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.”

Link

Howard Joseph

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

Link

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."

Link

Melanie Mullikin

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

Link

Christina Sunley

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

Link

Katherine Revel

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

Link

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."

Link

Elizabeth Edwards

“Rheumatoid arthritis runs in my family.”

Link

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."

Link

Laura Jonas McGaffick

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

Link

Nancy Collins Gilepsy

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

Link

Tessa Capel

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

Link

Steve and Debbie Russell

“We’d love to think that the cure is around the corner."

Link

Melissa Young

“My kids distract me while I do my injections.”

Link

Ally Kopec

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

Link

Shirley Enis

“I don’t want my daughters or my grandchildren to ever have to deal with this disease.”

Link

Jane Songhurst

“I have Anklyosing Spondylitis and every joint in my body is affected.”

Link

Ali Berger

“No child or adult should ever live in a city without access to a rheumatologist.”

Link

Priscilla McKenney

“It has been a journey to find what works for me regarding the management of inflammation.”

Link

Kelly Rice, who is learning to manage her rheumatoid arthritis after being diagnosed in July.

Kelly Rice

“One of the hardest things is taking all the medications I need.”

Link

Elizabeth Aline - 320 x 215

Elizabeth Aline

“It is depressing, frustrating, painful and exhausting.”

Link

Heather Walker, who was diagnosed with a rheumatic disease after noticing a synovial cyst on her hand.

Heather Walker

“My first symptom of rheumatic disease was a bump on my right hand. It turned out to be a synovial cyst.”

Link

Liz Ellrodt

“I realized quickly that I was living with a silent disease.”

Link

University of North Carolina Rheumatologist Dr. Teresa Tarrant.

AWARD RECIPIENTS

Learn more about the Foundation's Award Recipients and their projects.

Link

Rheumatology Research Foundation logo to sign up for Pathways newsletter.

THE FOUNDATION VOICE

Get inside access to the latest news from the Rheumatology Research Foundation

Link

A mother and a daughter whom have rheumatoid arthritis.

Become a Donor

Show your support with one of our many giving options.

Link

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

Foundation Voice

Get the latest news and updates on Foundation-funded research and training.

Click Thru

Link

Volunteer

We need your expertise and passion to make a difference in the search for a cure.

Click Thru

Link

Join the Conversation

Help raise awareness and support others. Share your story on our Facebook page.

Click Thru

Link

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