Art, Advocacy, Representation and Acceptance: Tyra Grove's Rheumatoid Arthritis Story

Summary:

Cheryl and Tyra delve into Tyra's unique journey as a Black woman living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and her inspiring efforts to create a documentary about her experiences. Tyra, an actress and filmmaker, shared how her struggle with RA led her to embark on the documentary project. She discussed the challenges of living with chronic pain, the lack of representation for people of color with RA in media, and the need to make creative spaces more accessible.

Tyra emphasizes the importance of re-parenting oneself and adopting a compassionate attitude toward one's body when dealing with chronic illness. She also touches on the significance of finding joy in love, laughter, and supportive communities despite the pain. Cheryl and Tyra discussed the complexities of living with RA, including the physical and emotional challenges, and the importance of representation and empathy in media. 

All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! 

Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life Website for detailed show notes including a full transcript and video of this conversation.