Dr. Vikas Majithia with a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.

Patients & Families

 

Patients and families can find hope and make an impact on the search for a cure.

 

 

 

A rheumatic disease diagnosis is frightening, but many patients have found hope through the Foundation’s work. Patients who get involved play a direct role in the future of rheumatology. Their involvement and financial contributions raise awareness and increase funding for important efforts that could lead to a cure.

See what life is like for people living with rheumatic disease, and learn about current efforts to help.

 

 

Lilly Romine

“Lilly has had a few rough patches with juvenile arthritis and hospital stays.”

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Howard Joseph

"A few months after Ruth and I got engaged, complications from lupus put Ruth in the hospital."

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Andrea Christenson

"Before I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and adult onset Still’s disease, a rheumatologist told me that I might need assistance walking."

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Melanie Mullikin

"When I was practically crawling, I went to a rheumatologist who diagnosed me with severe rheumatoid arthritis."

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Christina Sunley

“After several years and five medications, I finally found a treatment that works for me.”

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Katherine Revel

“My rheumatologist ran blood work, which finally gave me an answer: mixed connective tissue disease.”

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Kasey Gardiner, an RA patient

Kasey Gardiner

“About 9 months after my rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, I went into remission. Then, a lump the size of a softball appeared on my chest."

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Elizabeth Edwards

“Rheumatoid arthritis runs in my family.”

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Sarah Cordrick

"I feel relatively decent most days, but I haven't gotten to a place where I can work out, run or even lift weights again."

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Laura Jonas McGaffick

“I have had to give up so many things like a teaching career, hiking, and skiing.”

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Nancy Collins Gilepsy

“It is very hard to get an appointment at my rheumatologist’s practice."

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Tessa Capel

“I was so relieved to finally have someone listen to me. That saw past my age and listened.“

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Ally Kopec

"When I first started experiencing symptoms, I was told I had growing pains."

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University of North Carolina Rheumatologist Dr. Teresa Tarrant.

AWARD RECIPIENTS

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A mother and a daughter whom have rheumatoid arthritis.

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A young femaie holds the inflamed hands of a man with rheumatoid arthritis.

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Give today and help transform the future for millions of people living with rheumatic disease.