Walking Strong With Independence

Barbara spent her career in telecommunications, but her true calling was in mentorship—guiding teenagers through character development, uplifting young women, and caring for her aging parents with grace and devotion. Her life was filled with music, movement, and exploration: hiking rugged trails, playing the piano, and traveling wherever curiosity led her.

But twenty years ago, Barbara began to feel a creeping stiffness in her feet and joints. Walking became painful. Her beloved hikes turned into distant memories. Eventually, she was diagnosed with Arthropathic Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition that affects both the skin and joints.

Her first treatment was Remicade (infliximab), a biologic therapy that blocks tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a key driver of inflammation. Administered via IV infusion, Remicade helped slow the progression of her disease and ease her symptoms. But after some time, Barbara transitioned to Simponi Aria (golimumab)—another TNF-α inhibitor approved for psoriatic arthritis. Simponi Aria is given every 8 weeks as a 30-minute infusion and has shown strong efficacy in reducing joint pain and improving mobility.

Years into Simponi Aria, Barbara moved from Colorado to Florida and discovered Sage Infusion. Her first visit to the Spanish Springs location in The Villages was transformative. “I felt like I had concrete in my feet,” she recalled. “I was using a walker. I couldn’t do the things I loved.”

Now, Barbara walks independently. She hikes again. She plays piano without pain. And she doesn’t take a single day for granted.

She gushes about Sage Infusion’s Lake Sumter and Spanish Springs clinics, describing them as “spa-like,” “beautiful,” and “thoughtful.” The staff triple-checks everything, instills confidence, and makes her feel safe. “They’re so friendly,” she says, “and I love that my husband can sit with me during treatment.”

Barbara has experienced other infusion centers, but none compare. “Appointments, pricing, everything is so clear and professional. I actually look forward to going.”

Her story is a testament to resilience, compassionate care, and the power of personalized treatment. From mentorship to mobility, Barbara continues to inspire—living proof that with the right support, patients don’t just manage chronic illness… they thrive.