Proud Sponsors represent the premier-level philanthropic commitment to the overall mission of the Arthritis Foundation. The “Proud Sponsor of the Arthritis Foundation” logo and acknowledgment statement can be used in advertising, promotional and point-of-purchase materials.
Throughout the year, hundreds of thousands of people attend Arthritis Foundation events around the nation. Special events like the Arthritis Walk, Jingle Bell Run/Walk and the Bone Bash gala provide both community-based opportunities and a national platform for corporate partners to demonstrate their commitment to the fight against arthritis.
The Arthritis Foundation's Ease-of-Use Commendation is an innovative program that recognizes products proven to make life easier for people who have arthritis and other physical limitations. All products in the program are independently tested by experts at the Georgia Tech Research Institute and evaluated by people with arthritis. Ease-of-Use products stand out in the marketplace because they are tested and proven easy to use.
With 86% of Americans saying they would switch brands to one that supported a good cause, many companies understand the value of working with trusted and established organizations like the Arthritis Foundation. Donating a percentage of sales or implementing retail-based promotions can demonstrate corporate citizenship, while providing consumers a way to help support the fight against a disease that affects 50 million Americans and their families.
The Arthritis Foundation is open to developing unique programs that help accomplish our mission. For information about the opportunities mentioned above or to discuss new ways to raise awareness and support for the Foundation’s mission, please contact Rick Bell, managing director of cause development, at 404-965-7904, or at rbell@arthritis.org.
You are our number one reason to give thanks. Everyone has a chance to make that difference. Each investment helps people suffering with the disabling effects of arthritis take greater control of their lives and of their pain. Whether an individual, corporation, foundation or organization, you are the number one reason 50 million Americans can have hope of someday living a life free of the pain and disability of arthritis.
To learn more about your rights as a donor please refer to the Donor Bill of Rights.
GARRY GOLD, MD I have osteoarthritis as a result of my own ACL injury. But I refuse to be a pessimist. That's why I am working to develop new imaging techniques to discover the earliest joint changes and reverse the disease or at least stop its effects from being felt. I probably will need a knee replacement in the next 5-10 years. But I'm determined not to see history repeat itself for today's young athletes.
ERICA AINSWORTH Arthritis is unacceptable because of so many things. It really hits home with me because my 12-year-old son suffers from JIA. I watch him suffer through pain and inflammation while trying to be a "normal" kid. He is often picked on at school. We can't shop for longer than about 20 minutes without him having extreme pain in his knees. The medications he has to take cause awful side effects such as extreme fatigue. All I want is for my son to be happy and pain-free. We are praying for a cure!
LETICIA BRADFORD MOHAMED Arthritis is unacceptable because, on the days when I'm hurting, laughing is a little harder and tears are a little too easy.
DINA NEILS At 18, I was diagnosed with RA. I was a competitive cross-country, long-distance runner, and a new triathlete. I'll never forget my first RA doctor's words: "You cannot run anymore and by age 25 you will be in a wheelchair." Nine years later, I've endured two total hip replacements, hours and hours of physical therapy, learning how to walk again (twice), daily medications, weekly injections, monthly infusion treatments, and inevitable wrist and shoulder surgeries. Arthritis is unacceptable.
VERONICA BURGESS It takes my energy that I should be using on my children.
GLORY My 3-year-old daughter, Dani, fights pain and damage to her eye because of this disease. She has had polyarticular JIA since November of 2009. She's so tiny but MIGHTY! It's heartbreaking on bad days, but she's full of joy on good days.
MARK HAUBNER If we can get to the point where I can control my OA and actually become more active in the things I used to like to do, I'd be very excited. If we can stop arthritis from happening to my daughter, that's my goal.
STEVEN SABIN Arthritis is unacceptable because the pain and fatigue don't care about everything else you need to do. It shuts you down, and that's that.
JESUS MENDOZA MEDINA My wife suffers from this disease and its pain. She has had surgeries on her hip, ankle, neck, fractured femur, tibia and fibula, in addition to suffering the pain of osteoporosis. I want a cure for my wife and for other people.
ASHLEY MANTELL At 9 years old, I was put on a powerful medication. Arthritis is unacceptable.
TRACEY Arthritis is unacceptable because I am too young to be dealing with osteoarthritis.