A Second Chance in Life: Ranae Goleman’s Journey with Vasculitis
At 35 years old, Ranae lives in Verdigris, Oklahoma, with her husband, Drake, of 14 years. Known for her optimistic outlook and desire to bring joy to others, she says the meaning of her name—“born again”—has taken on deeper significance after everything she has endured. “I have been blessed with this second chance at life,” she said, “and I will not waste it.”
Ranae is living with two forms of vasculitis—Takayasu arteritis and ANCA-associated vasculitis—and her journey to diagnosis began long before she realized something was seriously wrong.
Early Symptoms and a Life-Threatening Turning Point
Looking back, Ranae believes the disease may have been developing years before it became severe. Things took a dramatic turn in August and September of 2020. “I would always feel body aches in the afternoon, fatigue, vision problems, and headaches,” she recalled. Over time, those symptoms escalated into something far more alarming. “It progressed to a constant pain in my left shoulder that went to my chest, uncontrollable coughing, and difficulty breathing.”
As her condition worsened, Ranae struggled to breathe comfortably and eventually had to sleep in a recliner. Unbeknownst to her at the time, her arteries were becoming dangerously inflamed. “All of this ended up in me having a heart attack and an emergency triple bypass,” she said. Drake took her to Hillcrest South Hospital in Tulsa for heart catheterization, and her surgery was performed at the Oklahoma Heart Institute. “I was told 24 more hours and I wouldn’t have survived.”
The Road to Diagnosis
Although the heart attack would ultimately lead to answers, the months leading up to it were marked by confusion and missed warning signs. In November 2020, Ranae went to the emergency room with chest pain and left arm pain—classic indicators of a heart attack. “I was told I probably needed to work out my arms more,” she said. The advice only worsened her symptoms.
At the beginning of 2021, doctors suspected adult-onset asthma and referred her to a pulmonologist. She never made it to that appointment because of the cardiac emergency that followed. Because Ranae was only 30 years old at the time of her surgery, doctors were puzzled by what could have caused such severe heart disease. During the emergency triple bypass, they took a biopsy to search for answers. “They had no idea what could cause this in a 30 year old,” she explained.
The biopsy, along with additional testing and evaluations involving her rheumatologist, Dr. William Surbeck; heart surgeon, Dr. Ajit Tharakan; and her primary care physician, led to her vasculitis diagnosis in February 2021. Prior to that moment, Ranae had never even heard of the disease.
Living with Vasculitis
Today, Ranae manages her condition with Rituxan® infusions every six months, along with methotrexate and Tavneos®. Like many treatments for vasculitis, the medications come with side effects. “Headaches, nausea, fatigue,” she said.
Fatigue remains one of the most challenging parts of daily life. Before her diagnosis, Ranae worked as a manager in a dental office—a role that required constant energy and presence. She often struggled through the workday and even fought to stay awake during her drive home. Eventually, with the support of her employer, she transitioned to working remotely. “I’m blessed to work for a company that allows me to work from home,” she said.
Managing the Emotional Impact
Ranae is open about the emotional toll of chronic illness. “I have days where I just want to cry, and sometimes I do,” she said. “There’s nothing wrong with releasing your emotions. It’s just important not to stay there.”
Music and faith have become anchors during difficult moments. One song in particular—“Stay Strong” by Danny Gokey—has helped her push forward. “God always gives me hope in everything,” she said.
Support That Makes the Difference
Throughout her journey, Ranae has leaned heavily on her support system, especially her husband. “I have the best family and the BEST husband,” she said. “He meant his vows when he said, ‘in sickness and in health.’ He has been an angel through it all.”
She has also found comfort in online communities. Discovering the Vasculitis Foundation’s Facebook page helped her feel less alone. “I wasn’t given any information on this, so I didn’t know if what I was feeling was normal or if it was all in my head,” she said.
Navigating Flare-Ups and Uncertainty
Ranae is not currently in remission, but she remains hopeful. After recently starting Tavneos, she is optimistic it may help her get there. In the meantime, she manages flare-ups by listening closely to her body and protecting her energy. “Some days are worse than others, and there’s no warning,” she said.
One of the most important lessons she has learned is knowing her limits. “Learning when to say no and understanding I don’t have to say yes to everything,” she explained.
Turning Experience into Encouragement
Although she has not yet formally participated in vasculitis advocacy, Ranae hopes to become more involved in the future. She has already shared her story with the American Heart Association, Tulsa People magazine, and within her company.
Her message to others facing a new diagnosis is rooted in hope and perspective. “You are not alone. Join a support group. Don’t allow your circumstances to get you down. Practice gratitude,” she said. “Every breath is a gift, and that means you are alive.”
One quote continues to guide her through life with vasculitis: “The comeback is always greater than the setback.”