Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the Knee. Psoriatic Arthritis. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (RSD). Prothrombin Thrombophilia. Depression. Anxiety. Melanoma.
I do not and will not let these diagnoses define me. This took me a while to grasp, and I’m still working to hold on to this every day. I decided from the second I had my ‘aha’ moment I would not let myself surrender over to anything with a ‘chronic’ diagnosis.
Instead, I’ve decided to always define myself as the person I am on the inside. The person I was before the diagnosis, but with a little more experience, a lot more confidence, and determination like no other.
Honestly, I know it sounds crazy, but I look at my health challenges as the biggest blessings I’ve ever been given. They’ve truly altered my path in life- IN A GOOD WAY. They’ve helped redirect me to my true purpose.
After a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis, avascular necrosis (in my left femur bone), complex regional pain syndrome, prothrombin thrombophilia, depression, anxiety and melanoma I decided to start publicly sharing my story to help others. “Officially” diagnosed with PsA in 2012, I’ve “unofficially” experienced the condition since I was in 5th grade (when a rheum told me they ‘thought’ I might have it). I was also diagnosed with AVN in 2012, but in 2015 had a stem cell procedure (Regenexx) to regrow my bone. I’ve been walking and living life ever since!
Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about managing my condition, but also about helping others step up and advocate for their condition. What started as a passion project to get my story out to help other patients has turned into a full-fledged career that has taken me so far. It’s turned from just blogging and posting on social media to speaking at keynote events, collaborating with healthcare companies, and so much more.
These days I haven’t been blogging as much, but work every day to raise the patient voice. I realized through all of this that my life’s calling is to advocate for ALL advocates. I now seek out partnerships with companies to build campaigns and initiatives that allow them to tap into the power of health leaders.
I invite you to check out my blog to learn more about managing psoriatic arthritis and avascular necrosis. And if you’re further along in your health journey and are looking to take a more active role in helping others, I encourage you to check out the Social Health Network. This Health Union community is specifically made for patients, caregivers, and HCPs who advocate for a cause.
If I can ever be of service, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me!
And please remember – it’s just a bad day NOT a bad life. You CAN live your best life despite any obstacle. I’m living proof of it!
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Julie Croner serves as the Vice President of Community Development for Health Union, specifically focusing on the Patient Leader Network. She holds a B.S in Business Administration, Management Information Systems from West Virginia University, is an American Association of Drugless Practitioners Certified Holistic Health Coach, and is a certified yoga instructor. After a career in IT consulting had to be put on hold, Julie found the world of patient advocacy and realized her life’s work was to advocate for all advocates. Starting her personal advocacy site (itsjustabadday.com), Julie lives out her mission every day and hasn’t looked back since! Her work has been recognized by numerous platforms including Stanford MedX, The National Psoriasis Foundation, Everyday Health, Healthline, WebMD, The Mighty, in 2020 was named to the MM&M 40 under 40 class of healthcare marketers, and won the 2021 Reuters Events Global Pharma Awards Patient Champion: Patient Advocate award.
When she’s not working to empower the patient voice you can find Julie jamming out to Celine Dion (or Cocomelon), attempting to fit in a yoga sesh between 4 crying kids, trying a new recipe for dinner, or enjoying life in Pittsburgh, PA!