Petition Letter
To Whom This May Concern,
I have been recently diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (2020). This disease is ongoing an involves various symptoms and flares. I began a new medication for this illness in October of 2021. The side effects of this medication include nausea, fatigue, general malaise, compromised immunity, among many other things. I dealt with a significant number of side effects from this medication and that was reflected in my previous academic endeavours as I was placed on academic probation. I attempted to navigate this new medication into the following year when I began attending Queen's University. The side effects have not receded, and my bloodwork continued to show disease activity as recently as August 19, 2022 (elevated CRP). I continued into my Fall semester with symptoms of my RA as well as side effects from multiple medications. Queen's Accessibility Services was incredible, and I had accommodations put into place that helped me greatly within my Fall 2022 academic semester. In October of 2022, I took a leave of absence from my job due to these difficulties and in order to be able to focus on school. Due to inflation, I was not able to continue this for a long period of time and have been back to work since January of this year. This semester, I have struggled with managing my symptoms, medication side effects, work and the mental tax that this disease has taken on me. My doctor informed me that a biologic is the best medication option for RA and we started the process to get me on this new medication in October 2022. I was finally approved and began this medication one month ago (Monday March 6th). This medication also has side effects and exacerbates the side effects of the other medication I am on as well as further compromises my immune system. I have been ill for around a month on and off as well as dealing with extreme fatigue. When bringing up these issues to my doctor, I have been informed that this is just unfortunately part of the process of finding the right treatment and that I should stick it out.
I have seen a serious drop in my grades as I have been unable to complete several assignments and put in as much work as I normally would, due to everything I have listed above. I am a bright, hardworking student and I do not want to lose my place in this program due to failing one course. The course that I am asking to drop after the academic deadline is the course that I am struggling the most with. It has a severe learning curve and I have been unable to put the time and energy into the course that is required to succeed. I have used several of my accommodations within this course, but there is unfortunately only so much that can be accommodated.
I am hoping that I will be able to drop this course, incurring any fees associated with that, so that I will be able to continue my academic journey to the best of my ability. I appreciate your time and effort in reviewing my letter as well as the documents I have provided.
Sincerely,
Chelsea Granatier
I have been recently diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (2020). This disease is ongoing an involves various symptoms and flares. I began a new medication for this illness in October of 2021. The side effects of this medication include nausea, fatigue, general malaise, compromised immunity, among many other things. I dealt with a significant number of side effects from this medication and that was reflected in my previous academic endeavours as I was placed on academic probation. I attempted to navigate this new medication into the following year when I began attending Queen's University. The side effects have not receded, and my bloodwork continued to show disease activity as recently as August 19, 2022 (elevated CRP). I continued into my Fall semester with symptoms of my RA as well as side effects from multiple medications. Queen's Accessibility Services was incredible, and I had accommodations put into place that helped me greatly within my Fall 2022 academic semester. In October of 2022, I took a leave of absence from my job due to these difficulties and in order to be able to focus on school. Due to inflation, I was not able to continue this for a long period of time and have been back to work since January of this year. This semester, I have struggled with managing my symptoms, medication side effects, work and the mental tax that this disease has taken on me. My doctor informed me that a biologic is the best medication option for RA and we started the process to get me on this new medication in October 2022. I was finally approved and began this medication one month ago (Monday March 6th). This medication also has side effects and exacerbates the side effects of the other medication I am on as well as further compromises my immune system. I have been ill for around a month on and off as well as dealing with extreme fatigue. When bringing up these issues to my doctor, I have been informed that this is just unfortunately part of the process of finding the right treatment and that I should stick it out.
I have seen a serious drop in my grades as I have been unable to complete several assignments and put in as much work as I normally would, due to everything I have listed above. I am a bright, hardworking student and I do not want to lose my place in this program due to failing one course. The course that I am asking to drop after the academic deadline is the course that I am struggling the most with. It has a severe learning curve and I have been unable to put the time and energy into the course that is required to succeed. I have used several of my accommodations within this course, but there is unfortunately only so much that can be accommodated.
I am hoping that I will be able to drop this course, incurring any fees associated with that, so that I will be able to continue my academic journey to the best of my ability. I appreciate your time and effort in reviewing my letter as well as the documents I have provided.
Sincerely,
Chelsea Granatier