Our Vision

At The AS Collective, our vision is rooted in truth, community, and change. We envision a world where Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA) are no longer dismissed, misunderstood, or minimized.

Too often, these chronic conditions are overshadowed by assumptions—“just arthritis,” “invisible pain,” or “you don’t look sick.” We’re here to rewrite that narrative.

We believe in a future where:

• Awareness is widespread, accurate, and impactful

• Action is taken at both individual and systemic levels

• Accommodations are normalized and accessible in workplaces, healthcare, and society

These diseases are complex, chronic, and often invisible. They come with not just pain, stiffness, and fatigue—but a wide range of comorbidities like depression, autoimmune overlap, gastrointestinal issues, and more. Many people navigating life with AS or axSpA also face difficult choices around long-term medications, biologics, and treatment side effects that affect every part of their lives.

Our vision includes raising awareness of:

• The physical and emotional toll of these conditions

• The reality of medication side effects and treatment barriers

• The lifestyle disruptions—from work limitations to social isolation

• The need for systemic accommodations in healthcare, employment, and beyond

But we’re not just here to educate—we’re here to connect.

We’re building a collective of individuals who understand what it means to live with AS and axSpA. Through virtual and in-person events, storytelling, and resource sharing, we are creating a space where no one feels alone in their experience.

This is more than advocacy.
This is community.
This is a movement to be seen, heard, and supported—together.

This is more than advocacy.
It’s about being seen, being heard, and building a stronger future—together.

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