Jackie Palumbo
I am 35 years old. A wife, mother of 2 handsome boys, daughter, aunt, cousin, friend. I was diagnosed with my first autoimmune disease, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, at the age of 22. During my pregnancies, I had ITP. My body has even rejected my own tooth! In June of 2013, my back pain became very severe. I had suffered from back pain since high school with doctors and PTs also treating me for sciatica. The pain this year was overwhelming. After 5 months of going to many doctors, 25 tubes of blood, x-rays, MRI, and a bone scan, I was diagnosed with A.S.
Each day is a struggle. I was placed on a TNF blocker and haven’t seen the results quite yet. I get sick a lot which isn’t easy since I have young kids and due to my current family situation. But, I can say this, I do my best. I don’t always feel that it is enough, but I keep pushing.
Jackie Palumbo
Ohio, United States of America
The Faces Of Ankylosing Spondylitis 
Dear Jackie,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Sincerely Cookie