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September 7, 2025 51 mins

At 28, Michael Santillo was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis after years of unexplained pain that made even simple tasks like putting on socks or driving which became nearly impossible. Instead of letting it define him, he turned his journey into an inspiring mission: founding the annual “Let’s Get Loud for AS” gala.
In this episode of Take a Pain Check, we talk about:
- His road to diagnosis and the symptoms he faced
- The mental and physical health challenges that followed
- How AS impacted his relationships and love life

- The creation and growth of “Let’s Get Loud for AS”
Whether you’re living with AS, supporting someone who is, or just looking for inspiration, Michael’s story is a reminder that even in life’s toughest moments, there’s room to create change.

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