Jonathan Panarello

My name is Jonathan Panarello and I live in Laval, Quebec, Canada. I was diagnosed with AS when I was 19 years old (I am now 27). It was a long couple of years. It started when I was 17 years old and entering college which turned into the worst 3 years of my life. I woke one morning, put my foot down and ended up crawling to my parents because the pain in my feet was unbearable. I had 2 doctors suggest I had cancer, countless X-rays, MRI’s, bone scans, and even a surgery for a plantar fascia release. After the surgery I ended up on crutches for a year and a half feeling hopeless and helpless. One blood test later and I am being sent to Rheumatology and started on Humira. The drug that saved my life! I was able to walk without crutches one day after my first injection. People asked why I didn’t drop out of school while going through all this but I was too heard headed to listen. Now I am fully functional, full time nurse in the cardiac intensive care unit, working on my masters of science nurse practitioner degree, and married! I couldn’t be happier and blame AS for who I am now and wouldn’t change a thing. The picture I am posting is of my graduation in May 2014 from my bachelor of science in nursing degree. My biggest accomplishment and middle finger to AS!
Thanks for starting this great initiative!

Jonathan Panarello

Quebec, Canada

One Response to “Jonathan Panarello”

Dear Jonathan,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Sincerely Cookie

Cookie Has A.S. said this on October 4, 2014 at 11:16 am | Reply

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