Every person who has been affected by a rheumatic disease has learned something that could benefit someone else. By sharing your experience you are channeling energy, hope, information and strength to others living with RA or other forms of inflammatory arthritis.
MADISON’S STORY
While the ACR REF’s Within Our Reach: Finding a Cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis campaign recently topped $30 million in funds raised, no other donation provided as much inspiration as the one that the REF received recently with a letter from a young donor.
The letter begins like one that any fourth grader might compose:
“My name is Madison,” she writes. “I love Pokémon and my favorite animal is a fox. My favorite food is chicken soup.” Read More…
Stephanie’s Story
Charlottesville, Virginia
I was 22 and in my last semester in college when I "got sick," as I refer to my onset. Over the course of a few weeks, I lost the use of the left side of my body. Over two and a half months, I was examined by 13 doctors and finally was diagnosed with seronegative RA.
When I was diagnosed, I had the typical "I'm too young" attitude. I was immediately put on methotrexate and a high dose corticosteroid. I was told that my dream of being a high school English teacher—which I was a month from realizing— was impractical. Over the next few months, I moved back home, got my diagnosis confirmed, went into a severe depression and was recommended for permanent disability. Read More...
Shirley’s Story
Jacksboro, Texas
After seeing a rheumatologist, Shirley was diagnosed with early onset rheumatoid arthritis and qualified to participate in a research group testing new RA drug therapies. “Almost immediately, I noticed a difference,” she says. “My pain began to subside and my strength returned. I started feeling normal again.”
“I would love to think that there could be a cure for RA available for the next generation of patients,” she states. “My rheumatologist saved my life. I am indebted to the rheumatology community, so I am more than glad that Hunter and I are able to support their efforts to fight and defeat this disease.” Read More...
The McLindens’ Story
Chicago, Illinois
“I want Sara to have a good quality of life,” says Betsy. “It’s not clear how she will tolerate the medications over the long run and what additional challenges she will face with the disease as she ages.”
But, Betsy is heartened by Sara’s strength and positive attitude, which has been an inspiration to her entire family—so much so that John ran the Boston Marathon earlier this year in her honor to raise money and awareness for RA. Read More...
