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  • About Arthritis
    Common Topics
    woman holding her wrist What Is Arthritis?

    Arthritis is not one disease. Learn about the different types of arthritis, how they differ and why it’s important.

    microbes Inflammation and the Immune System

    Body-wide inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases — and you may have more control over it than you think.

    Patient talking with nurse Newly Diagnosed With Arthritis

    A new arthritis diagnosis can be overwhelming. These tips can help.

    • Understanding Arthritis
    • Arthritis Types
    • More About Arthritis
    • Where it Hurts
    • Related Conditions
  • Treatments
    Common Topics
    Woman holding shoulder Webinar: Touch Therapies for Pain Management

    Learn the evidence behind popular touch therapies for arthritis, including what to try and what to avoid, for how long and when.

    Managing Arthritis Care Costs

    Learn the basics about health care costs and financial tools available to you.

    Man with head in hands on bed Webinar: Arthritis Fatigue Causes and Solutions

    Learn the various causes of arthritis-related fatigue and strategies to combat weariness.

    • Treatment Plan
    • Drug Guide
    • Joint Surgery
    • Complementary Therapies
    • Insurance Management
  • Healthy Living
    Common Topics
    Woman with upset stomach Microbiome, Gut Health & Arthritis

    Microbiome, microbes, microorganisms – these terms may be confusing, but the types of bacteria living in and on our bodies can impact arthritis. Learn what helps or harms the microbiome and the health of your gut and discover dietary changes that can make a difference. This episode was originally released on January 19, 2021.

    man exercising Stairs Workout Demo

    Strengthen your leg muscles and improve your stability to make going up and down stairs safer and easier.

    woman consoling another Arthritis and Mental Health

    Learn about the connection between arthritis, depression and anxiety and how these conditions can make your arthritis worse.

    • Ease of Use Products
    • Managing Pain
    • Recipes & Nutrition
    • Physical Activity
    • Emotional Well-being
    • Daily Living
    • Family & Relationships
  • Juvenile Arthritis
    Common Topics
    2023 JA Family Summit

    Learn about the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference, a place for families to connect, share and learn.

    JA Camps

    The Arthritis Foundation’s JA camp programs give kids with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases the chance to make lasting memories.

    Juvenile Arthritis Volunteer

    • About Juvenile Arthritis
    • Treatment
    • Managing Pain
    • Medical Decisions
    • Nutrition
    • Emotional Well-being
  • Professionals
    Common Topics
    Transforming Clinical Interactions

    The Live Yes! Arthritis community connects patients with others online and in-person for support and education, and encourages patients to play an active role in their health care.

    Partners 4 Patients with Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation recently launched an initiative to build stronger relationships and increase recognition of our most engaged practices.

    Fellowships

    See how we're aiming to address the growing shortage of arthritis specialists, especially in under-served parts of the country.

    • Better Living Toolkits
    • Our Issue Briefs
  • Science
    Common Topics
    OACS Forum Series

    The Osteoarthritis Clinical Studies Forum Series features OA thought leaders from across the globe discussing the future of how the disease can be treated to improve patient outcomes.

    man bandaging boy's knee Conquering Childhood Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation is mobilizing patients and their families to engage in studies comparing the effectiveness of treatments for juvenile arthritis and funding research for more options.

    Focus

    • Awards
    • Funding Opportunities
    • OACS Forum Series
    • Osteoarthritis Focus
    • Participate in Clinical Trials
    • Partnerships
    • Publications
  • Get Involved
    Common Topics
    Capital hill Action Center

    Take action today - use the resources here to learn who your elected officials are, what opportunities we have to advocate from the comfort of your own home, federal and state legislation, and more!

    LiveYes! Insights thumbnail Live Yes! INSIGHTS

    Share your experience in a 10-minute assessment to be among those changing the future of arthritis.

    woman listening to podcast Live Yes! Podcast

    You may have arthritis, but it doesn't have you. The Arthritis Foundation’s one-of-a-kind podcast. Hosted by patients, for patients.

    • Advocacy
    • Ways to Give
    • Fundraising
    • Volunteer
    • Partnership
    • Live Yes! Arthritis Community
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Back

Our Evening of Honors Salutes the Best of the Best

It’s been said that what makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well. This week, Arthritis Foundation supporters from around the country descended on Phoenix, Arizona for the 2017 Conference of Champions . And there, they discovered the fountain of generosity through stories of the “best of the best.” The stories told by our most committed volunteers and partners, demonstrating their passion for our purpose.



matt-iseman The Evening of Honors ceremony is a highly-anticipated tradition at the Arthritis Foundation, marking its 41 st anniversary this year. Thursday evening’s celebration was hosted for the third straight year by comedian and “American Ninja Warrior” host, Matt Iseman, who talked about his own battles with rheumatoid arthritis , as well as his experiences competing on “ The New Celebrity Apprentice ” at the beginning of 2017. Matt went on to win the contest, beating out entertainer Boy George, and bringing almost $1 million to the fight against arthritis.

“I signed up for ‘Apprentice’ because I wanted to bring this important cause to the forefront,” Matt told the crowd. “There are many causes that deserve people’s attention – and fighting arthritis and related diseases needs to rise higher.”

farshid guilak At the start of the award presentations, Matt announced Farshid Guilak , PhD, as the winner of our Lee C. Howley Sr. Prize for Arthritis Scientific Research. This $10,000 prize recognizes the incredible breakthroughs Dr. Guilak has made in orthopedic and osteoarthritis research – studies that have been covered in 25 respected scientific publications since 2016.

Dr. Guilak’s current Arthritis Foundation-funded project uses genetically-engineered smart stem cells to zero in on inflamed cells and stop the inflammation. The “arthritis vaccine” he’s developing delivers customized drug treatment to a specific area and begins the cell repair process through a biologic product.

deb and tim constien We presented our Champion Award to two dynamic couples who have demonstrated excellence in leadership and their commitment to furthering our mission. Deb and Tim Constien have immersed themselves in volunteer opportunities with the Foundation, advancing arthritis advocacy , fundraising efforts and juvenile arthritis services in Wisconsin and beyond. The Constein family has raised nearly $50,000 through their Walk to Cure Arthritis teams and secured grants for Camp M.A.S.H., doubling the number of kids who can attend by waiving the camp fee.

lisa and george schott We also honored George and Lisa Schott, who rallied their friends in the Parrot Heads of Central Florida, a social club whose slogan is “Party With a Purpose,” to hold an annual bowling tournament, “Fruitcakes in the Alley,” to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Over the past nine years, this weekend festival of music, bowling and fun has raised almost $300,000 in memory of George’s daughter, Jenny, who endured more than 20 years of drugs, operations and experimentation until arthritis and its complications took her life at the age of 26.

dr cara hoffart Our Champion Award to Cara Hoffart, DO, salutes her tireless efforts to champion the Arthritis Foundation’s work on behalf of children living with arthritis. At Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, she has been influential in securing their $15,000 annual contribution over the last three years. Dr. Hoffart connects families with Arthritis Foundation events and services, serves on the medical team of Camp Joint Ventures, and has further extended her commitment to support the local Walk to Cure Arthritis and the Art for Arthritis gala.

Our Evening of Honors paid tribute to corporate and organizational partners as well. We spotlighted AbbVie for the Foundation’s Corporate Impact Award, citing the company’s investment of $1.5 million in our work in 2017, and raising the bar in local fundraising events and employee giving. Meijer , a retailer that operates 235 supercenters and grocery stores across the Midwest, received our Champion Award for donating nearly $500,000 over the past decade. And we celebrated 50 years of partnership with Alpha Omicron Pi, the fraternity that supports many of our key initiatives, like the National JA Conference , JA Power Packs, research being done with CARRA and more. As an added bonus, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Rebekahs presented their annual gift of nearly $400,000 to the Foundation.

joy ross and daughters Another highlight of the evening was entertainment from Joy Ross and her daughters, Isabella and Georgianna. The trio harmonized in songs that were thought-provoking and touching. Joy and her family have engaged in the Arthritis Foundation’s efforts to bring greater attention to the debilitating effects this disease has, like the blindness it brought to Joy and now causes concern for her girls. As she pointed out, “Joy is a choice” – and their passion for turning things around came through loud and clear.

Kevin Gadd, new chair of the Classic Auto Show and Cruise-In in Ohio, which has raised more than $2 million for arthritis research and support over the past 35 years, told us why he’s so passionate for our purpose. He honors his mother, Kay Steen, who has battled RA since 1969. In their words, “We have to fight and win.”

dan t mcgowan The Evening of Honors ended with our top award: The Charles B. Harding Award for Distinguished Service, named after a revered Foundation leader. The recipient was Daniel T. McGowan, a 20-year Arthritis Foundation veteran volunteer. Dan was an early proponent of putting patients front and center. He was an exceptional unifier as the Arthritis Foundation sought new, groundbreaking direction. By bringing stakeholders together – and through collaboration, inclusion and trust building – Dan helped set the stage for where we are today.

The Evening of Honors, sponsored by Lilly, made us all realize that our efforts are taking us even further in the purpose we’re all passionate about. Those we spotlighted at the Evening of Honors have made an impact on the arthritis community in unique and outstanding ways. We also celebrate the contributions every one of you has made to our mission. Thank you for being part of this phenomenal journey!

2017 conference of champions sponsor block
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  • Donate

    Donate

    Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life.

  • Volunteer

    Volunteer

    Join us and become a Champion of Yes. There are many volunteer opportunities available.

  • Live Yes! INSIGHTS

    Live Yes! INSIGHTS

    Take part to be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis.

  • Partner

    Partner

    Proud Partners of the Arthritis Foundation make an annual commitment to directly support the Foundation’s mission.

Donate


Ways to Give

Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life. Whether it is supporting cutting-edge research, 24/7 access to one-on-one support, resources and tools for daily living, and more, your gift will be life-changing.

Make a Donation

Help millions of people live with less pain and fund groundbreaking research to discover a cure for this devastating disease. Please, make your urgently-needed donation to the Arthritis Foundation now!

Become a Member

Become an Arthritis Foundation member today for just $20 and you'll receive access to helpful tools..... and more.

Make a Honor or Memorial Gift

Honor a loved one with a meaningful donation to the Arthritis Foundation. We'll send a handwritten card to the honoree or their family notifying them of your thoughtful gift.

Gift Planning

I want information on ways to remember the AF in my will, trust or other financial planning vehicles.

Other Ways to Give

  • Match Gift
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Volunteer


Volunteer Opportunities

The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community. We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. By getting involved, you become a leader in our organization and help make a difference in the lives of millions. Join us and become a Champion of Yes.

Become a Volunteer

More About Volunteering

  • Walk to Cure
  • Jingle Bell Run
  • Do it Yourself Fundraising
  • JA Camp
  • Start a Live Yes! Connect Group
  • Be an Online Community Moderator
  • Local Leadership Board

Live Yes! INSIGHTS


Give Just 10 Minutes.

Tell us what matters most to you. Change the future of arthritis.

By taking part in the Live Yes! INSIGHTS assessment, you’ll be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis, for yourself and for 54 million others. And all it takes is just 10 minutes.

Your shared experiences will help:

- Lead to more effective treatments and outcomes
- Develop programs to meet the needs of you and your community
- Shape a powerful agenda that fights for you

Now is the time to make your voice count, for yourself and the entire arthritis community.

Currently this program is for the adult arthritis community.  Since the needs of the juvenile arthritis (JA) community are unique, we are currently working with experts to develop a customized experience for JA families.

How are you changing the future?

By sharing your experience, you’re showing decision-makers the realities of living with arthritis, paving the way for change. You’re helping break down barriers to care, inform research and create resources that make a difference in people’s lives, including your own.

Get Started

Partner


Meet Our Partners

As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability. Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes.

Trailblazer

Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. They contribute $2,000,000 to $2,749,000

Visionary

Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. These inspired and inventive champions have contributed $1,500,00 to $1,999,999.

Pioneer

Our Pioneers are always ready to explore and find new weapons in the fight against arthritis. They contribute $1,000,000 to $1,499,999.

Pacesetter

Our Pacesetters ensure that we can chart the course for a cure for those who live with arthritis. They contribute $500,000 to $999,000.

Signature

Our Signature partners make their mark by helping us identify new and meaningful resources for people with arthritis. They contribute $250,000 to $499,999.

Supporting

Our Supporting partners are active champions who provide encouragement and assistance to the arthritis community. They contribute $100,000 to $249,999.

More About Partnerships

  • Partner with Us
  • Ease Of Use Commendation
  • Let's Get a Grip On Arthritis
  • Promotions that Give Back