I’ve lived with rheumatoid arthritis since childhood so I know all too well how this disease affects every aspect of life. I had difficulties in school, it affected my family, and it influenced my career choices and participation at work. Early in my career, I pushed myself to ‘fit into’ the workplace but looking back, I know it negatively affected my health. I never spoke about arthritis with my employer until I had children – I couldn’t manage the disease with all of life’s new responsibilities as a parent. I knew that if I was having difficulties at work, others…
Author: Laurie Proulx
Laurie Proulx
Laurie Proulx has lived with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis for 28 years and it is her experiences that led her to the Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance (CAPA) where she advocates for increased arthritis awareness and the adoption of more inclusive, patient-centred policies and practices. She is currently a Board Member and 2nd Vice-President with CAPA and has been actively involved in the organization for over 10 years. In this role, she represents the patient voice on various health policy issues, led a project on pregnancy and parenting with arthritis and arthritis in the workplace, and works as a patient partner in research. Laurie lives in Ottawa with her husband and two children.