I have just celebrated an anniversary this week – four years with the Rocky Mountain Chapter. These have been four years of learning, changes, and growth. When I came to the Arthritis Foundation I didn’t know very much about Arthritis. I knew what I had heard all my life – the myths – but had no personal experience with arthritis. So after I learned how to work the computer, the telephone system, the accounting program, and the security system, I turned my attention to the people. I started to watch, listen, and learn. I watched and listened to those living daily with arthritis. I learned about the many programs that are available to improve daily lives and about the many research projects that are on going. I learned the part our chapter plays and how each member of our staff contributes. I just didn’t realize how personal it would become.
On Monday I received a very tearful telephone call from my dearest, life-long friend – yes, in Texas. Through her tears she told me she has been diagnosed with OA. She is naturally very frightened about this. It has been very sudden and very painful. However, she is fortunate to live in an area where there is a Rheumatologist and was able to see this doctor very quickly. I was so thankful that I could direct her to our website for information and was able to give her encouragement and understanding. Together we have faced all life experiences – grade school, high school, college, marriages, births, two battles with cancer, and even deaths. Arthritis has suddenly become very personal!
As I look back over these past four years, I know there have been many changes– changes in the staff, in the way we do things, in programs – but the one thing that remains constant is the importance of our mission and our determination to stay true to that mission. Here’s to many more good years!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Capitol Hill here we come...
The Rocky Mountain Chapter was very well represented on the “Hill” on March 3rd and 4th during the Arthritis Foundation Advocacy Summit in Washington, DC. After a half day of advocacy training, 8 year old Mason and mom Annmarie Merager, Dr. Stuart Kassan, Chapter Chair and Jill Lysengen, Chapter Volunteer Coordinator joined me in visiting our elected officials in the Senate and House of Representatives.
For first timers, it can be a bit intimidating walking the hallowed halls and talking to congressional aides. (Or if you are lucky, you have an appointment with an actual Congressman or Congresswoman!) From the outside the four buildings housing the congressional offices look the same aside from small nameplates. Inside, it gets even more confusing if you are using the connecting tunnels between all the buildings. We pulled out our maps several times to get our bearings. Staffers walking the tunnels were always cordial and helpful while pointing you in the right direction to your next meeting.
We asked our legislators for three things:
1.) Co-sponsor the Arthritis, Prevention, Control and Cure Act
2.) Increase funding to CDC to $23 million for arthritis prevention
3.) Approve $500 million for NIH (research)
We will be staying in touch with everyone we had an appointment with. And, we remain hopeful that the arthritis requests will be brought to (and remain) at the forefront of the healthcare dialogue that is now taking place.
On a personal note, spending time with Mason and all the young children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis that were at the Summit reaffirmed my thinking and passion for demanding “action” from our legislators. To give Mason and other kids suffering with juvenile arthritis anything less than a cure, is not acceptable.
Pat
For first timers, it can be a bit intimidating walking the hallowed halls and talking to congressional aides. (Or if you are lucky, you have an appointment with an actual Congressman or Congresswoman!) From the outside the four buildings housing the congressional offices look the same aside from small nameplates. Inside, it gets even more confusing if you are using the connecting tunnels between all the buildings. We pulled out our maps several times to get our bearings. Staffers walking the tunnels were always cordial and helpful while pointing you in the right direction to your next meeting.
We asked our legislators for three things:
1.) Co-sponsor the Arthritis, Prevention, Control and Cure Act
2.) Increase funding to CDC to $23 million for arthritis prevention
3.) Approve $500 million for NIH (research)
We will be staying in touch with everyone we had an appointment with. And, we remain hopeful that the arthritis requests will be brought to (and remain) at the forefront of the healthcare dialogue that is now taking place.
On a personal note, spending time with Mason and all the young children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis that were at the Summit reaffirmed my thinking and passion for demanding “action” from our legislators. To give Mason and other kids suffering with juvenile arthritis anything less than a cure, is not acceptable.
Pat
Thursday, March 5, 2009
It's that time...
People are still giving. It’s amazing to me how many people are still able to find ways to support the important work of our organization, despite the challenges of the economy. The national financial news seems to get worse each day, but every day long-time friends, past supporters, and new donors find ways to contribute to the Arthritis Foundation. So many people are getting involved in the upcoming walk as well, forming teams and reaching out to friends, family and neighbors for donations. Though the big gifts are harder to come by, the number of people willing and able to give smaller gifts continues to stay strong. The May 17 walk at Washington Park will be a wonderful example of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people joining together and pooling their resources to prevent, control and cure arthritis. It’s great to see the mission alive and well!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Warmer Weather
I am in great anticipation for the warmer weather to come in the few months. Being able to get outside more often to collect the sun’s rays will be a welcome feeling. Moving the arms and legs in walking, running, biking, tennis, golf (my favorite) and any other excuse to be outside will help to keep the effects of Arthritis at bay.
Our two Cocker Spaniels, at least one has Arthritis, is also chomping at the bit, per say to walk around and smell all that the outdoors has to offer. The upcoming “Arthritis Walk” events are a nice committed way to show support to all that have Arthritis. Please join me at a walk (Arthritis Foundation signature event) this spring. I am lucky so far not to have any major issues that restrict my activities.
During this time of being careful of how we all spend our money, look at all the parks and paths that we have available to us that provide a variety of things to do at no cost. Yea, I do like some of the cheaper entertainment options and save my money for other important treats.
Our two Cocker Spaniels, at least one has Arthritis, is also chomping at the bit, per say to walk around and smell all that the outdoors has to offer. The upcoming “Arthritis Walk” events are a nice committed way to show support to all that have Arthritis. Please join me at a walk (Arthritis Foundation signature event) this spring. I am lucky so far not to have any major issues that restrict my activities.
During this time of being careful of how we all spend our money, look at all the parks and paths that we have available to us that provide a variety of things to do at no cost. Yea, I do like some of the cheaper entertainment options and save my money for other important treats.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Commitment to a Cure
The Southern Colorado Office of the Arthritis Foundation Rocky Mountain Chapter is only a few weeks away from our First Annual Commitment to a Cure Luncheon. This year’s lunch is being held at the Crowne Plaza – Colorado Springs on Thursday, March 12 from 12:00pm – 1:00pm. We are anticipating over 150 attendees who will hopefully be inspired to give and help move the Arthritis Foundation mission forward.
This year’s lunch will feature Dr. Ron Royce from Front Range Orthopaedics speaking about how to manage your arthritis and how to know when it might be time for surgery. Also, guests of this event will hear from Kris Harty, a woman living with Arthritis, who likes to tell people despite what she was told growing up after her diagnosis; “she did it anyway.” And last but not least, the group will hear from Kara Gramlich. Kara is a senior at Lewis Palmer High School in Monument, Colorado; she was diagnosed with arthritis when she 10 years old. Her diagnosis did not stop her, but inspired her to move more and reach out to others with Arthritis.
If you have more questions or would like to attend, please contact Cary Bement-Kelly at 719-520-5711 or cbement@arthritis.org.
This year’s lunch will feature Dr. Ron Royce from Front Range Orthopaedics speaking about how to manage your arthritis and how to know when it might be time for surgery. Also, guests of this event will hear from Kris Harty, a woman living with Arthritis, who likes to tell people despite what she was told growing up after her diagnosis; “she did it anyway.” And last but not least, the group will hear from Kara Gramlich. Kara is a senior at Lewis Palmer High School in Monument, Colorado; she was diagnosed with arthritis when she 10 years old. Her diagnosis did not stop her, but inspired her to move more and reach out to others with Arthritis.
If you have more questions or would like to attend, please contact Cary Bement-Kelly at 719-520-5711 or cbement@arthritis.org.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Springing into Motion
The Arthritis Foundation has launched its movement initiative in tandem with our fundraising Walk-a-Thons nationwide – entitled, Let’s Move Together. Move. Physical. Progressive. Forward. Let’s Move Together. Join us as we launch our first annual Virtual Walk in Bozeman, MT. The first of its kind in the Rocky Mountain Region, the Arthritis Foundation’s Rocky Mountain Chapter has listened to our constituents and is responding to the economic crisis impacting each of us by creating a cost-effective fundraiser in place of it’s more traditional 5k walk. The Bozeman Virtual Walk will open on May 1, 2009 as the nation kicks off National Arthritis Awareness Month.
Participants in the Bozeman (and region) area will simply need to register (as they have done in the past) at www.virtualwalk.kintera.bozeman.org, create their personal fundraising page and begin utilizing the plethora of social media outlets to begin raising much needed money to continue our work to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases. Contact Tara Roesener, Director of Event Development for the Rocky Mountain Chapter with any questions, ideas or great fundraising stories!
Participants in the Bozeman (and region) area will simply need to register (as they have done in the past) at www.virtualwalk.kintera.bozeman.org, create their personal fundraising page and begin utilizing the plethora of social media outlets to begin raising much needed money to continue our work to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases. Contact Tara Roesener, Director of Event Development for the Rocky Mountain Chapter with any questions, ideas or great fundraising stories!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
How is your pain tolerance?
I was diagnosed with a cervical vertebrae that basically has lost all the fluid, deterioration of the bone, and pressing into the spinal cord. I found that analgesics were just not cutting the mustard! I had a flare-up with the injury which led to excruciating pain. I phoned the Neurosurgeon’s office and they in turn prescribed prednisone and a muscle relaxer. Well, try functioning on those two drugs! Ha.. However, the medications worked well enough for me to return to work within a couple of days. I’ve realized from the experience that I really want to be able to function without the use of pain medication and that moist heat and long walks do help the anxiety, which in turn reduces the pain.
I also decided to try an alternative mode of relief. I visited an acupuncturist and let me tell you; I slept ten hours after the treatment and felt like a new person the next day free of pain. I know I will continue to see the acupuncturist as this was the best I’d felt in over a month.
There are so many alternatives to reducing arthritic pain. I think that what works best for one person does not always work for another. I feel that in today’s vast array of medical treatments that sometimes the “old school” of treatment works best.
Plenty of rest, exercise, water, moist heat and perhaps trying an alternative form of treatment as I did could work for you too.
Let me know what your thoughts are and please share with me your experiences.
I also decided to try an alternative mode of relief. I visited an acupuncturist and let me tell you; I slept ten hours after the treatment and felt like a new person the next day free of pain. I know I will continue to see the acupuncturist as this was the best I’d felt in over a month.
There are so many alternatives to reducing arthritic pain. I think that what works best for one person does not always work for another. I feel that in today’s vast array of medical treatments that sometimes the “old school” of treatment works best.
Plenty of rest, exercise, water, moist heat and perhaps trying an alternative form of treatment as I did could work for you too.
Let me know what your thoughts are and please share with me your experiences.
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