Category: Events

Sammie Barrett is RSDSA’s New Special Events Coordinator

  My name is Sammie Barrett. I am the new Special Events Coordinator for the RSDSA. The RSDSA has been near and dear to my heart since a year after I was diagnosed.  I was diagnosed with RSD/CRPS 9 years ago after spraining my ankle in ballet. I danced 5 days a week for a minimum of 4 hours per night as well as teaching some classes. But once this "sprain" didn't heal correctly, that all changed. Five doctors later, someone finally was able to diagnose me. Unfortunately, this doctor told me I would never walk again, and that I absolutely would not dance again. As a thirteen year old little girl, my world had been turned upside down. But,…continue reading

Please join RSDSA for the Achilles International Walk for Hope and Possibilities on June 28, 2015 in NYC’s Central Park

I want to introduce you to Diane Simonson, a first-time walker in this year’s walk. I am a former ballet dancer. In 2006, I began to have problems with my legs. I was tested for MS, Lou Gerhig's Disease, and everything else under the sun. As many of us have experienced - doctors told me I was 'faking' it, and it was 'all in my head.' (Yes, I can magically make my legs swell to twice their size and make skin color changes! I ‘m an amazingly good faker!) Finally, I was diagnosed with CRPS/RSD in 2009 .I was also very, very fortunate to find doctors (a neurologist, two orthopedics, a pain management doctor) at HSS who still work together…continue reading