My Name is Cassandra Venditti, I’m 30 years old and I was diagnosed with Adult Onset Still’s Disease at the age of 27 in February of 2021. It’s been three years living with Still’s and let me just tell you, it’s been a rollercoaster of a ride to say the least. I’ve had to make major lifestyle changes regarding my occupation. I’m only able to do a minimum amount of work because it sets me into a really bad flare. I’ve tried three different types of medications so far. I’m currently waiting for my fourth medication change. This should be happening by the end of this year. Trying to find the right concoction of medications that reduces my flare ups is the biggest hurtle for me at the moment.

Living with Still’s has definitely taught me patience. This disease is so unpredictable. I never know what the day will look like to the next. This can be hard to deal with sometimes. Especially having to cancel plans or appointments due to my disease flaring up.


What I want others to know about Still’s Disease is to never judge a book by its cover. From the outside we look healthy but you never know what’s actually happening or going on in someone’s life. We are constantly fighting to be able to live our life everyday. But also grieving the life we once had and the person we once were. It’s definitely not easy but having the support of my friends and family has made it a lot more tolerable.


So by that being said I’m so happy that Still’s Disease has its own day of spreading awareness to people living with Still’s, knowing someone who is living with Stills’s or mourning someone who lost their fight to this rare disease. I’m hoping my words can help someone else in their struggle with Still’s and make he or she feel less alone. Remember, we are fighters, we are warriors!


Much love,
Cassandra