Hello readers! Oh, how I’ve missed posting regularly and hearing from all of you. COVID has really messed with my energy and schedule.
Occasionally an organization will reach out to ask me to help promote their study or survey. Recently I partnered with Viome Research Institute (VRI) to spread word about a study they’ll be starting soon. To be clear, this is a paid blog post, but it’s all my own words and thoughts except for the copied/pasted summary below from VRI’s website. I wholeheartedly agreed to promote this because I believe all research is crucial to finding better treatments and maybe a cure one day.
In this study, VRI will research the microbiome in folks with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), AKA Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA), to hopefully better understand its connection to disease activity. Those who participate in this study can receive up to $300 in Visa gift cards!
Here’s more info from VRI:
“Viome is conducting a research study to understand the role of the microbiome in AxSpA disease activity. AxSpA refers to a group of conditions that includes Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and non-radiographic AS. The goal of this study is to better understand the molecular features of the microbiome that may contribute to AxSpA flares and to determine if there are specific microbes found in the microbiome that may contribute to AxSpA disease activity.”
Learn more about V-150 Study: Role of the gut microbiome in Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS / AxSpA) study on VRI’s site OR you can skip right to the form they’d like you to complete if you’re interested.
Finally:
- Currently VRI is only recruiting folks in the USA for this study
- Act fast! This study begins soon.
- If you have questions, email studies@viome.com
Leave a comment for me below if you sign up! I’d love to hear about it.
BeingCharis 
Charis, thank you so much for all you do to bring awareness to our disease and promote faster diagnosis.
I am enjoying your articles and find you so motivating. I share many of your articles to help educate others.
I am signing up to participate in this trial in hopes of finding better meds to improve quality of life for all with creaky joints!
Many thanks and prayers for your joy and recovery!
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Thank you for your comment, Carol! I’m happy to help our community, and I’m so glad to know you’ve signed up for the study!
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So nice to hear from you again! I do hope you’re doing well!
I’m going to sign up for this study. A year ago, I participated in a “drug study trial ” for AS, but, due to complications, I had to stop. I’m now on cosentyx.
Anyways, since I’m 60 yrs old, & my Mother passed away from AS, & my Son also has it, I promised myself, I would do ANYTHING to help find a cure, for all the future generations.
I know my time here on Earth is not forever, & I feel it’s the least I could do, to help others.
Thank You once again
Be Well & Peace
Maura Thompson
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Hi Maura! I’m so glad you’re going to sign up for the study. You definitely understand the disease’s impact, having watched it affect 3 of you. I appreciate you doing anything you can to help find better treatments and even a cure for this disease.
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Thanks Charis. Actually, prior to becoming sick, besides being a Medical Social Worker & Advocating for my patients rights, I also did quite a bit of public speaking & other Advocacy work. As my illness progresses & I’m able to do less each day, both my grown children have suggested I try to get involved “virtually “, in some way, to bring attention to this disease & try to help others.
If you ever think of something, or need help is raising awareness, please, reach out to me. Right now I don’t have a computer, but, my kids said they’d get me one, if I wanted to become more involved!!! My entire adult life has been helping others. As you so well know, this disease has taken so much from me, EXCEPT, my heart & soul, & my desire to help.
Be Well My “Warrior Friend “,
Maura
P.S. I live in Fla (right now), probably moving to New England to be closer to my kids before end of this year.
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Thanks Charis. Actually, prior to becoming sick, besides being a Medical Social Worker & Advocating for my patients rights, I also did quite a bit of public speaking & other Advocacy work. As my illness progresses & I’m able to do less each day, both my grown children have suggested I try to get involved “virtually “, in some way, to bring attention to this disease & try to help others.
If you ever think of something, or need help is raising awareness, please, reach out to me. Right now I don’t have a computer, but, my kids said they’d get me one, if I wanted to become more involved!!! My entire adult life has been helping others. As you so well know, this disease has taken so much from me, EXCEPT, my heart & soul, & my desire to help.
Be Well My “Warrior Friend “,
Maura
P.S. I live in Fla (right now), probably moving to New England to be closer to my kids before end of this year.
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Hi Maura! So sorry for the delay. I recommend getting in touch with the Spondylitis Association of America and/or CreakyJoints. Both orgs are awesome regarding spondyloarthritis, and CreakyJoints is awesome doing work for several conditions. Maybe they will have some ideas.
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