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Online resource that helps patients better understand health coverage options, choose the right coverage, manage the denial process and reduce health care costs.
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Do I Have Arthritis?
Think you may have arthritis? Learn about the four most common warning signs.
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Gout is an inflammatory type of arthritis that can come and go.
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  • About Arthritis
    Common Topics
    woman holding her wristWhat Is Arthritis?

    Arthritis is not one disease. Learn about the different types of arthritis, how they differ and why it’s important.

    microbesInflammation and the Immune System

    Body-wide inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases — and you may have more control over it than you think.

    Patient talking with nurseNewly Diagnosed With Arthritis

    A new arthritis diagnosis can be overwhelming. These tips can help.

    • Understanding Arthritis
    • Arthritis Types
    • More About Arthritis
    • Where it Hurts
    • Related Conditions
  • Treatments
    Common Topics
    Managing Arthritis Care Costs

    Learn the basics about health care costs and financial tools available to you.

    About Biosimilars

    More of these biologic medications will soon be available. Learn what they are, whether you should consider them and what to ask your doctor.

    Webinar: Sleep Solutions for Pain

    Experts discuss solutions on how to quiet nighttime pain to get better sleep.

    • Treatment Plan
    • Drug Guide
    • Joint Surgery
    • Complementary Therapies
    • Insurance Management
  • Healthy Living
    Common Topics
    Woman with upset stomachMicrobiome, Gut Health & Arthritis

    Microbiome, microbes, microorganisms – these terms may be confusing, but the types of bacteria living in and on our bodies can impact arthritis. Learn what helps or harms the microbiome and the health of your gut and discover dietary changes that can make a difference. This episode was originally released on January 19, 2021.

    woman consoling anotherArthritis and Mental Health

    Learn about the connection between arthritis, depression and anxiety and how these conditions can make your arthritis worse.

    Woman ExercisingYour Exercise Solution (YES)

    Movement is the best medicine, even when your joints hurt. Your Exercise Solution (YES) is a resource to help you create a physical activity routine with modifications developed and approved by physical therapists.

    • Ease of Use Products
    • Managing Pain
    • Recipes & Nutrition
    • Physical Activity
    • Emotional Well-being
    • Daily Living
    • Family & Relationships
  • Juvenile Arthritis
    Common Topics
    JA Family Summit

    Learn about the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference, a place for families to connect, share and learn.

    JA Camps

    The Arthritis Foundation’s JA camp programs give kids with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases the chance to make lasting memories.

    Get Your JA Power Pack

    Newly diagnosed with JA and wanting to learn more? Power Packs have the tools you need to find Yes! for you and your child.

    • About Juvenile Arthritis
    • Treatment
    • Managing Pain
    • Medical Decisions
    • Nutrition
    • Emotional Well-being
  • Providers
    Common Topics
    Transforming Clinical Interactions

    The Live Yes! Arthritis community connects patients with others online and in-person for support and education, and encourages patients to play an active role in their health care.

    Partners 4 Patients with Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation recently launched an initiative to build stronger relationships and increase recognition of our most engaged practices. 

    Fellowships

    See how we're aiming to address the growing shortage of arthritis specialists, especially in under-served parts of the country.

    • Better Living Toolkits
    • Our Issue Briefs
  • Science
    Common Topics
    OACS Forum Series

    The Osteoarthritis Clinical Studies Forum Series features OA thought leaders from across the globe discussing the future of how the disease can be treated to improve patient outcomes.

    man bandaging boy's kneeConquering Childhood Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation is mobilizing patients and their families to engage in studies comparing the effectiveness of treatments for juvenile arthritis and funding research for more options.

    Focus

    • Awards
    • Funding Opportunities
    • OACS Forum Series
    • Osteoarthritis Focus
    • Participate in Clinical Trials
    • Partnerships
    • Publications
  • Get Involved
    Common Topics
    Capital hillAction Center

    Take action today - use the resources here to learn who your elected officials are, what opportunities we have to advocate from the comfort of your own home, federal and state legislation, and more!

    woman listening to podcastLive Yes! With Arthritis Podcast

    You may have arthritis, but it doesn't have you. The Arthritis Foundation’s one-of-a-kind podcast. Hosted by patients, for patients.

    Jingle Bell Run

    The original festive race for charity and signature Foundation holiday event! Wear your favorite holiday attire and together, we’ll jingle all the way to a cure! Register as an individual or bring a team of friends, family and co-workers to run, walk or stroll, and spread the good cheer. 

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Back

Staci Penner and Graci Diggs Selected for Advocacy & Access High Honors

Staci Penner and Graci Diggs have devoted their voices, stories and wholehearted advocacy efforts to helping the arthritis community live better lives. Today, we celebrate their advocacy efforts by announcing their selection for the Arthritis Foundation’s Edward M. Kennedy Advocacy Leadership Award and Emerging Leader Award, respectively.


[caption id="attachment_417" align="alignright" width="214"]Staci Penner, Arthritis Foundation Advocate Staci Penner, Arthritis Foundation Advocate[/caption]

Staci has experienced the devastating effects of arthritis personally and professionally. As an occupational therapist, she knows the clinical side of the disease. As the mother of a young girl diagnosed with polyarticular juvenile arthritis and being diagnosed herself with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, she knows the personal battles and struggles that come with the disease.

As an Arthritis Foundation Advocate, Staci is involved on local, state and national levels by serving as the advocacy chairperson of her local advisory board, the advocacy co-chair for the State of Kansas and a national Platinum Ambassador. Her work has included recruiting more than 200 new advocates at local events, like the Jingle Bell Run, which she helps to plan, reviewing scientific research proposals as a member of an Arthritis Foundation advisory group, and sharing the patient community’s concerns about medications before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a member of the Special Ambassador FDA Committee.

Staci’s commitment to advocacy has not gone unnoticed. She has developed strong relationships with legislators including Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-KS), who joined the Congressional Arthritis Caucus, co-sponsored the Ensuring Children's Access to Specialty Care Act (HR 1859) and invited Staci to join him for a private party at a local pub to watch the Wichita State Shockers play in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

“Advocacy gives us a voice over a disease that so often takes so much from our lives,” said Staci. “With advocacy we have hope.”

[caption id="attachment_418" align="alignright" width="300"]Graci Diggs, Arthritis Foundation Advocate Graci Diggs with her mother and fellow Advocates at our 2016 Advocacy Summit[/caption]

At only 11- years-old, Graci Diggs lives with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and works hard to be a voice for kids who have arthritis. She has been involved in many Arthritis Foundation events like the Advocacy Summit, Cabin Fever, JA family days, Jingle Bell Run for which she served as the 2015 National Youth Honoree and the National JA Conference in Orlando. She encourages other kids living with arthritis to speak up so their voices are heard, oftentimes reminding them that legislators are people, just like them.

Graci was instrumental in passage of step therapy legislation in Missouri. Knowing no strangers, she met with State Representative David Wood by chance at a local community dinner and eloquently told her arthritis story, explaining that she was in a wheelchair at the time because her health insurance company did not approve the medicine prescribed by her pediatric rheumatologist. State Representative Wood was very moved by her story and invited Graci to spend a day at the Capitol as his guest. Graci went the extra mile and invited her classmates to attend the festivities. Imagine walking in the Missouri state capitol and seeing Graci and 20 of her classmates, all wearing matching t-shirts and advocating for this bill. She made quite the impression.

Graci also testified twice during the spring legislative session on the step therapy bill. Her testimony was so powerful that the opposition refused to testify. The sponsor of the bill, Rep. Denny Hoskins (R-MO), got to know Graci and her family very well. He would call the Diggs family before a vote, letting them know what was happening and to see if they had any questions.

Rep. Hoskins had this to say about Graci, “She is a ball of fire and easily wins over the hearts of everyone that listens to her story. She has a ready smile and works through her pain and illness to help others.” The bill was ultimately signed into law by Governor Jay Nixon (D-MO).

Graci and her mom, Anna, also made a splash on national television. In 2016, they appeared on the CBS television show, Sunday Morning. Interviewed by Erin Moriarity, Graci and Anna talked about the expense of medications and the benefits Graci has experienced because of them.

Staci and Graci are ardent advocates for the arthritis community, using their voices to affect meaningful change and inspire those around them to become Advocates. You can meet Staci and Graci, and learn how to use your voice and arthritis story at the 2017 Advocacy Summit, March 6-7 in Washington, DC. Learn more about the Advocacy Summit.
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  • Donate

    Donate

    Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life.

  • Volunteer

    Volunteer

    Join us and become a Champion of Yes. There are many volunteer opportunities available.

  • Partner

    Partner

    Proud Partners of the Arthritis Foundation make an annual commitment to directly support the Foundation’s mission.

Donate


Ways to Give

Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life. Whether it is supporting cutting-edge research, 24/7 access to one-on-one support, resources and tools for daily living, and more, your gift will be life-changing.

Make a Donation

Help millions of people live with less pain and fund groundbreaking research to discover a cure for this devastating disease. Please, make your urgently-needed donation to the Arthritis Foundation now!

Become a Member

Become an Arthritis Foundation member today for just $20 and you'll receive access to helpful tools..... and more. 

Make an Honor or Memorial Gift

Honor a loved one with a meaningful donation to the Arthritis Foundation. We'll send a handwritten card to the honoree or their family notifying them of your thoughtful gift.

Gift Planning

I want information on ways to remember the AF in my will, trust or other financial planning vehicles.
 

Other Ways to Give

  • Match Gift
  • Donate a Car
  • Donor-Advised Funds

Volunteer


Volunteer Opportunities

The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community. We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. By getting involved, you become a leader in our organization and help make a difference in the lives of millions. Join us and become a Champion of Yes.

Become a Volunteer

More About Volunteering

  • Walk to Cure Arthritis
  • Jingle Bell Run
  • Fundraise Your Way
  • JA Camp
  • Start a Live Yes! Connect Group
  • Be an Online Community Moderator
  • Local Leadership Board

Partner


Meet Our Partners

As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability. Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes.

Trailblazer

Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. They contribute $2,000,000 to $2,749,000

Visionary

Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. These inspired and inventive champions have contributed $1,500,00 to $1,999,999.

Pioneer

Our Pioneers are always ready to explore and find new weapons in the fight against arthritis. They contribute $1,000,000 to $1,499,999.

Pacesetter

Our Pacesetters ensure that we can chart the course for a cure for those who live with arthritis. They contribute $500,000 to $999,000.

Signature

Our Signature partners make their mark by helping us identify new and meaningful resources for people with arthritis. They contribute $250,000 to $499,999.

Supporting

Our Supporting partners are active champions who provide encouragement and assistance to the arthritis community. They contribute $100,000 to $249,999.

More About Partnerships

  • Partner with Us
  • Ease Of Use Commendation
  • Let's Get a Grip On Arthritis
  • Promotions that Give Back