Cassia Pelton

Cassia Pelton was 18 years old when she first started experiencing sharp pains in her sacroiliac joints. She went from being a healthy varsity figure skater and university student, to being unable to walk or even sit up in bed. After visiting sports doctors, chiropractors, physiotherapists, and the ER, she was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at the age of 19. Her treatment plan includes biologics and NSAIDs, which have helped immensely. However, Cassia still struggles with pain and fatigue, frustration as an athlete, and the lack of understanding of invisible illnesses.

Cassia holds an Honours Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Western University and works for the Government of Canada, with a special interest in accessibility and inclusion. She is committed to staying involved in figure skating, as both a skater and a coach, despite the challenges of AS. Cassia hopes to raise awareness of invisible illnesses and to discuss the unique challenges of dealing with chronic pain while young.

Click here to read all of Cassia’s articles on AxialSpondyloarthritis.net.