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Think you may have arthritis? Learn about the four most common warning signs.
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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

Taking Control of My Arthritis Through Advocacy

By Julie Eller, Co-host of the Live Yes! With Arthritis Podcast

On my very first day at the Arthritis Foundation, my new team told me they leave the office every day knowing the work they do genuinely changes lives. I joined the Foundation fresh out of my undergraduate education as an intern on the advocacy team in Washington, DC. At the time, I thought I would spend 10 weeks deepening my understanding of public health and policy at an organization that was near and dear to my heart. Little did I know that my experience advocating for arthritis that summer would transform how I felt about my disease and change the trajectory of my career. In the latest episode of the Live Yes! With Arthritis podcast, Rebecca and I talk with Anna Hyde, vice president of advocacy and access at the Arthritis Foundation, about the transformative power of sharing our stories and breaking down barriers to care.

When I joined the Arthritis Foundation, I was someone who did my best to live invisibly with arthritis. I took measures to conceal that part of my identity — striving instead to present myself as someone unburdened by chronic illness and sharing that part of myself only with those in my closest inner circle. My arthritis had shaped my worldview in many ways. I dedicated my studies to public health education with the goal of helping people live healthier lives. But while my arthritis motivated me to pursue a career focused on health, I never expected my patient experience to become central to that path. Joining the team at the Foundation, I naively thought I could maintain this compartmentalized approach to my diagnosis. I wanted to work for and give back to this community, but I didn’t plan on my story becoming an outward-facing part of my early career.

It all changed for me on a swampy summer day on Capitol Hill when I had an opportunity to shadow Anna, our podcast guest and one of my strongest mentors, as she talked with lawmakers about the critical shortage of pediatric rheumatologists across the nation. We talked with a handful of offices about a proposed policy that could increase the number of providers pursuing pediatric subspecialities like rheumatology and the dramatic impact that early access to care has for children living with juvenile rheumatic conditions. I hadn’t anticipated that I would do much more than share a folder of leave-behind materials with the staff, but then a legislative aide asked us about the real-life costs constituents face due to the provider shortage.

I found myself compelled to share my own experience: the pain and swelling that turned my 7-year-old life upside down; our pursuit of a diagnosis that took more than two years and countless appointments to get; the damage done by my unmitigated disease; and finally, the answers that a pediatric rheumatologist swiftly shared with my family. The impact was immediate, and the problem came into focus for the legislative aides, as did our proposed solution. Sharing my personal story that day dramatically altered the dynamic of the meeting, my perspective on arthritis and the trajectory of my career.

Through advocacy, my arthritis shifted from a source of trauma and pain to an experience I could share to advance a common good. My disease became something that was a present part of my life, rather than something closeted and concealed. Joining the advocacy team at the Arthritis Foundation transformed my perspective on my disease. It was no longer a source of weakness that had taken something away from me, but instead something that I could take control of. Since that day, I’ve been able to explore the many ways patient stories and perspectives can transform health care. I’ve been an advocate, grassroots organizer, podcaster and patient engagement expert. I have gotten to claim an identity that did not hide any part of my life away, and instead live visibly with my disease. And all the while, that advocacy has powered meaningful patient-centered changes in health care and empowered other patients to raise their voices along the way.

I know that advocacy has had a similar impact on my co-host Rebecca. She is a fierce advocate, both federally and locally. Read more about her story here. It was so special for the two of us to record the latest episode of the Live Yes! With Arthritis podcast and reflect on how deeply advocacy has changed our perspectives of our disease. I hope you listen in to hear about some of the ways patient stories fuel our advocacy agenda, the advancements our advocacy team has made and how you can get started in advocacy yourself. Tune in today!



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    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.

More About Partnerships

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