Six years ago is when Mullen, 39, was first diagnosed with RA. “I was working like an animal, 100 hours a week, and I felt really terrible,” says Mullen. “I remember telling my mom, ‘I just wish I could trade my body in. I need an upgrade.’ Everything hurt.” Initially, no one could diagnose Mullen’s pain. He was swollen and stiff, but not a single specialist knew why. It wasn’t until a hospital chief of rheumatology took a look at Mullen’s medical records that his inflammation was identified as RA. “I had never even heard of RA before,” says Mullen. “I felt the rug pulled out from underneath me, and I knew my life was about to change for the worse.”  Only now Mullen has had a change of heart. “It’s hard to always stay positive," he says. “But I realized over the years how much it helps to understand how the disease behaves.” MORE: 8 Myths About Arthritis—Busted! That’s why Mullen partnered with Pfizer, a pharmaceutical company, to launch Rethink RA—an initiative to help sufferers revisit their approach to managing their disease. “This campaign really gives people the right tools to develop smarter, more effective relationships with their doctors to better target and track how they’re doing,” says Mullen. “It’s something I wish I had six years ago.” Mullen’s personal steps to understanding, and managing, his disease are reflected in the campaign, where he encourages users to talk to their doctor and come up with a plan that works best for them. “Any kind of treatment plan is multi-pronged,” says Mullen. “But it involves a strong relationship with your doctor, leasing a healthy lifestyle and joy. Having those moments of joy is really important.” For Seamus, that joy is cooking. “Cooking in and of itself is very joyous and celebratory,” he says. “Everybody loves to eat good food, so there’s something inherently positive about that.” And with the anti-inflammatory recipes and cooking tips available through Rethink RA, sufferers and their families alike can cook away some of their symptoms. “I really wanted to show that cooking well for yourself, your family and making the right choices can be enjoyable,” says Mullen. “This campaign is a terrific breakdown and road map for those starting with RA, physically and emotionally.” MORE: Best Foods For Arthritis