Championing the Fight to Conquer Arthritis 

Arthritis is America's #1 cause of disability, affecting nearly 60 million adults and 300,000 children. With over 100 arthritic related conditions affecting one in four adults, the odds that someone you know is battling chronic pain is perhaps more common than one would think. 

For over seven decades, the Arthritis Foundation has been a thought leader in issues regarding arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, as well as one of the most trusted sources of information - helping arthritis warriors find their Yes.

Arthritis steals everyday joys, forcing many who battle arthritis to say No to the things they want or need to do. But there are ways to say Yes. Yes, to fighting for our community and making connections that count. Yes, to advancing research for better treatments and a cure. 

Meet Alana 

Alana was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis when she was in the fourth grade, but it wasn’t until she ran the Bank of America Chicago Marathon that she found the Arthritis Foundation and the community of warriors making a difference. 

“I was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis at an age where I had yet to figure out who I was or what I wanted to do. Sitting in a room full of adults discussing medical terms I had never heard before was scary, and I had no clue what this diagnosis would mean for me and how it would shape the rest of my life”, recalled Alana now a senior in high school. 

Arthritis can affect anyone, but it doesn't define who you are, what you're capable of, or what you're made to do.  I started running cross country in middle school and then eventually high school where I ran varsity as a freshman, but life threw me a few curve balls and now I just run for fun. I have a life centered around physical activity and there are certainly times where I am running in pain, but running long distances just makes me happy! 

This past year I decided to sign up for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and that’s where I was introduced to the Arthritis Foundation and the community of warriors making a difference. 

One word I'm very familiar with is "how". People constantly ask me how I'm capable of such active things with such a disease. I don't have an answer but running is something I'm passionate about and I don't let my diagnosis hang over me or stop me from doing the thing I enjoy doing. 

I am running my third marathon on October 16th, and I know this will be my most important marathon yet because I want to inspire others and show those around me that having arthritis doesn't mean you can't do the things that make you happy.  

How Can I Get Involved?

You want to raise awareness and funds to stop arthritis. To honor that arthritis warrior in your life, maybe even yourself.  Whether it’s an activity that you’re passionate about, a special occasion to celebrate, a challenge you want to pursue, or a way to include family and friends from across the country. You can help transform the lives of the nearly 60 million adults and 300,000 children living with arthritis your way – anywhere and anytime. 

Join other arthritis warriors like Alana to amplify our voices and spread global awareness for all people who live with the chronic pain of arthritis for World Arthritis Day on October 12th and Invisible Disabilities Week during October 16th - 21st to help champion the fight to conquer arthritis.

Create your own Stream for Arthritis fundraiser on Streamlabs HERE or check out other Foundation events HERE.

About the Arthritis Foundation 

The Arthritis Foundation is boldly pursuing a cure for America's #1 cause of disability. We’re championing the fight to conquer arthritis with life-changing science, resources, advocacy, and community connections.

With your support the Arthritis Foundation empowers people to connect with others and live their best life. Whether it's supporting cutting-edge research to find innovative treatments and a cure, providing life-changing resources, support and personalized tools, access to community and one-on-one support, or advocating for access to optimal care, your support can change lives. 

How donations to the Arthritis Foundation can change lives:

• $30.00 - Can help provide educational materials and online information so that 1 in 4 adults with arthritis can fight back against this disease.
• $50.00 - Can help address the needs of the 300,000 kids diagnosed with arthritis, and their families, through educational opportunities, camp scholarships, Power Packs, and other resources.
• $200.00 - Can help advocate to remove barriers to care: high costs of treatment, difficulty accessing medications and more.
• $500.00 - Can help the Arthritis Foundation address the shortage of rheumatologists by funding new fellowships.
• $1000.00 – Can help advance research to discover better treatments to reduce arthritis pain and increase mobility.

The Arthritis Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law and is used where it's needed most. Visit arthritis.org to learn more or reach out to us at [email protected]. 

Together we can conquer the fight against arthritis. 

Helpful Links:

• Learn more about the Arthritis Foundation
• Start fundraising for the Arthritis Foundation using Streamlabs Charity
• Download the free Overlays for Streamlabs Desktop
• Install the matching Charity Alerts in Streamlabs Desktop
• Grab the Alerts for use in other broadcasting software