My name is Marie, and I have worked with the Rheumission team for around seven months to treat my Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Family & Career
I moved around a bit as a kid, but spent most of my life in California. I grew up with my parents and my two siblings, who have all now passed. My husband and I were foster parents for around 14 years, welcoming 78 children into our home during this time, and adopting one child.
My passion is caring for others; most of my work is with the senior community through a small business that I own with my husband. We do hospice, in-home care, medical advocacy, and more. There's no limit to who we'll help—if someone has a need and we can help them, we will. At the beginning of my career, I worked as a medical assistant. Recently, I've returned to nursing school and am taking night classes.
Volunteering is also a big part of my life, mostly getting veterans and others off the streets and into housing. We collect clothing and offer showers, meals, medical care, and social services to unhoused people. I believe that if you have the ability to help, it's your duty to use that gift to make a difference.
From one autoimmune diagnosis to three
I've been sick for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I never slept right or ate right, and my immune system couldn't keep up. I was that kid who was always in and out of the doctor's office—strep throat, mono, pneumonia—you name it, I had it. When I was in my twenties, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. I've lived with it for over 40 years now.
In the ‘90s, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I was lucky to go into remission after a few years, but in 2005, I started seeing a rheumatologist again because my symptoms came back. My ANA levels were always positive, and my RA factor would fluctuate. After going through different tests and treatments, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 2007.
That year was a turning point for me. I got incredibly sick after a traumatic event at work and had to retire early. My body was in complete meltdown—I was swollen, in constant pain, and couldn't care for my six-year-old son. It took several years, a lot of doctors, and many failed medications before I found something that worked. I finally went into remission in 2014, only to be pulled back out in 2023 by a flare triggered by a vaccine. It was devastating to lose those years of feeling well, but I'm learning to manage my condition again, day by day.
Starting with Rheumission
I don't remember exactly how I found Rheumission. After a flare, I started researching options and came across Rheumission’s website. I was in an awful place mentally and physically, but I remember when I got the callback from Rheumission. I was in my car, leaving the doctor's office, barely able to move my hands. After that call, I broke down in tears, overwhelmed with gratitude.
Working with the team
The mental health aspect has been a game-changer for me. Dr. Mondala has been such a beacon of light during my darkest moments. She listens in a way I've never experienced before—non-judgmental, open, and compassionate. She genuinely cares about my emotions and helps me work through those feelings that used to weigh me down. With her help, I've learned to let go of that emotional baggage. I've taken those harmful emotions, put them in a trash bag, and thrown them out. That's been a massive part of my healing—probably 50%. Now, I focus on what's ahead, not what's behind me, which is so essential when you're living with chronic illness.
Working with the dietitian was also eye-opening. I thought I was doing all the right things, but when I saw that tangible list of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory foods, I realized I had made some wrong choices.
Eliminating certain foods for 30 days and slowly reintroducing them helped me identify triggers—red meat and rice, for example, are off the table for me. It's not that I can't have them; I choose not to because I know how they make me feel, and I don't want to return to that.
Since joining Rheumission, my anxiety and sleep have dramatically improved. I've never been a good sleeper, even as a baby, and the Vagus Nerve Stimulator has been a game-changer to improve my sleep. Even when I had a flare recently, I could still sleep well. I've also been able to get off my blood pressure meds, cut my thyroid medication in half, and lower my blood sugar and cholesterol.
Mindfulness has become a daily practice. During nursing school breaks, I sit by myself, practice mindfulness, and return to class more centered. My heart rate, which used to be in the 90s-100s, is now down in the 70s-80s.
How do you feel now after the Rheumission program?
Rheumission has given me the tools I never had before—to cope, manage, and truly heal. Instead of relying solely on medications and pushing through, I now have a holistic approach that addresses both my physical and mental health.
My mental well-being has improved dramatically, and for the first time in years, I feel like myself again. Everything about my care is coordinated, and I can track my progress in the app—whether it's my weight, blood sugar, or pain levels. Seeing this data has given me a sense of control that's been life-changing.
Since starting the Rheumission program, everything has shifted. I'm no longer looking in the rearview mirror but focused on what's ahead. Rheumission has given me hope and a proactive way to manage my disease.
When I log my information, I can see how far I've come, which keeps me moving forward. Instead of feeling anxious, I now approach my health methodically and confidently. This shift in perspective has been everything, and I'm incredibly grateful for the tools and support that have helped me get here.
What advice would you give to others?
My advice to others is simple: it's not about how we get there; it's that we get there. Life might require us to change our habits and adjust to new realities, but that's part of the journey. Each day is different—some days, I can open a bottle of tea; others, I can't.
You must let go of what's not good for you, including negative thoughts, and focus on moving forward. Don't dwell on the past because every day is a new opportunity. I'm a fighter, and I've never taken no for an answer. I love life and what I do, and no matter the challenges, I push forward.
It's not where you come from; it's where you're going that counts. Without Rheumission, I wouldn't be where I am today, and I'm deeply grateful for that.
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