Autoimmune Community Summit, covering practical tips for self-management, understanding the influence of environmental factors, and the importance of owning and sharing your story to drive change.

This episode is packed with relatable stories, actionable advice, and encouragement for anyone navigating autoimmune challenges. Tune in for new ways to elevate your voice and join a supportive community that understands.

Episode Highlights

• Leila and Brittany discuss the impact of elevating patient voices in the AiArthritis community.


• Patient-submitted stories reveal real challenges with insurance, pharmacy issues, and living with chronic illness.


• Key insights from the Autoimmune Community Summit highlight the importance of self-management and environmental factors.


• Tips on using personal stories in healthcare advocacy help patients drive meaningful change.


• AiArthritis’s "WTHellth" project aims to address systemic barriers in healthcare.


• The hosts share tools like communication aids and advocacy programs for patient empowerment.

 

Links & Resources

• Submit Your Story or Rant: aiarthritis.org/rant


• Patient Journey Resources: aiarthritis.org/patientjourney


• Advocacy Program Information: aiarthritis.org/advocacy


• Communication Aid for JIA Patients: aiarthritis.org/JIAcommunication


• Follow Our Conference Coverage: aiarthritis.org/conferences


• Read Our Blog for Patient Perspectives: aiarthritis.org/blog

Volunteer with AiArthritis : https://bit.ly/AiArthritisVolunteerApp

Donate to Support the Show: https://www.aiarthritis.org/donate 

Follow AiArthritis on all social media platforms @IFAiArthritis

Sign up for our Monthly AiArthritis Voices 360 Talk Show newsletter! HERE

 

Connect with our Co-Hosts:

 

• Leila is the Health Education Manager at the International Foundation for AiArthritis. She is a person living with Lupus and Sjögren’s disease. She is passionate about inclusion and diversity in health education and meeting individuals where they are at in order to learn in a way that resonates with them. 

 

Connect with Leila:

• Tiktok: @Lupuslifestyle.lei

 

• Brittany Murray is a dedicated AiArthritis volunteer who has been living with Psoriatic disease for over 30 years. She loves to share her story to help others with AiArthritis diseases and to assist with advocacy and education work around hot topics like prior authorization and step therapy. She also started a blog and social community called ChronicDiseaseDiary to build a community of empowerment, love and support for those with chronic diseases or caretakers of those with chronic diseases. 

 

Connect with Brittany:

• ChronicDiseaseDiary