I am a 46-year old female with AS since 1979/80. I have changed career/lifestyle, more times than I care to mention. I trained to be a dancer/ singer and had to hang up my dance shoes and microphone because of AS. I have suffered severely and most of my joints and also my eyes are affected. I recently had bi-lateral total knee replacements, due to the inflammation and erosion caused by the disease; my hip is next. I am one of the lucky ones, as my Rheumatologist has always taken good care of my condition and I am now being given the anti-TNF treatment, which seems to be working wonders for me. I have struggled through so much chronic pain and gradual disability with only the most relevant medication available at any given time. It is important that this and diseases like it should receive all help available to become better understood and researched. Please take a look at the NASS website; nass.co.uk. Awareness needs to be raised as AS is often, unheard of or misunderstood.

Laurie, Aylesbury, UK

I am very excited about this discovery. I am a 30 year old male who started experiencing AS symptoms virtually overnight. I have been living with this debilitating condition since Septmber 2006. I was forced to quit my job and change my career path. It continues to be a battle and at times, totally overwhelms me....the fatigue, the stiffness, and the pain. The current therapies available are limited in their effectiveness.

Edward , Beverly Hills, CA

Yes,Inflammatory Autoimmune Disease's like AS ad MS diserve this type of attention and funding. Preventative Medical discoveries for Cancer and Genetic Mutations should be preferred over Drug treatment. After 30 years of taking NSAID's and suffering(not fun at all), it's refreshing that organizations like NIAMS found it worthy to fund Dr. Brown's discovery, to set a new path for "healing" and reviving the down trodden.

I would love to volunteer my time to this ause. 47 year old in GR Michigan

Steven Mieras, Grand Rapids, MI