Blooming Through Resilience: A Story of Life with Vasculitis
In the heart of Mississauga, Ontario, one woman is redefining what it means to live with chronic illness. Meet Vlasta Racki—a mother, dental professional, and fierce advocate. Through her platform, Vlasta in Bloom, she shares her journey with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) to empower others facing similar challenges.
“My journey with vasculitis has taught me the power of resilience,” Vlasta explained. “Through Vlasta in Bloom, I share my experiences to help others find strength, understanding, and self-compassion.”
The persistent ear infection was resistant to antibiotics, and within a month, both her eardrums had ruptured, leading to significant hearing loss, which forced her to take a leave from teaching. While ear tube surgery offered some relief, a relentless fatigue and unexplained weight loss began to take hold. Attributing these changes to simply turning 50, Cara initially brushed them off.
The Long Road to Diagnosis
For Vlasta, the journey to a diagnosis was long and fraught with uncertainty. GPA (formerly Wegener’s) is a rare and unpredictable disease that primarily affects the sinuses, respiratory system, and energy levels. In Vlasta’s case, the symptoms appeared gradually—a series of chronic sinus infections, unexplained facial pressure, and a profound exhaustion that was unlike any fatigue she had ever experienced. As someone who was always active, she knew something deeper was happening.
Despite her best efforts, the initial symptoms were repeatedly dismissed. “It took roughly 10 months from the onset of my first symptoms to a confirmed diagnosis,” Vlasta recalled. “During that time, I went through rounds of antibiotics, visits to the ER, and multiple referrals before anyone considered vasculitis as a possibility. The uncertainty was emotionally draining, but receiving an answer—even one that carried weight—was a relief after months of not knowing.”
It was in December 2024 that Vlasta was finally diagnosed after a series of flare-ups required more specialized testing. The process involved a complex, multidisciplinary approach, leading to a specialist who suspected something systemic. That doctor coordinated a biopsy and imaging and referred her to rheumatology, where specific blood tests finally confirmed the GPA diagnosis.
Once she reached the right team, everything began to move forward quickly. Vlasta’s care team at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto became a cornerstone in her recovery. Dr. Pia Pace-Asciak was the first to recognize the seriousness of her symptoms—she arranged a rheumatology referral within two weeks, a CT scan shortly after, and a biopsy that followed within two months of their first appointment. Vlasta’s ongoing care now includes Dr. Jonathan Stein, her rheumatologist, and Dr. Andres Gantous, who is performing her reconstructive surgery.
Reflecting on the journey, Vlasta emphasized that while it was painful to be dismissed early on, finding a team that listened and acted made all the difference in her healing.
This complicated process taught Vlasta the absolute importance of self-advocacy in her health journey.
“I had never heard of vasculitis before my diagnosis,” she admitted. “That realization was eye-opening and a big part of why I now dedicate my voice to awareness and education—so others don’t feel as lost or unseen in their journey to diagnosis.”
Managing Life and Finding Purpose
Managing GPA daily is a balancing act. “Vasculitis affects nearly every part of my daily rhythm,” Vlasta explained. “Fatigue can make simple tasks feel monumental. I’ve learned to pace myself, plan rest, and listen to my body.”
Emotionally, the greatest challenge has been learning to accept her body’s limits. “The hardest part has been learning to accept my body’s limits without guilt,” she reflected. “That acceptance has become one of my greatest lessons—a shift from pushing through to honoring where I am each day.”
To anchor herself through the emotional journey, Vlasta uses a powerful mantra: “Even when the petals fall, the roots still hold strength.”
Advocating for a Better Future
Looking to the future, Vlasta remains committed to advocacy and educating others about life with vasculitis. “I look forward to continuing my advocacy work, expanding Vlasta in Bloom into educational outreach, and soon through movement with my yoga,” she shared. “My dream is to speak at dental and medical conferences to highlight the patient’s perspective.”
Vlasta’s ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between the clinical world and the lived experience of chronic illness.
