Welcome!
The New York Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation was created to:
- Improve the quality of life for people with arthritis throughout the five boroughs and Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Sullivan, Dutchess, Ulster, and Putnam counties;
- Support research into the cause, treatment, and prevention of arthritis;
- Foster professional education and present educational opportunities to the public to learn more about arthritis and its various forms.
The New York Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation meets all Better Business Bureau Standards. It is an accredited charity and is a member of the Better Business Bureau Seal program.
Lets Move Together and the ING NYC Marathon
On November 1st nearly 40,000 runners from all over the world took to the streets in New York for the 2009 ING NYC Marathon. Although every runner that partook in the 26.2 mile journey around New York has a great story to tell, we believe the best stories came from the 25 runners who ran in support of the New York Chapter Arthritis Foundation. Some ran to honor their spouses/friends or family members who suffered from arthritis, some ran in memory of loved ones who passed away and some ran because they themselves have arthritis! Whatever their connection to the cause these outstanding individuals raised over $75,000 to benefit research and the myriad of programs we offer the community and for that we're most grateful!
Click here to see the Let's Move Together Team in Action.
For more information about the ING New York City Marathon, contact Megan Tomkins at (212) 984-8724 or email mtomkins@arthritis.org.
Join the Jingly Beat!
This holiday season, the sounds of bells will ring through the air as people across the country tie jingle bells to their sneakers and join in the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis. The Jingle Bell Run/Walk is a national event for the Arthritis Foundation where thousands of people come together to run, walk and raise money to help fight arthritis in more than 200 cities.
After last year's success, the New York Chapter is excited to announce that it will host its 2nd Annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis on Sunday, December 6, 2009 at Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York. Jingle Bell Run/Walk is a holiday-themed event complete with awards, costume contests, entertainment and lots of fun. Participants have the option of a 5K run or 3K walk and everyone receives a commemorative long-sleeved t-shirt and jingle bells for their shoes.

Click here to see more Jingle Bell Run pictures.
We hope you join us for this fun and exciting event. For more information, please contact Jennifer Villa Kearins at (212) 984-8708 or jkearins@arthritis.org. To sign up, please visit: www.jinglebellbrooklyn.com today!!! It's not too early to join the fun!!!
Donor Spotlight
The New York Chapter relies on generous donors to support our vast number of research efforts, programs and events, which help New Yorkers access the resources they need to live a full life. Click here to learn more about our newest spotlighted donor.
The Arthritis Foundation Thrift Shop
Long regarded as one of New York City's premiere thrift shops with over 50 years in various locations on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, the Arthritis Foundation Thrift Shop has relocated to a new, beautiful location at 1430 3rd Avenue (between 81st and 82nd Streets) and it is now double the size. We are open Monday - Saturday, 10-6pm and Sunday, 12-5pm. Your quality donations of silver, bric-a-brac, jewelry and clothing are accepted Monday-Friday, 10-4pm and Saturday, 10-3pm. We look forward to seeing you there! For more information, please call Joe Moore, Thrift Shop Director at 212-772-8816.

2009 Advocacy and Kids Summit
On March 2-4, 2009, members of the New York Chapter’s Arthritis Advocates in Action joined nearly 400 arthritis advocates from around the country at the 11th Annual Advocacy and Kids’ Summit. Advocates met personally with their Members of Congress and their staff to share their personal story of living with arthritis. During the Summit, participants were given an introduction to how Congress works and learned about the Arthritis Foundation’s Advocacy Priorities for 2009. Over 250 Congressional meetings were held and included information about the importance of passing the Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act and the critical need for investing in arthritis research and disease management programs for people living with arthritis throughout the country.
For more information or to register as an advocate, please visit http://www.arthritis.org/advocacy.php
Over 20 advocates from New York State
joined the New York Delegation in Washington, D.C.
A few of our young advocates
met Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand
Arthritis Advocates in Action
Join our team of volunteers who are anxious to make their voices heard on behalf of legislation impacting people with arthritis. Your enthusiastic response to our call gives us the confidence that we can create a powerful advocacy network to voice our opinions and build relationships with lawmakers who support our legislative agenda.
To give you a basic foundation on the legislative process and Chapter goals, we organize brief, but thorough, training programs. An educational grant from Pfizer, Inc. has made these trainings possible. Trainings provide participants with an overview of the legislative process; the "do's and don'ts" of advocacy; lobbying techniques and a discussion of the key federal and state arthritis legislative priorities. Upon completion of the training program, you will be prepared to be part of our Arthritis Advocates in Action network.
With your help, we will not only be able to adequately respond to issues affecting people with arthritis, we will also be able to take a pro-active stand on behalf of the increasing number of people affected by this disease.
For more information, please contact the Chapter office at 212-984-8730.
In the News

Click the links below for the latest news about the
New York Chapter Arthritis Foundation
- 2009 Brooklyn Business Leaders Breakfast
- Ganosis, Koo & Rosen recognized as Queens Leaders
- 2009 Queens Leaders' Award Reception Kick-Off
- Arthritis Foundation to Honor Queens Leaders
The New York Arthritis Exchange
The New York Arthritis Exchange™ is an information and referral helpline. Through it, you can get:
- Booklets and brochure about arthritis;
- Information about exercise programs, self-help courses, support groups, and family symposia;
- Referrals to a rheumatologist or arthritis clinic;
- Information about community resources and advocacy.
The Exchange can be reached at 212-984-8730 or, from the 914 and 845 area codes only, 1-800-246-2884.
The New York Arthritis Reporter
The New York Arthritis Reporter provides public access to current arthritis information and resources on important health issues.
Each issue contains:
- A feature article with state-of-the-art information on some aspect of arthritis, its impact, and ways to deal with it;
- A question and answer feature complementing the main article;
- An estate planning advice column;
- Advocacy updates on federal and state issues;
- A dates to remember calendar;
- Highlights of special Chapter programs; and
- Recognition of our corporate sponsors who have participated in Chapter joint ventures
By promoting arthritis awareness, the Reporter is the Chapter's primary messenger of up-to-date information on treatments, medication, and quality of life issues.
Join Now - Membership
Take control of your arthritis and become a member of the New York Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation! Contribute $20 today and you will enjoy the following membership benefits:
- One year subscription to Arthritis Today magazine.
- One year subscription to the New York Arthritis Reporter newsletter.
- Information on exercise programs in your area.
- Access to Arthritis Specialist Referral lists.
- Updates on research and more!
Please click here for our MEMBERSHIP FORM & REQUEST FOR INFO
New Brochures
We have many new brochures available for you.
Research 2009
Research awards offered by the Arthritis Foundation provide an excellent opportunity for physicians, scientists and arthritis health professionals to conduct research projects and receive training in arthritis fields. All applications must be submitted electronically through Proposal Central, unless otherwise indicated.
Annual Report 2008
Learn more about the Arthritis Foundation, New York Chapter by reading our 2008 Annual Report.
Impact of RA
Chapter volunteer, Karen Ager, shares her personal challenges and triumphs living with rheumatoid arthritis. She hopes her story will inspire others. Learn more.
Contact New York Chapter
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