Western Missouri/Greater Kansas City Chapter
Kami Obman
Volunteer Spotlight
Kami Obman, an active, 32-year-old volunteer with the Arthritis Foundation, was diagnosed in May of 1989 with rheumatoid arthritis, just two months after turning 16. At the time of her diagnosis, as young as she was, she was not classified with juvenile RA. Of course, it didn’t matter if it was juvenile or not. She just knew she didn’t want to have an “old person’s” disease.
Kami’s life has been profoundly affected by this disease. Over the years she has had to decrease, if not cease, many activities most people take for granted. She’s become a little slower and clumsier, but has come to accept it as who she is now. Through trial and tribulation, Kami has been able to come to acknowledge her RA and wants to help make people aware that it doesn’t just affect the old. Until there is a cure, she will keep fighting. Kami works part-time and has her own direct sales business. She enjoys the outdoors, photography, playing pool, bowling and loves being with family and friends, especially her five-year-old niece. “She keeps me on my toes,” Kami says.
Times do get rough, but Kami has learned not to let them get her down. “A positive attitude is a must with this disease as depression can affect how I feel physically. I learned the hard way,” she comments. “Thanks to the support of my family, my amazing mom and friends, I feel I am now able to conquer anything that comes my way.” “I feel I have been given a special gift to encourage all the kids out there who are dealing with RA at such a young age, younger than even I was,” Kami says. Her message has become, “Keep your chin up and keep reaching for the stars. No one else knows you can’t do something unless you tell them, so show them you can and you’ll amaze even yourself.”
Kami continues her quest by being active in all Springfield area Arthritis Foundation events. She has volunteered on many committees, including the Arthritis Walk, Jingle Bell Run and Art for Arthritis. She recently stepped up to be the 2007 Arthritis Walk Chair for Springfield, in which she hopes to not only help grow the event but to help raise awareness for this important cause.
