Come join us on May 2nd or May 17th to help support the Arthritis Foundation on our annual Arthritis Walks. The money helps to benefit those struggling with arthritis and helps to benefit research for the foundation.
There will be a "Show us your Moves" booth...come check that out and maybe you'll be featured on our webpage or on our national webpage. It's for a great cause!
We hope to see you there!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Thank You!
Serving as the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator at the Arthritis Foundation, Rocky Mountain Chapter, I am humbled each day by the generosity of others through donation of their time and talents. One of my favorite parts of my job is that I get to know volunteers as individuals. I get to hear about their family and friends, backgrounds, jobs, likes and dislikes, favorite memories and so much more! Together, our volunteers make up a beautiful and diverse patchwork of people.
As April is National Volunteer Month, it is fitting to take a moment to recognize the achievements of our over 300 chapter volunteers. In the last 10 days alone, volunteers represented the Arthritis Foundation at 45, 9Health Fair sites, allowing us to bring help and hope to so many people affected by arthritis.
There are so many reasons that bring volunteers to the Arthritis Foundation, some come because they have arthritis or a friend or family member is affected; it’s an :underdog” non-profit in comparison to the American Heart Association or American Cancer Society; and they just want to give something back in whatever way they can. One volunteer’s motivation to volunteer is that, “It gives all of my emotions toward arthritis and the way it affects my son action. It is one way (if the only way) I feel that I can have control over this disease and make all of [his] struggles not in vain.”
No matter what inspires you to volunteer, I thank you for everything!
As April is National Volunteer Month, it is fitting to take a moment to recognize the achievements of our over 300 chapter volunteers. In the last 10 days alone, volunteers represented the Arthritis Foundation at 45, 9Health Fair sites, allowing us to bring help and hope to so many people affected by arthritis.
There are so many reasons that bring volunteers to the Arthritis Foundation, some come because they have arthritis or a friend or family member is affected; it’s an :underdog” non-profit in comparison to the American Heart Association or American Cancer Society; and they just want to give something back in whatever way they can. One volunteer’s motivation to volunteer is that, “It gives all of my emotions toward arthritis and the way it affects my son action. It is one way (if the only way) I feel that I can have control over this disease and make all of [his] struggles not in vain.”
No matter what inspires you to volunteer, I thank you for everything!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Southern Colorado Events!
Colorado Springs is moving and shaking with several projects in the works, especially the 5th annual Walk scheduled for Saturday, May 2nd at America the Beautiful Park. We are actively recruiting teams and volunteers. Visit our website www.arthritiswalk.kintera.org and register your team today and let’s walk together.
Several health fairs are scheduled during the month of April and the 2nd annual Arthritis Foundation Education day is scheduled for Saturday, June 6th at the Palisades at Broadmoor Park. As usual, this education is free and open to the public. Reservations will be required as seating will be limited. Space, food and beverage has been generously donated by the Palisades at Broadmoor Park.
Not only are we gearing up for upcoming “happenings in Colorado Springs” we successfully hosted our inaugural Commitment to a Cure luncheon on March 12th. It was exciting and inspiring at the same time to hear from those we service in our community and know that although we are still in search for a cure, the Arthritis Foundation is a resource for the millions who live with some type of Arthritis.
The Arthritis Foundation will celebrate its 17th annual Jewels of the Vine Wine Tasting on Saturday, September 26th at the Antlers Hilton Colorado Springs. This wine tasting is our signature fundraising event for Southern Colorado and continues to be a night of fun with live music and dancing, great items to bid on in both our live and silent auctions, and please let’s not forget the wonderful food and wine. Contact Cary Bement-Kelly or Paula Humber at 719-520-5711 for more details.
Live life and have a healthy day!
Several health fairs are scheduled during the month of April and the 2nd annual Arthritis Foundation Education day is scheduled for Saturday, June 6th at the Palisades at Broadmoor Park. As usual, this education is free and open to the public. Reservations will be required as seating will be limited. Space, food and beverage has been generously donated by the Palisades at Broadmoor Park.
Not only are we gearing up for upcoming “happenings in Colorado Springs” we successfully hosted our inaugural Commitment to a Cure luncheon on March 12th. It was exciting and inspiring at the same time to hear from those we service in our community and know that although we are still in search for a cure, the Arthritis Foundation is a resource for the millions who live with some type of Arthritis.
The Arthritis Foundation will celebrate its 17th annual Jewels of the Vine Wine Tasting on Saturday, September 26th at the Antlers Hilton Colorado Springs. This wine tasting is our signature fundraising event for Southern Colorado and continues to be a night of fun with live music and dancing, great items to bid on in both our live and silent auctions, and please let’s not forget the wonderful food and wine. Contact Cary Bement-Kelly or Paula Humber at 719-520-5711 for more details.
Live life and have a healthy day!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Thank you!
I consider myself to be extremely lucky to have a job at the Arthritis Foundation. As the Vice President of Programs I am able to see how the Chapter tries to deliver our mission through our public health programs, public policy and advocacy efforts, and research awards. I wear many hats in my position but something that is very dear to me is the opportunity to facilitate the monthly RA support group. This group has been meeting for about a year now and we have welcomed a variety of people every month. Ages have ranged from 17 all the way up to 80+. Although mostly women come, we also have some men who attend regularly. Sometimes we have speakers but we also have a lot of time for people to bring up their own issues. People say they come because they want to meet other people and get some ideas about how other people manage their medications, their diets, their families, or their jobs. There have been some tears but mostly I see people nodding their heads while others talk. They know what someone with RA is experiencing when they mention they had a bad flare last month or had to change their treatment again or are feeling really good and planning to go back to school or work. We celebrate the victories and we offer positive feedback when things are not so great. I hope that people who have RA and are looking for some extra support and information will come to our next group meeting on April 14 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. But I also encourage people with RA who are doing really well and think they don’t need this kind of group to come and encourage others. Call me if you have any questions at 303-756-8622 ext. 229. Thanks for listening.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
FOUR YEARS AND COUNTING...
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!
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 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!
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