Tag Archives: arthritis volunteer

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.
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Louisiana Walk To Cure Arthritis

Volunteer Kick-Starts Successful Louisiana Walk To Cure Arthritis Event

Born on July 4, Geoff and Sara Morthland called red-haired Ellery their “firecracker,” but at 19 months old, only Ellery’s knees were inflamed. They soon discovered the reason: juvenile arthritis (JA).

“I felt so powerless, Sara Morthland, Ellery’s mother, said. “I couldn’t make it go away.”

The Baton Rouge, Louisiana resident turned emotion into action and searched for a fundraiser supporting an arthritis cure. When she discovered Walk to Cure Arthritis, Sara was elated—only to learn Louisiana did not have a Walk.
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RiverRide 100 bike ride

100 Miles for a Cure: Cycling in the RiverRide 100

Introducing the first nation-wide RiverRide 100 bike riding challenge, created for riders of all skill levels, anywhere in the nation! Founded by Jeff Krakoff in 2013, this year’s RiverRide 100 is open to anyone, anywhere, with any level of bike-riding ability, and all proceeds from the challenge benefit the Arthritis Foundation to help:

  • Raise funds to support advocacy efforts and improve access to arthritis care
  • Provide tools and resources to help people with arthritis live better
  • Fund critical research to investigate new diagnostic tools, treatments and ultimately, find a cure for arthritis

Don’t have a bike? Don’t like to ride outside? No problem – spin class and stationary bikes are welcome. These miles can be counted towards your goal!
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David Fortanbary Mt/ Ranier

Until There’s a Cure, We Climb – David Fortanbary Takes Commitment to a Whole New Level

If you ask him, David Fortanbary has always been an “outdoorsy person,” and when you talk to him, you can hear his ambition and zest for life ringing loud and clear. Couple those things with the impact arthritis has had on his immediate family, and you’ll understand the makings of one of our most passionate volunteers.

David is all too familiar with just how severe arthritis can be. His father passed away in 2013 due to complications from arthritis. As David recalls, “He got a hip replacement that went bad because of progressive arthritis. When he went back in for a revision procedure, he didn’t make it out of surgery.”

While the loss was obviously a significant and devastating one for David and his family, he took it as an opportunity to make an equally significant commitment to his father’s legacy and the arthritis community as a whole.
Continue reading Until There’s a Cure, We Climb – David Fortanbary Takes Commitment to a Whole New Level