Tag Archives: arthritis advocate

Debra Lappin Arthritis Foundation

Spotlight on Debra Lappin – Patient, Advocate & Volunteer

The Arthritis Foundation is truly fortunate to have a network of dedicated volunteers, engaged constituents and committed board leaders helping us move our mission forward. Today’s spotlight focuses on someone very special to the foundation that is all three of those things. Debra R. Lappin, JD is a former national chair of the Arthritis Foundation and is currently a patient advocate volunteering on our behalf with the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Accelerating Medicines Partnership. How Debra came to be involved with the Arthritis Foundation is quite the story –
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Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient Story

Meet Joy Ross- Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient & Champion of Yes

When you’re living with arthritis, it might seem like you’re continually coming up against the things you can no longer do – so many Nos in your life. On top of ongoing pain, stiffness and fatigue, arthritis can create mobility problems that interfere with your career, social life or activities you’re passionate about.

So what can you do to turn that around – to start saying Yes again? What enables some people with chronic illnesses to live full, satisfying lives despite their disease and limitations?

Many factors come into play, and everyone’s situation is unique, but one quality that helps these people is one that anyone can develop – resilience. Experts say that the ability to navigate and even learn from adversity helps you keep going, mentally and physically, no matter what life throws your way.

“Individuals with arthritis and related diseases who find a way to be resilient tend to stick to their treatment plan more often. They manage their health better, and have an easier time dealing with negative situations, too,” says Rochelle Rosian, MD, a rheumatologist at the Cleveland Clinic. “Resilience allows you to make arthritis one part of your life instead of your whole story,” she says.

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