Category Archives: Arthritis Awareness

Wait, Kids Get Arthritis?

“Kids don’t get arthritis.”

 That’s the first thing Chrissy and Jason Rose said when the doctor told them their 13-month-old son had juvenile arthritis.

“As an infant, Carson was a cranky baby,” Chrissy explains. “He would scream and cry and didn’t sleep through the night until he was more than a year old. He would lay on the floor and pull at his legs. We didn’t know what was going on and were kind of going crazy. Continue reading Wait, Kids Get Arthritis?

Empowered to Live Yes! Registration for the 2019 Advocacy Summit is Open!

Together we are empowered to Live Yes! Your story can move mountains. You have the power to influence your elected officials and break down barriers to the care everyone deserves. By sharing with and educating your lawmakers, you can break down barriers for people with arthritis. Join us in Washington, DC at the 2019 Advocacy Summit on March 11-12, 2019 to make these goals a reality.

The Summit is a forum for volunteers who are dedicated to making a long-term commitment to leadership in Arthritis Foundation advocacy. It is an opportunity to both build meaningful relationships with your elected officials and cultivate the skills to empower and engage other people in your community who are impacted by arthritis. This year’s event will be our opportunity to introduce a new Congress to the many faces of arthritis and the issues most important to the arthritis community.

The best part about this year’s Advocacy Summit is that participants will leave Washington feeling Empowered to Live Yes! This two-day event can serve as an on-ramp to advocacy excellence for all of our participants. You’ll go home with the confidence to share your story and make a difference throughout the year on important legislative issues like reforming step therapy.  Everyone, of all ages, backgrounds, and advocacy skill levels—including children and teenagers—are welcome at the 2019 Advocacy Summit.

 “We can help improve the lives of the children and adults that are living with arthritis by taking action and letting our elected officials know what matters to us,” says April McCaslin, Platinum Ambassador from New York. “Advocating for arthritis is important because it gives us the opportunity to take control over a disease that we otherwise have no control over.”

Advocacy Summit registration closes on Monday, February 4, 2019. For more information contact Julie Eller at jeller@arthritis.org. Register today to secure your spot!

For more information on this event and how to carry your new skills with you into a year of continued engagement with your new (or returning!) legislators, visit our website arthritis.org/AdvocacySummit!

Shane Cox_Stories of Yes

No One Should Be in Debilitating Pain, Especially at 10 Years Old

Support the Arthritis Foundation and the 54 million Americans with arthritis.

Meet Shane Cox

When you meet Shane Cox of Petaluma, California, his quiet, calm demeanor gives little away about this young man. But whether he is speaking as an honoree at his local Jingle Bell Run or at the California Coast Classic, it’s easy to realize he has experienced more in his young life than most his age. Continue reading No One Should Be in Debilitating Pain, Especially at 10 Years Old

No One Should Be in Debilitating Pain, Especially at 8 Years Old

Support the Arthritis Foundation and the 54 million Americans with arthritis.

Meet Cassidy Middleton

Cassidy Middleton is a happy, thriving 8-year-old who has a loving affinity for Minnie Mouse and spending her days horseback riding in the warm, Tucson, Arizona, sun.

In December 2013, Cassidy was diagnosed with autism, and that’s when the Middleton family’s world changed. Most weeks were filled with therapists and appointments, and just when things started to settle down, Cassidy’s mother, Kari, noticed Cassidy was a “bit knock-kneed” and “walking funny” for a 3-year-old. After consulting with their pediatrician, who referred the family to a pediatric rheumatologist, Cassidy was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis (JA). Continue reading No One Should Be in Debilitating Pain, Especially at 8 Years Old

james-bradbury

NFL Player James Bradberry’s Grandmother Inspires for Charity

Grandmother Plays Catch with NFL Player James Bradberry…and Inspires Him to Take a Stand Against Arthritis (and Put It on His Cleats)

James Bradberry grew up near Birmingham, Ala. with his mom and younger sister and grandmother nearby. Born with a love for sports and natural talent, he excelled at football in high school and then was recruited by Arkansas State University’s football team. But his Southern roots called him home, so he transferred to Samford University and was later drafted by the NFL Carolina Panthers, starting 12 out of 16 games his first year. Continue reading NFL Player James Bradberry’s Grandmother Inspires for Charity

Patient Story - Karen Lomas

Nurse With Psoriatic Arthritis: “Take Care of Yourself”

As part of our vetting process for Arthritis by the Numbers – a collection of verified arthritis facts and figures – we invited patients to comment on the disease section that most affected their lives. After all, they are the experts on how the disease changes and challenges everyday living.

Meet Karen Lomas, 65, who works full-time as a nurse. Following, in her own words, is Karen’s story about living with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), which she was diagnosed with several years ago, and how the statistics she reviewed in Arthritis by the Numbers relate to her personally. Continue reading Nurse With Psoriatic Arthritis: “Take Care of Yourself”

alex jacobson

Climbing Mountains to Conquer Arthritis

People climb mountains for many reasons. For some, it’s a test of physical strength and endurance. For others, it’s for the rush and exhilaration. For Alex Jakobson, it was to prove to himself that he can overcome the pain and limitations of arthritis.

Alex was living a great life when arthritis reared its ugly head. He was 35 years old, married to his sweetheart and living in France where he enjoyed a very social and active lifestyle.
Continue reading Climbing Mountains to Conquer Arthritis

Walk to Cure Arthritis National Adult Honoree 2017

Meet Our National Walk to Cure Arthritis Adult Honoree: Former MLB Pitcher Tom Walker!

Tom Walker, Walk to Cure Arthritis national adult honoree and former MLB pitcher, claims that it’s truly “mind over matter” when it comes to his osteoarthritis (OA) pain. Every day, he rises up and pushes forward, despite the obstacles – like having a harder time walking – that challenge him.
Continue reading Meet Our National Walk to Cure Arthritis Adult Honoree: Former MLB Pitcher Tom Walker!