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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.

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    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
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    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.

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

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    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.

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    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.

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

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Recognizing Excellence: Honoring Our Platinum Ambassadors

This month, we’re hosting a first of it’s kind event in Washington, DC called the Platinum Ambassador Assembly . This two-day event has been built for our most advanced and empowered advocacy volunteers – our Platinum Ambassadors. This event gives them an opportunity to learn from each other and a platform to share their stories in person with their members of Congress and their staff.

This year we are thrilled to have more Platinum Ambassador awardees than ever — in 2017, 51 amazing individuals around the country achieved this remarkable honor. The Platinum Ambassador title is awarded to dedicated volunteers that engage in each monthly Ambassador activity, complete four bonus activities, and meet or exceed a fundraising goal of $1,000 for the Arthritis Foundation. The prestigious honor will be bestowed on so many inspiring individuals around the country; like a mother daughter duo in Ohio, a married couple in New Hampshire, young adult patients, and juvenile arthritis parents alike.

We’d like to share their wisdom and words with you as they prepare to travel to Washington, DC next week. Read on to hear from some of our advocacy experts:


Why do you advocate for arthritis?


“I cannot express enough that YOUR voice matters! It’s so empowering to know that I can personally make a difference with my child’s story!” Tory Aquino, Pennsylvania

“ Advocating for Arthritis for me is deeply personal as I’ve seen the power and hope it has given me and most importantly my 13-year-old daughter who has been to DC every year since her diagnosis at age 8. One person can truly make a difference and collectively we can change the future for everyone living with arthritis!” Janet O’Brien, Missouri

“Advocating for arthritis is important to us because we get to take control over a disease that we otherwise have no control over. 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.” April McCaslin, New York

What motivates you as a Platinum Ambassador?


“Advocacy gives me a voice in the daily battle with my RA and my daughter’s JA when we frequently don’t feel we have a lot of control!” Staci Penner, Kansas

“Advocating for arthritis has given my 7-year-old daughter Abby a voice, empowered her, and improved her self-confidence.”  Kerry Ferraro, Pennsylvania

“Advocating is important to me because most people do not understand that kids get arthritis too.” Heather Pruett, Georgia

“My son is one of 300,000 kids who suffer from arthritis. My goal is to bring awareness and understanding of juvenile arthritis .” Jaime Jones, Pennsylvania

What does the Platinum Ambassador Award mean to you?


[caption id="attachment_1296" align="alignleft" width="300"] platinum ambassadors arthritis foundation Ambassadors at the 2017 Advocacy Summit[/caption]

“The opportunity to advocate for others living with arthritis likes me helps to put my journey with a chronic disease into perspective. I am able to help other people in the process, raise awareness and educate those making decisions regarding our healthcare of the impact arthritis can have on our daily lives.” Rebecca Gillett, Colorado

“ The Platinum Ambassador award means that I am making a difference. “Erin O’Rourke, New York

“We do not just talk the talk, we walk the talk, and reflect our tireless work through the successes observed in legislature, increased awareness nationally, and enhanced quality of living for the millions of people across the country (young and not so young) living with arthritis.”  Barrie Lynch, Maine

What inspired you to become a Platinum Ambassador?


“At our meetings in Washington DC for the Advocacy Summit or Platinum Ambassador Assembly, I have been able to literally watch change happen for the better for people like me living with arthritis. I can’t stop now!” Shannan O’Hara Levi, New York

“After my 1st summit I had a goal of becoming Platinum Ambassador. I am excited that I met my goal this year and helped so many people along the way.”  - Meredith Meyer, New York

What is one impact you want your advocacy to make?


“ I want other children with JA to grow up facing fewer barriers to care than I have!” -Anna Legassie, Massachusetts

“We hope that our advocating for arthritis will bring us closer to a cure so other children won't have to go through what our daughter has gone through. The more voices there are the more we are apt to get action. Scott Rowbotham, New Hampshire

“We made a commitment to our daughter that if she would fight the disease then we would fight for a cure… We have traveled to Washington DC to meet with our legislators multiple times, we have raised more than $146,000 for research and we have written and spoken about the importance of removing step therapy on a state and national level… Eight years later our children have grown, but we still fight on because there isn’t a cure yet, but someday there will be with your help.” Chris and Angela McComb, Texas

What advice do you have for prospective Platinum Ambassadors?


Keep at it, be persistent. Do not take the No's or delays personally. Remember what you are trying to do for those afflicted with arthritis.  Keith Moschitta, Tennessee

“Becoming a Platinum Ambassador may seem like a challenge, but it is important to remember that you don't need to do everything all at once - just a little at a time.” Carol Arbaczewski, Ohio

“ My advice for future ambassadors is to not give up it only takes a few moments of your time to advocate and make a huge difference and to never give up” Renda Brower, Indianapolis

“The advice I would offer someone who would like to achieve the Platinum Ambassador award in 2018 is ask for help. Ask for help from your local Arthritis Foundation chapter if you have questions or need advice on completing an assignment. They will be some of your strongest supporters in helping you achieve the award” Stephanie Kwiecien, Michigan

“There are so many resources and tools available to help you "ask" in a way that's most comfortable for you, including email templates, phone scripts, and thank you notes.” -Kelby Peachey, Massachusetts

If you are interested in amplifying the message of our Platinum Ambassadors as they share their story on Capitol Hill, we encourage you to join us virtually by participating in our Assembly social media campaign - show us how you #AdvocateforArthritis!

You can participate in four easy steps:



  1. Create your sign: Print out this sign and in one sentence, written large and legible, tell us why you #AdvocateforArthritis!

  2. Take your picture: Hold your sign and snap a picture - it’s important that your words are large and easy to read in the picture. Ask a friend to take your picture so they can help make sure your message is clear!

  3. Set an alarm: Our goal is to flood the internet with our messages of hope and determination at 12:00 pm Eastern Time on March 13. Coordinating our posts will help our hashtag gain traction on social media. Set an alarm on your phone or calendar right now to remind yourself to post your picture online at 12:00 pm eastern on March 13!

  4. Plan your Post: Your post can be simple, just reiterate the reason that you #AdvocateforArthritis! You’ll want to make sure to include the hashtag #AdvocateforArthritis and tag the Arthritis Foundation. You can find us on Facebook , Twitter @ArthritisFdn and Instagram @arthritisfoundation .


If you’re interested in becoming an advocacy volunteer, please join our Advocate program to learn more about how you can advocate for arthritis throughout the year!
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    Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life.

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

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

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    Partner

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

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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.

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

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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
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  • 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