Arthritis Foundation Bids Final Farewell to Advocate and Actress Jane Wyman

The Arthritis Foundation mourns the loss of Academy Award-winning actress Jane Wyman, who for more than three decades served as an advocate and spokesperson for people with arthritis. Working on behalf of the Arthritis Foundation, she was fervently committed to finding a cure for arthritis, and her efforts were significant in funding research that led to recent breakthroughs and provided new medications and treatments.

Wyman’s roles on behalf of people with arthritis and related diseases have included exemplary performances as national chair of the Arthritis Foundation board, campaign chairperson, spokesperson, lobbyist and Arthritis Foundation telethon founder and host. Wyman is also credited with bringing notables such as Bob Hope, Robert Young, Victoria Principal, Lawrence Welk, Johnny Grant, Dick Van Dyke and Susan Sullivan to help with telethon fund raising efforts. In recognition of her efforts, she received the Charles B. Harding award in 1977, the highest national award given by the Arthritis Foundation.

Wyman’s commitment and service to the Arthritis Foundation and its mission were significant, and her legacy will continue to benefit the 46 million people with arthritis who will forever remember Jane’s impact on their quality of life. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to her entire family at this time. For more information on Wyman’s accomplishments and commitment to people with arthritis, please visit http://www.jane-wyman.com.