A.S. Face 2111: Catarina Almeida

A.S. Face 2111: Catarina Almeida



My name is Catarina Almeida, I am 37 years old and live in Portugal. I was diagnosed about 6 years ago with AS.

I had my first child 16 months ago and it’s amazing how my body reacted well! I leave here a word of hope to all who wish to achieve the same. Do not be afraid. Go ahead! Yoga, Pilates and an essentially vegetarian, glúten-free and lactose-free diet have helped me to decrease inflammation. Good luck to you all on our journey!

Portugal, Europe

A.S. Face 1977: Joy Hanford

A.S. Face 1977: Joy Hanford



My name is Joy Hanford.
I am a Midwestern American living in Northern Portugal.
My date of my first symptom was October 1998 and my diagnosis was March 2015.
I am a writer, an artist, a mother and an excellent popcorn popper.
My attitude is and always has been my best defense against AS.

A.S. Face 0707: Lori Nunes

A.S. Face 0707: Lori Nunes

I am a Canadian living in Portugal. I´ve been diagnosed with AS in 2007, it´s been tough , phisically  the pain is excrutiating, but, what has made everything worse is the lack of knowledge people have on this disease, especially here in Portugal. Its very hard for someone to understand the pain, the flares and the unexplainable fatigue. I have found that comunicating with others that suffer the same helps me so much. I am grateful for these new tecnologies that allows us to express how we feel with people that are going through the same and understand. I am a mother of 2 boys and a bridal consultant here in Portugal. Lori Nunes, 40 years old

Portugal