Welcome!
Thank you for visiting our site and for your interest in our Chapter. The mission of the Arthritis Foundation is to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases.
Most likely you or someone close to you is one of the nearly 46 million Americans who has arthritis or chronic joint pain. That's right, 1 in every 5 Americans has this debilitating disease. Our Chapter offers various programs and services to help people with arthritis cope with their disease. Some of the things we offer include exercise programs, educational programs, and support groups. We also sponsor special events throughout the year, like the Jingle Bell Run, to raise money and to raise awareness of this disease in the hopes of one day finding a cure.
Please contact us today to find out more about how our programs and services can help you.
Leader's Corner
The Arthritis Foundation is proud to announce the Leader's Corner for leader and instructors of exercise programs including Arthritis Foundation Aquatics Program, Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program and Tai Chi from the Arthritis Foundation. The Leader's Corners is the place to find a training calendar, certification forms and quarterly report forms. Soon, we hope to post a newsletter for leaders.
Click here to visit the new Leader's Corner.
Zach Pilkington: 2007-2008
Goodwill Ambassador
When you look at Zach Pilkington, you would never guess that he is one of 5,000 children in central Ohio who have arthritis. Zach Pilkington is a vibrant, high energy, 10 year old child who brings a burst of fun and laughter wherever he goes. Zach grew up in Texas but moved to Ohio six years ago and attends
Zach was diagnosed with arthritis when he was just two years old. At first, only his right knee was affected. He was initially followed by a rheumatologist in Dallas, TX and was told to start taking Naproxen for his arthritis. At age 3 ½ years, he started being followed in Rheumatology at Columbus Children's Hospital. Over the next few years, he developed more and more painful, swollen joints. He has had steroid injections into his joints, and is currently taking methotrexate subcutaneous injections once weekly. At age 6 years old, he developed uveitis (inflammation in the eyes associated with JRA).
The uveitis was successfully treated but recently came back. He is now once again using steroid eye drops to treat his uveitis. Approximately 300,000 children have juvenile arthritis or a related condition. It is more prevalent than cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and hemophilia.
Even though Zach's struggle with arthritis has been a trying one, you can tell that he tries to focus on all of the positive and fun things that he is able to do. Zach loves playing soccer and miniature golf with his siblings and mother Pam Pilkington.
Zach can give inspiration to anyone struggling with arthritis. He has not a care in the world and brings a smile to the face of whoever he meets. We at the
Camp for Children with Arthritis
Each year the Arthritis Foundation and Children's Hospital's Rheumatology Department team up to provide a free weekend camp for children ages 8 � 16-years-old. Last year 36 children swam, made crafts, fished,boated and climbed a 50-foot Alpine tower.
Thank You.
Contact Information
Arthritis Sphere
Arthritis Sphere content - links to YouTube, Blogger, Adobe Photo Gallery, Facebook, Flickr, RSS or MySpace
Home Assessment Program
The Arthritis Foundation, Central Ohio Chapter, provides the expertise of occupational therapists to help individuals maintain their safety and ability to complete activities of daily living. Occupational therapists,upon request, visit the homes of central Ohio residents with arthritis. This service is FREE.
During the visit the occupational therapist will:
- assess the ability to cook, bathe and dress
- identify any physical barriers in the home
- recommend adjustments and modifications in the home
- teach the resident to use self-help devices
- teach the resident to protect his or her joints and conserve energy.
For more information, or to schedule a home assessment, call 614-876-8200 or go to www.homeassessment.org
Contact Central Ohio Chapter
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