Darlene Perez

When I was first diagnosed with AS, I didn't know how to react. A 17-year-old with a chronic disease, I didn't believe it. But slowly I began to notice the changes. The things I couldn't do anymore suddenly became everything. The simple tasks became so challenging. I saw my body go from healthy to obese because I refused to believe anything was wrong with me. I told myself that I was okay and that I was completely normal. It wasn't until I got into a car accident, I knew I needed help. I couldn't walk by myself anymore. I couldn’t sit in class for full lectures anymore. I needed help to use the restroom. When I came to therapy, I knew it would be life-changing. I began to notice how I was taking control of my illness, when for the last 4 years it was controlling me. Everyone who works here is so understanding and they want nothing but the best for not only my progression but every patient they see. They made me so comfortable and so willing to overcome what I needed. I went from barely being able to bend over and touch my knees to being able to touch the floor and do the splits.  They’re so wonderful here and I owe everything to them. They gave me my life back.