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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
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    • 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
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  • 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.

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    • 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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    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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Patients Play Vital Role in Research - And it's Not What You Think!

Now, more than ever, we need you to become involved with research about your disease. Without the participation of patients and parents, research cannot advance toward a cure.

Specifically, in Juvenile Arthritis (JA) , parents and patients play a critical role in research - you are experts when it comes to the issues that are important to you or your child's health and daily quality of life.


What role can you play in research to find a cure?


At one time, the only role that patients played in research was being a subject. While that important role still exists, researchers are now asking that patients become research partners.

What does that mean? It means you and/or your child actually become full members of research study teams providing researchers much needed perspective and ideas about research topics and study design. For example, a parent research partner may help draft the materials used to recruit families to participate in a study, because a parent knows first-hand what would make a study feel worthwhile and attractive. Most importantly you are the only one who can tell researchers the things in day-to-day life that are important to you and/or your child.

Why should I become a research partner or a research participant? And what's the difference?


You are the expert when it comes to the issues that are important to your child's health and daily quality of life. You can help researchers prioritize which studies should be conducted and help them to ask and answer the right questions. Your input is sought and respected by researchers.

Becoming a research participant or "subject" is different than being a partner in research, but both are very important. By being a study participant, you can positively impact your health (or the health of your child) and the care you receive. Evidence is available that shows that patients who take part in research receive better care for their condition because of their involvement.

How do I learn more?


Thanks to a two-year Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Eugene Washington Engagement Award, the Arthritis Foundation has created a series of educational videos to help make patients and families aware of the opportunities available through involvement in research, whether as patient participants or as patient/family partners. The curriculum was developed with clinicians, researchers, patient/families and presented during the parent program sessions at both JA Conference locations in 2016 and 2017 and was refined after each presentation based on attendee feedback. The PCORI award enabled additional travel scholarships for 56 eligible families to attend the 2016 and 2017 JA conferences and participate in the research session, "Research: There's a Role For You!" where the training was presented. As a final product, we developed a video based on the co-produced curriculum that can now be disseminated more widely to educate and empower patients/families to become involved in research.

The training, designed to answer your questions about taking part in research, can be viewed here (to be viewed in order):

  • Introduction - Living With Chronic Disease: An overview of research projects with patient partners.

  • Chapter 1 - Research as a Tool: Learn about the importance of patients/subjects, research partners and patient reported outcomes. Find out why patients should get involved in different parts of the research process.

  • Chapter 2 - Joining Research as a Study Participant: Find out more about the different types of research, the rules that protect you as a subject, and the benefits of volunteering in a study.

  • Chapter 3 - Joining Research as a Patient or Parent Partner: Learn how to be part of a "team research", what it means for patients and how to get involved.


We hope you get involved after watching our videos! To find out more:

  • Sign up to become a member of PARTNERS , our patient-powered research networks, to become a research partner and for more information on JA-focused research.

  • Check out research opportunities on the Arthritis Foundation and Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) websites.

  • Ask your doctor and/or care team about research studies you may be able to take part in.

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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.

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    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.

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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
  • 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.

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