Voices of Arthritis :: Arthritis Foundation

Set a goal, stick to it – and talk about arthritis. People need to know how bad it is, what damage it can do, why it is so important to stop it. If I could do it, anyone can. And if we all come together to do this, we will make a difference. We will find a cure.

Pat Pratt

PATRICK TARNOWSKI The impact of arthritis upon my family is substantial. Osteoarthritis in my spine intermittently affects my ability to complete activities of daily living.

SUSAN D Arthritis is unacceptable in my life because it cheated me out of so many of my favorite activities, like running and dancing the night away in a beautiful pair of shoes. It even ruined my career. More than 28 years ago, this disease began to rob me. I was at the time a vibrant, physically fit 28-year-old. A full-time aerobics and fitness instructor with two young daughters. Now, after six foot surgeries, three hand surgeries and years of medication, I can do none of these things.

LYNDA CARKE I cannot do the things I used to do. It's embarrassing when I'm around other people because I'm constantly in pain, which makes me look grumpy. I hate this, and people don't understand how much pain you are in all the time.

CASEY LYN BUSE It's an invisible disease. People don't understand the hurt and damage it brings to your everyday life, making it harder to cope. Most meds don't last long either before you become immune. It's awful and I feel all of your pain.

PHILIP RUTH With RA and OA, there are good and bad days, with many medications to juggle. Ignoring arthritis is unacceptable.

JOCELYN PHILLIPS Arthritis is unacceptable because it has stolen my dreams and forced me to walk away from a life-long passion. It is unacceptable because it has turned friends into strangers when they become unable to deal with my limitations.

HUNTER Arthritis is unacceptable because of all the pain he has to go through, the fevers, infusions, missing school and not being able to stay at friends' houses.

HARRIET HUNT BROWN It has stolen my husband's profession from him, attacked his entire body and left him with chronic pain. It prevented him and our son from playing catch and riding bicycles together. It is evil.

TIM ALDERMAN There are days I don't feel like getting on my bike, but I put my shoes on. And I've discovered if you put your shoes on, you'll go. I really do believe the key is to keep moving.

TONYA ATKINSON It robs me of way too much precious time with my husband and children.

KELSEY HARRISON My arthritis has been so bad today. My limbs feel like they're gonna snap like twigs. Arthritis is unacceptable.