Ankylosing Spondylitis Welfare Society

07/06/2026

ASWS attended the EULAR Congress 2026, held in London from 3rd to 6th June.

The congress provided a valuable opportunity to learn, share experiences and connect with the global rheumatology community. We attended several important sessions and discussions and came away with many new ideas and insights.

A proud moment for ASWS was presenting our poster, *"Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Empower People Living with axSpA in India: A Multilingual Patient-Led Advocacy Initiative."* We were delighted by the positive response it received and the interest shown in the work being done to improve patient education and support through AI.

One of the key highlights was attending the Global Remission Coalition (GRC) meeting, where discussions focused on broadening the definition of remission beyond clinical remission and ensuring that the patient perspective is included. It was encouraging to see the importance being given to what remission truly means to people living with rheumatic diseases.

We also had the opportunity to meet healthcare professionals from both the UK and India and look forward to exploring useful collaborations that can benefit the patient community.

It was interesting to see the many common challenges faced by patient communities in Asia and Africa and to discuss how we can work together, learn from one another and make a greater difference for patients.

The EMEUNET vs PARE Speed Dating session was another highlight, generating many practical and creative ideas on how AI can be used to support patients and patient organisations.

It was particularly heartening to see not only PARE being recognised, but also the wider international patient community. The acknowledgement of the efforts of patient organisations from around the world reflects the growing importance of the patient voice in rheumatology.

We return with new connections, fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm to continue our work for the axSpA community.

09/05/2026

A Heartfelt Appeal: Let’s Complete Chandresh’s Journey to Mobility

Ankylosing Spondylitis Welfare Society (ASWS) wants to extend a massive thank you to our community. It was because of your incredible generosity and support that Sadhu Chandresh was able to undergo his Right Hip Replacement in 2023. That surgery gave him a second chance, allowing him to return to work and support his family.

The Final Step to Standing Tall
While the right hip is strong, the battle isn't over. Chandresh’s left hip is now completely damaged, causing him intense pain and making it impossible for him to work for the past month. After years of fighting this disease alone, including losing his parents and exhausting his savings on expensive biological treatments, he is just one step away from full independence.
Just as you stood by him for his right hip replacement, we appeal to you once more to help him with his Left Hip Replacement surgery.

Every Contribution Counts
No amount is too big or too small. Your support will directly fund the surgery that allows Chandresh to stand on his own two feet again.
Bank Name: Bank of Baroda
Account Name: Sadhu Chandresh kumar Bharat bhai
Account Number: 01748100005494
IFSC Code: BARB0PALANP
UPI ID: sadhuchandreshkumarbharatbhai@ybl

Our Goal: ₹50,000:
We need to raise approximately ₹50,000 to cover the remaining costs of his surgery and recovery.
The funds will go directly to the patient’s account.

Thank you for being the backbone of our community and for consistently supporting those living with Ankylosing Spondylitis. Let’s help Chandresh finish this fight.

03/05/2026

ASWS aap sab ke saath ek bahut hi heartfelt aur powerful patient story share karna chahte hain, jo Axial Spondyloarthritis International Federation ne record ki hai.

Yeh Bhushan Ghate ji ki journey hai - unke struggles, diagnosis ka safar, aur kaise unhone itni challenges ke baad bhi himmat nahi chhodi. Is story ko dekhte/sunte waqt shayad aapko apni ya kisi aur ki journey yaad aa jaaye.

Kabhi kabhi aise real stories hume sirf information nahi, balki strength aur hope bhi deti hain ❤️

Please thoda time nikaal kar zaroor dekhiye.

https://vimeo.com/1168094999/ba608b8254

02/05/2026

विश्व एंकायलोज़िंग स्पॉन्डिलाइटिस दिवस 2026

स्वास्थ्य जागरूकता के लिए आयोजित ऑनलाइन वेबिनार में शामिल हों।

✔️ गर्भावस्था की योजना
✔️ दवाओं की सुरक्षा
✔️ पुरुषों में प्रजनन क्षमता
✔️ आनुवंशिक जोखिम

🗓️ शनिवार, 2 मई 2026
⏰ रात 8:00 बजे से

👉 जुड़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें: https://exiweb.in/ankylosing-spondylitis-parenthood

02/05/2026

01/05/2026

Join ASWS for a Patient Education Webinar on World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day 2026

The Ankylosing Spondylitis Welfare Society (ASWS) is conducting a live webinar on Saturday, 2nd May 2026 at 8:00 pm onwards to mark World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day.

Topic: Ankylosing spondylitis and Parenthood: Planning, Pregnancy and Pills

Register yourself and book your slot here: https://exiweb.in/ankylosing-spondylitis-parenthood

Speakers:
- Dr. Abhijeet Danve, Rheumatologist (USA)
- Dr. Pravin Patil, Rheumatologist (Pune)

Moderators:
- Mrs. Prachee Bhosle, President, ASWS
- Mr. Bhushan Ghate, Coordinator, ASWS

What will be covered:

- AS & Pregnancy: Safe pregnancy planning, disease progression, delivery options

- AS & Male Fertility: S***m count and medication effects

- Medication Safety: Safe medicines before/during pregnancy, stopping treatment
- Is AS Hereditary?: Risk to children and testing

Who should attend: Patients with AS, couples planning pregnancy, and family members.
There will be a Q&A session to ask your questions to the experts. Be ready with your questions!

01/05/2026

Every step tells a story of strength.

Living with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is often much more than back pain. It can mean ongoing pain, stiffness, fatigue, disrupted sleep, reduced mobility, and challenges that others may not see. It can also involve related conditions affecting the eyes, gut, and skin. Yet through all of this, strength shows up quietly—in everyday moments, in persistence, and in simply keeping going.

No one should walk alone. Support, understanding, and listening to real experiences can change how axSpA is seen and diagnosed.

Share your story. Raise your voice. Help others understand what axSpA really means beyond the visible.

👟 Lace Up for axSpA
📸 Take part, share a photo or video of tying your laces
📢 Use

Join the movement to raise awareness and build a world where every story is heard.

Lace up for axSpA 💛

21/04/2026

Keep moving, in ways that work for you.
For people living with axial spondyloarthritis and other forms of arthritis, movement can help manage symptoms and support wellbeing.

Movement does not look the same for everyone. It could be
🟠 Walking at your own pace
🟠 Gentle stretching
🟠 Swimming or water based exercise
🟠 Yoga or tai chi adapted to your needs
🟠 Strengthening exercises
🟠 Everyday movement like gardening or housework

An exercise and movement guide is available on the ASIF website, with practical information to support staying active in ways that work for your body and your symptoms. Visit www.asif.info/resources-exercise

09/04/2026

Hello friends,

World AS Day is approaching! We're organizing a webinar on Ankylosing Spondylitis. The webinar will be around 1.5 hours, covering 2 broad topics or 4 brief topics. Suggest your topics in the comments!