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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
    Woman holding shoulderWebinar: Touch Therapies for Pain Management

    Learn the evidence behind popular touch therapies for arthritis, including what to try and what to avoid, for how long and when.

    Managing Arthritis Care Costs

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

    Man with head in hands on bedWebinar: Arthritis Fatigue Causes and Solutions

    Learn the various causes of arthritis-related fatigue and strategies to combat weariness.

    • 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.

    man exercisingStairs Workout Demo

    Strengthen your leg muscles and improve your stability to make going up and down stairs safer and easier.

    woman consoling anotherArthritis and Mental Health

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

    • Ease of Use Products
    • Managing Pain
    • Recipes & Nutrition
    • Physical Activity
    • Emotional Well-being
    • Daily Living
    • Family & Relationships
  • Juvenile Arthritis
    Common Topics
    2023 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.

    Juvenile Arthritis Volunteer

    • About Juvenile Arthritis
    • Treatment
    • Managing Pain
    • Medical Decisions
    • Nutrition
    • Emotional Well-being
  • Professionals
    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!

    LiveYes! Insights thumbnailLive Yes! INSIGHTS

    Share your experience in a 10-minute assessment to be among those changing the future of arthritis.

    woman listening to podcastLive Yes! 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.

    • Advocacy
    • Ways to Give
    • Fundraising
    • Volunteer
    • Partnership
    • Live Yes! Arthritis Community
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Meg Maley’s Journey With Psoriatic Arthritis 

Appearing on reality TV let Meg Maley open up about her PsA.

By Jill Tyrer | Reviewed April 19, 2022 | Photo by Kaylinn Gilstrap

Meg Maley isn’t one to let an opportunity slip by or negativity dim her joy. If you have any doubt about her optimism, just check the tattoo on her foot: “Always Yes.” That attitude — and maybe her infectious smile — landed her a spot on the CBS reality TV show Big Brother in 2015, which changed the course of her life.

But despite her buoyant outlook, “Always Yes” isn’t always easy. Meg, 29, has psoriatic arthritis (PsA), which causes persistent joint pain, bouts of fatigue and vision problems that make it impossible to drive some days.

“It’s hard for people to understand, because normally I’m very outgoing, and I have a big personality and I like to be really active,” she says.

Her Secret, Exposed

Diagnosed when she was about 12 years old, Meg hid her PsA from even her closest friends. As she got older, she came to see it as something she had to deal with, but not something that would define her, so she kept the painful details to herself.

After finishing her college degree in music theater, she moved to New York City, where she spent a couple of years auditioning and waiting tables. That’s where Big Brother’s casting people found her.

“My life super changed at that point,” she says with a laugh. The “reality world” introduced her to her future husband, Mike Holloway, a winner of CBS’s Survivor, and to a new career in casting for reality TV shows.

“For me, reality TV was such a blessing in disguise; it really changed my life around, so it’s cool to be able to give [other people] that opportunity,” says Meg, who now lives in Texas. Plus, “I get to meet a ton of people, which I love.”

But appearing on Big Brother revealed her reality to viewers. She performed poorly in physical competitions, and viewers who watched the 24-hour live-stream online noticed other details: She took pills, she “walked funny” sometimes, she has knee scars and she always hit the hot tub early in the morning before anyone was up. Social media began to buzz about it.

“They put together that I had some sort of autoimmune disease,” Meg says. “They didn’t know what it was, but they knew it was something of the sort.”

Going Public

After the show ended, she decided to go public about her psoriatic arthritis — on her terms. “I didn’t want people to think I wasn’t cool about it or proud of it; I just didn’t want that to be the first thing people saw in me,” she says. She and her friend Andrea Boehlke (a Survivor alumna) started co-hosting Reality Takeover, a fundraiser in New York and Los Angeles benefitting the Arthritis Foundation. (She has also joined arthritis Advocates on Capitol Hill and participated at the Arthritis Foundation’s JA Conference.)

“It was definitely a big decision to announce what I have and what I’m going through. But after it happened, it was like, ‘Oh my gosh, why did I not do this earlier?’ It’s so much easier,” she says.

When she had a major flare a few years ago, she finally felt more comfortable opening up about it. “[It was] the first time I really felt comfortable reaching out to my friends,” she says. “We went on a trip, and I was able to tell the people there that I have about 3% today, but I still want to be a part. I normally would have canceled.”

She even posted on social media about dealing with her arthritis — something she never would have done before. But she’s found that sharing her story brings an outpouring of support from the arthritis community, including high school students and parents of kids with juvenile arthritis.

She’s not as self-conscious now about having to take breaks or ask for help — or about wearing what she wants. “My psoriasis is something that I’ve struggled with because I am the girl that wears short skirts and crop tops,” she says.

And if someone reacts negatively? “Honestly, it’s like the people who matter don’t care and the people who care don’t matter.”

Living Yes

Meg’s PsA has been difficult to tame; she also has been diagnosed with uveitis, an inflammatory eye condition.

In addition to taking a biologic, she takes care of herself. While she loves to “pig out” and have a good time, she eats healthfully and exercises regularly, even if it’s slowly riding a stationary bike or walking her dog. “I make a constant effort to make sure the right things are going on in my body and I’m not doing more damage.”

And she focuses on “Always Yes.” It might seem “cheesy,” she says, “but it’s so true, and it’s something I try to remember, because even through pain and things, you still can have really good experiences and try to really live the best life you can.”

Meg’s Advice

Ask questions. There are a lot of people with experience and answers who can help.

Find the right doctor. Make sure you’re comfortable and have confidence in your doc. “I went through a ton of rheumatologists,” she says. “When I was way younger, I did not click with some of the old-school practices because I didn’t take no for an answer. I remember one doctor telling me that there were no more medicines and I just had to live with it, and that was crazy to me.”

Be proactive. Don’t be afraid to tell your doctor about your concerns. In the past, she recalls, “I would never call my doctor and say, ‘I’m in pain.’ But you should do that because they can help.”

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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.

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Live Yes! INSIGHTS


Give Just 10 Minutes.

Tell us what matters most to you. Change the future of arthritis.

By taking part in the Live Yes! INSIGHTS assessment, you’ll be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis, for yourself and for 54 million others. And all it takes is just 10 minutes.

Your shared experiences will help:

- Lead to more effective treatments and outcomes
- Develop programs to meet the needs of you and your community
- Shape a powerful agenda that fights for you

Now is the time to make your voice count, for yourself and the entire arthritis community. 

Currently this program is for the adult arthritis community.  Since the needs of the juvenile arthritis (JA) community are unique, we are currently working with experts to develop a customized experience for JA families. 

How are you changing the future?

By sharing your experience, you’re showing decision-makers the realities of living with arthritis, paving the way for change. You’re helping break down barriers to care, inform research and create resources that make a difference in people’s lives, including your own.

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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

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