Helen Kinghas a good read on the pulse of the arthritis community these days. She has been a major volunteer for our cause since being diagnosed with an aggressive case of rheumatoid arthritis six years ago. The pain and accompanying symptoms she experienced, like intense fatigue, were often unbearable. Today, she still battles occasional flares, as well as mental and emotional challenges, but her treatment regimen helps manage her condition.
During theCOVID-19 crisis,Helen是当地一家Live Yes!费城地区(宾夕法尼亚州东部和新泽西州南部)的Connect Group——她自己经历了大流行的影响，也从其他关节炎患者那里听到了危机对他们的影响。
“Perhaps a silver-lining in this situation is there’s greater awareness about those who are immune-compromised and at greater risk of the coronavirus,” says Helen. “It’s also wonderful that we have technology today to connect virtually, which didn’t exist 20 years ago.” Her local group of about 100 members has been connecting online to offer each other support during these trying times.
Helen is a dedicated volunteer, not only facilitating her local support group, but also chairing the local Arthritis Foundation leadership board and representing patients as a Platinum Ambassador in advocacy efforts. Last year, she was national honoree for the walk event, and she keeps plowing ahead. Since 2017, she and her Walk to Cure Arthritis team have raised over $200,000 through donations and sponsorships.
“Our commitment, as donors and volunteers, is what helps keeps the Arthritis Foundation’s work going,” Helen says. “We need to fuel the connections the Foundation makes possible, like localLive Yes! Connect Groups and the 24/7 Online Community.Right now, we need dependable information about exercising, eating right and other tips.Advocacy actionsare vital to addressing possible drug shortages and other barriers. And licensed social workers at the Foundation’sHelplinehelp with insurance concerns, local resource referrals and connecting with others who know what living with arthritis is like.”
This year’sVirtual Walk to Cure Arthritiswill be different, but Helen emphasizes that the event is more important than ever. “All of us are working hard with the Arthritis Foundation to make this a successful connective event. On May 16, we’re going to rally together and raise awareness and funds for vital research, resources and connections.”
The May 16 Facebook Live event, at 4 p.m. ET, will feature specialists like dieticians and rheumatologists — plus, many Arthritis Warriors and Champions of Yes who have stories and tips to share to inspire us all.
“We will learn and grow, be creative and innovative, raise more awareness and funds,” says Helen. “We hope everyone will Share Their 54, on behalf of the 54 million Americans diagnosed with arthritis. Tell 54 others about this fundraiser. Do 54 stretches, walk 54 steps or whatever activity you can do to stay healthy. Give or raise $54 to support our mission. What if the 54 million Americans diagnosed with arthritis gave just $1? That would throw a lifeline to those living with arthritis and other chronic diseases.”
Helen also hopes everyone will consider putting some of the money they’re not spending right now toward this fundraiser. “The hair coloring or manicures/pedicures you can’t have right now, other things you have to skip, saving money on gas and tolls. Every dollar counts to keep these crucial services going.”
海伦将过去几周每个人都经历的COVID-19战斗与关节炎患者每天遇到的挑战相提并论。孤立的感觉。失眠、额外的压力、焦虑和抑郁是我们很多人都会遇到的。作为一个高风险的人，在购买食品杂货和药品……以及处理其他迫切需要时，担心外出和暴露在辐射中。
“This is how arthritis patients already live,” she says. “There’s just an extra layer to it all now, bringing increased stress, which can cause more arthritis flares. The connections we can make are invaluable, thanks to the Arthritis Foundation. We will eventually get past this current crisis. But arthritis will still be here. We still need to conquer it. And now is the time to really step up to this challenge.”
If you haven’t already,join the Live Yes! Arthritis Network for FREE.Arthritis Awareness Month in May is a great time tospeak out,donateto our cause andshare what you’ve experienced.Help change the future of arthritis.