Wellness Program Components
CHOOSE FROM THE OPTIONS BELOW TO EXPLORE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES.
Exercise is beneficial both physically and mentally. From gentle stretches you can do while seated, to cardio and strength training options for all levels, these resources are designed to help you move your body at every stage of your vasculitis journey.
Living with vasculitis requires mental strength and fortitude. The impact vasculitis has on the body is not limited to physical symptoms. These resources are designed to be personalized to meet your needs right where you are now.
You are the expert on what is happening in your body. It is important to your health that you know how to be your own advocate. These self-advocacy resources will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need.
Creating a Better Way of Life by Sharing Our Stories
Our Victories Over Vasculitis
Victory Over Vasculitis Ambassadors
The VOV Ambassadors are patients with vasculitis who are enthusiastic about the health and wellness of the entire vasculitis community. VOV Ambassadors advocate for the VOV program as a means to improve overall wellness. They are the driving force behind the VOV program and the resources it provides to other patients.
Name: Art Diaz
Diagnosis: GPA
Year Diagnosed: 2017
“Helping other patients with their journey by connecting with them as we share our own experiences. We often feel alone and disconnected; however, we have an amazing vasculitis community that strives to help one another.”
Name: Jenn Gordon
Diagnosis: EGPA
Year Diagnosed: 2014
“I have met the most amazing and inspiring people since being diagnosed with vasculitis.”
Name: Brandon Hudgins
Diagnosis: GPA
Year Diagnosed: 2008
“You have the power to deal with the things that are in front of you.”
Name: Stacey Ivits
Diagnosis: EGPA
Year Diagnosed: 2002
“I believe in the transformative power of social connection for healing and well-being.”
Name: Heather Moya
Diagnosis: Takayasu’s Arteritis
Year Diagnosed: July 2021
“I am proud to join the VOV initiative and lend a helping hand to other Vasculitis patients, oftentimes, who are overcoming their darkest moments with this disease. Each day I try and remember our will can be stronger than our bodies.”
Name: Kathy Olevsky
Diagnosis: MPA
Year Diagnosed: 2009
“I’ve really enjoyed my work as the VF webinar host. I know how much all that information has helped me and I hope we are meeting the needs of other VF patients.”
Victory Over Vasculitis Support and Wellness Program
The original Victory Over Vasculitis (VOV) initiative began in 2016 and was led by Brandon Hudgins, who was diagnosed with GPA/Wegener’s in 2008. Despite repeated disease flares, Brandon became one of only 448 Americans to race a mile in under four minutes and earned a spot in the 2016 Olympic Trials. As people living with vasculitis around the world supported Brandon in his efforts to earn a spot in the Olympic Trials, Brandon in return encouraged them to become more active and live positive lives despite having vasculitis.
The VOV program has been a wonderful success, bringing together the vasculitis community from around the world to support, inspire, and challenge each other to be the best they can be.
Now Brandon has been joined in this initiative by Art, Dianne, Jenn, John, Kathy, and Stacey. Each of these VOV ambassadors lives with vasculitis every day, and each is in a different place in their vasculitis journey. Drawing on their personal and professional experiences, and their passion for helping others living with vasculitis, they have created resources designed to help you navigate your own Victory Over Vasculitis.
Thank you to our Victory Over Vasculitis sponsor
