A.S. Face 0153: Jared Hicks

My name is Jared Hicks. I am 35 years old and live in North carolina. My son and I both have ankylosing spondylitis. I have been to doctors all over the country for many years. I was finally diagnosed about 2 years ago. I am in pain every single day…my knees, back, feet, hands…pretty much everywhere. I take all the medications and just pray that something will begin to make me feel better. When I start to get discouraged I try to think about my son and know that if I can be a positive role model and give him hope, that is all that matters. My son is only 13 years old. He has one of the best pediatric rhumeotologist in the country and they are working with him as a study to see how AS progress in children. I hope to raise awareness of AS and hope that someday there may be a chance for a cure or at least a treatment that truly helps manage this disease. I live on a roller coaster of ups and downs, but have a great support system…my family.

North Carolina United States of America

4 Responses to “A.S. Face 0153: Jared Hicks”

Thanks Jared – I too have a son who is dealing with this and it is hard on the roller coaster to be strong, but I know he is watching me cope and that means I need to cope better 🙂 Wishing you pain free days and/or days with great distractions

Valerie Noel Wulf said this on December 11, 2011 at 2:39 pm | Reply
Hi Jared, I’m in NC as well. Thank you for sharing your and your son’s stories. I am in the early stages of working out an AS group for NC. Feel free to message me on FB if you are interested.

Deanna L Williams said this on December 11, 2011 at 5:10 pm | Reply
Dear Jared,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. As a parent I undertsand the fears, guilts and what if’s associated with a life and illness. One thing your son will never have to go through, is being alone and not having anyone who understands what he is going through or not being by his side. The picture explains what the heart can’t. Blessings to you both.
Sincerely Cookie

Cookie Has AS said this on December 12, 2011 at 9:12 pm | Reply
I too know the every day pain. Thank you for sharing your story.
I pray for your son….. That you can do all you can to make this easier for him and hope for a cure !!!!!! Does he ave the pain already? Feel free to write…..

Stephanie #480

Stephanie Drummond said this on July 7, 2012 at 2:25 am | Reply

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